If you walk by Hawley Square in Margate today you will likely notice the tent and sleeping bag with a Great Tommy Sleep Out flag has been pitched up on the grass.
For tonight (March 13) this will be the home of service veteran Ian Warrington as he raises funds and awareness for the thousands of ex-military people who are currently homeless.
The 57-year-old served with the Royal Engineers and is a Gulf War veteran as well as postings to the Falklands and Germany.
Ian is from East London but moved to Thanet in 2002 and still has family on the isle. He has experienced homelessness and is now living at the Royal British Legion village in Aylesford which provides housing, welfare support and care to over 300 members of the Armed Forces community.
The dad-of-two, who served in the forces for just over 10 years, said: “I am an ex-serviceman and I have been homeless. The Great Tommy Sleep Out is to make people aware and raise funds to help for between 5,000 and 10,000 ex-service people who are living on the streets.
“Many are there because of PTSD, drug or alcohol issues or going through a divorce with nowhere else to go and of course with rent going up so much many can’t afford to live in a proper building.
“The funds will provide food, clothing, sleeping equipment if needed and help get people off the streets and help them with their disabilities.”
Ian, who attends the Royal Engineers association meetings held at Ramsgate’s Royal British Legion club, says marriage break-down led to him sofa surfing and even sleeping rough.
He was able to move to the RBL village last September and it was through that community that he learned of the Great Tommy Sleep Out and decided to help others going through the difficulties of being homeless.
He said: “I know what that situation is like. It was the Royal Engineers Association, which I am part of, that sent me information about getting a place in the ‘Poppy’ village and they help with finding a property, finances – they are there to help you help yourself. I knew the village existed but didn’t think I would be living there one day.
“I’m doing the sleep out in Hawley Square, opposite the council offices, and have a big flag up. If anyone wants to come along, I also have a donation bucket.
“This is being done by people up and down the country for the whole of March.”
The money raised is in aid of the Royal British Legion Industries which provides safe, warm housing and ensures people have a fair opportunity to gain employment, regardless of health conditions or disability.
Donations can be made until the end of March at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1088472515640828/
