A CHARITY supporting veterans and people at risk of homelessness has secured national recognition for its ongoing commitment to the armed forces community.

ALABARÉ has had its Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver accreditation renewed for a further five years, reaffirming its strong links with current and former service personnel.

The government-run scheme encourages employers to actively support veterans, reservists and military families, and to embed those values into workplace policies and culture.

The charity first achieved Silver status in 2020 and says the renewal reflects both its practical support for veterans facing homelessness and the lived experience within its own workforce.

Several former soldiers, sailors and airmen are part of ALABARÉ’s team, helping to build trust and stronger engagement with veteran clients.

ALABARÉ provides 90 bed spaces alongside employment pathways, physical activities and pastoral support.

In the last financial year alone, more than 80 veterans – accounting for 53% of those in its accommodation – successfully moved into independent living.

Chief executive Andrew Lord said: “We’re very pleased to have our Silver ERS status renewed through until 2030.

“At ALABARÉ, we pride ourselves on the links we have with the armed forces community, and as there is a strong military background across the south west, it’s important to us that we reflect the demographic of the area we’re working in.

“Veterans, military spouses and reservists are working across our services, and our efforts to build an inclusive workplace have also been recognised through the Veteran Group of the Year at the English Veterans Awards and Employer of the Year at the Welsh equivalent during 2025.”

ALABARÉ also works closely with partner organisations including the Veterans’ Foundation, the Army Benevolent Fund and the Scott (Eredine) Charitable Trust, as well as the Salisbury and Amesbury Armed Forces & Veterans’ Breakfast Club.

The charity hosts weekly Brew and Banter sessions at its Riverside Sanctuary, offering a welcoming space for former service personnel to connect.

Members Graham, George and Ray said: “I knew absolutely nobody in the area when I moved to Salisbury until I came to the breakfast club, and it’s been brilliant… Without the breakfast club, it would have been so much harder to settle in here.”

AFVBC members Graham, George and Ray.

Andy Heath, lead admin for the Breakfast Club, added: “It’s about inclusion, stopping social isolation, and helping with the general feeling of wellbeing… It’s a great partnership.”

Andy Heath of the Salisbury & Amesbury AFVBC.