VETERANS at risk of homelessness have moved into new homes they helped build themselves just in time for Christmas.

The group of four has spent the last year learning various construction trades, with support from Lovell Homes, at the Drummond Park development in Ludgershall – part of ALABARÉ’s Veterans’ Self Build scheme.

In the final six months of the initiative, the veterans choose their trade, receiving national accreditation, and secure a permanent role in the industry in the new year.

The award-winning scheme has transformed the lives of 50 former military personnel, helping them acquire new skills and employment in an industry facing a significant skills shortage.

It’s moving time!

Frank Nelson, project manager for the Ludgershall Veterans’ Self-Build site, was proud to watch the veterans develop.

He said: “A lot of work goes into it, and they’re changed people from where they’ve started.

“Three of the four have moved into their new homes here, and the fourth is moving into work and going his own way in Salisbury.

“To stop that revolving door of homelessness, we’ve provided them with the tools to succeed. They’ve all gained national qualifications – one’s a trained scaffolder, one’s a qualified landscaper, one’s got his HGV1 and CPC licences, so he’s going into driving, and the last one’s a fully trained pest controller.

“They’ll all walk into work in January, and it’s great for them and their futures.”

Project manager Frank Nelson

ALABARÉ’s head of veterans services Gary Chapman added: “As a veteran myself, I can see that these guys didn’t transition correctly into civilian life.

“One of the cohort was living in his car, and moved into one of our homeless houses, and twelve months later, he’s qualified as a tradesperson, he’s just moved into his new flat, he’s got the pick of the jobs, and he can see a future. This is life changing.

“Another of them says he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for this scheme. It’s given him purpose.

“It’s no mean feat coming onto a building site five days a week and keep that vision in their head that they’ll get that job and property at the end of the scheme.”

Head of veterans services Gary Chapman

A Lovell spokesperson said the Veterans’ Self-Build at Drummond Park had been a real benefit due to the continued decline in skilled labour.

They explained: “The Veterans’ Self-Build is another opportunity for Lovell to not only provide social value in the case of Ludgershall but also explore further areas of the working population to fill the skill shortage gap.”

The scheme is proving successful across the region with 97% of participants securing employment within the construction industry.

ALABARÉ says the scheme also contributes £85,000 to the public purse for every individual taking part.

The charity is looking to expand the scheme to more locations across the south west and Wales.