A HOMELESSNESS charity based in Salisbury has helped more than 170 veterans rebuild their lives – with dozens now moving on to independent living – thanks to a £133,000 grant.

ALABARÉ says the funding from the Veterans’ Foundation, awarded in October 2024, has been life-changing for former military personnel and has enabled the charity to deliver 30 Homes for Veterans services across the south west and Wales.

As well as providing safe and secure accommodation, ALABARÉ supports veterans with financial budgeting, drug and alcohol recovery, and developing employability skills and opportunities, helping them take positive steps towards independence.

One of those supported is Arron, who joined the Army at just 17 and served for four years with the Green Howards, including two tours of Afghanistan.

He was medically discharged following an IED incident, which left him facing both physical and mental health challenges.

Arron moved into ALABARÉ’s supported living accommodation before taking part in the charity’s Boots on the Ground wellbeing programme – a nature-based initiative designed by, and for, veterans.

Over the past year, 69 veterans have taken part in the programme’s outdoor activities, leading to improvements in confidence, fitness, sense of community and purpose.

Boots on the Ground veterans.

Arron describes the impact as transformative, saying being part of the group has helped reduce his anxiety and brought back the camaraderie and banter he had missed since leaving the forces.

He added: “ALABARÉ and its Boots on the Ground programme has helped me build trust and form bonds without the pressure of a formal session. I can open up more outdoors than I ever could sitting across a desk.

“Being in nature helps me regulate my mood and reinforces teamwork, while giving me the chance to connect with other veterans and grow my support network.

“Through ALABARÉ, I’ve gained the confidence to move forward with my life. I now have a girlfriend, a home of my own, and a job. Without their support, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Looking ahead, Arron plans to work towards full-time employment, undergo an operation on his knee and continue building his recovery and independence.

ALABARÉ says the support from the Veterans’ Foundation has also been pivotal in raising awareness of veterans’ homelessness, strengthening partnerships with other organisations and improving outcomes for the armed forces community.

Chief executive Andrew Lord said ALABARÉ was “grateful” to the Veterans’ Foundation for its support of the Homes for Veterans service.

He added: “The transformation of many of the veterans who come into our services is simply incredible – some find it extremely hard to open up about their life experiences; however, with the support of our colleagues, often with shared experience of the forces, they’re engaging with the help offered and are turning their lives around.”

Jane Gurney, CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, said: “Through safe housing and tailored support, they are enabling former service personnel to rebuild their lives, restore confidence, and move towards independent living.”