Bristol veterans feel the force of NatWest helping hands

Ex-service men and women under the care of local charity Alabaré, today came a step closer to a new facility aimed at helping their transition from military to civilian life.

Twelve members of NatWest’s Avon and Somerset Private Banking team joined forces to clear and paint a garage, which will now be converted into a gym for the residents of the Alabaré Home for Veterans in Filton. They also swapped their calculators for spades and clippers to give the Home’s garden a makeover.

Alabaré’s Bristol Home for Veterans, which was set up in November 2010, provides accommodation for up to eight ex-service men and women in a safe and supportive environment. The aim is to enable those experiencing difficulties after leaving military service to make life changes and develop their skills, so that they are able to live independently.

Commenting on their experience, NatWest Avon and Somerset Private Banking team manager, Sam Keen, said: “It’s very important to us as a team that we are part of, and contribute fully to, the local community in which we all live and work and it’s great that NatWest has committed to allowing every member of staff a day off a year to give something back to their community. Being able to do our little bit to help Alabaré and the ex-service men and women they support to whom we all owe so much has been a fantastic opportunity and we have all taken away a great feeling of achievement.”

Andrew Lord, Alabaré Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that NatWest’s Avon and Somerset Private Banking team chose to give their time and effort to transforming Alabaré’s Home for Veterans in Bristol. The work that NatWest has achieved will have a really positive effect on the quality of the time residents spend with us, and will form an important part of the support we offer in our Home for Veterans. They will give veterans the tools and opportunity to improve their fitness and wellbeing, and the garden can be a great place to sit and reflect when times get tough. A big thank you to all the staff at NatWest for their generosity, time and hard work.”