Isle of Wight College’s Uniformed Public Services course recently organised a ‘Great Tommy Sleep Out’ to raise awareness about homelessness and raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
On the night of the event, students on the course slept outside in cardboard boxes, simulating a night on the streets to raise awareness of the struggles faced by homeless veterans. The event was a huge success, with over £1,685 raised for the Royal British Legion.
Vykke Gill, Curriculum Manager at the College, has said:
“This event has been a great opportunity for our students to experience just a small taste of what it can be like to sleep rough. It’s important that they understand the challenges that homeless veterans face, and I think this event has helped to bring that home”.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out was also an opportunity for the students to put their training into practice. As part of their course, they learn skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience, which were all put to the test during the event.
The Uniformed Public Services course at Isle of Wight College is designed to prepare students for careers in the armed forces, emergency services, and other uniformed services. It provides a range of theoretical and practical training, including physical fitness, outdoor activities, and first aid.
