PREVIOUSLY homeless UK veterans, who have been supported by leading Salisbury-based homeless charity Alabaré, are on a ‘Mission to Malta’ as part of their VE 80th Anniversary commemorations.

The group, which includes two from Salisbury, will be restoring parts of Fort Delimara, an iconic landmark of Maltese military heritage, from Saturday (May 3) to May 15.

The veterans who experienced hardship and homelessness upon leaving the military turned to leading homeless charity Alabaré, who provided them with safe, secure temporary housing and support.

During the 12-day mission, they will be joined by four veteran staff members and volunteers, including 67-year-old Dave Rook, who will partner with Visit Malta, Heritage Malta, and the Armed Forces of Malta to restore the iconic Fort Delimara.

Once the work is completed, the fort will be open to groups for bespoke guided tours as arranged by Heritage Malta this summer.

Victory in Europe 80th anniversary commemorations

The veterans visit coincides with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and will see the veterans pay their respects by singing “I vow to thee my country” at noon on May 8.

In addition to Heritage Malta’s chief executive officer, Noel Zammit, and chief operations officer, Kenneth Gambin, the group will also be visited by the British High Commissioner to Malta, Her Excellency Cathy Ward, and the minister for national heritage, the arts and local government, Dr Owen Bonnici MP.

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These visits will provide an opportunity to meet the volunteers and witness the ongoing restoration works at Fort Delimara.

Noel Zammit said: “Engaging in a volunteering opportunity with Heritage Malta is a rewarding and meaningful experience that embodies the true spirit of the agency’s slogan ‘Part of Us’ for both locals and foreigners.”

Andrew Lord, chief executive officer of Alabaré said: “This partnership between Alabaré, Armed Forces of Malta, Heritage Malta and Visit Malta demonstrates the positive impact we can have on our communities when we work together.

“We have helped build veterans’ self-esteem, resilience, skills and wellbeing while transforming an iconic part of Malta’s military heritage.”

Giving homeless UK veterans hope

With services at one in three supported housing providers in England closing last year due to funding cuts and rising costs, vulnerable individuals like these veterans have fewer places to turn.

Initiatives like Alabaré’s ‘Mission to Malta’ are giving homeless veterans hope of a transformed life.

Supporters can inspire future programmes in a variety of ways – by donating, fundraising and volunteering their time.

Visit Alabaré’s website for more examples of how Alabaré is transforming lives and how to support.