Alabaré Portsmouth & Gosport Home for Veterans officially open

Alabaré’s Portsmouth & Gosport Home for Veterans marked its official opening today with an event hosting Caroline Dinenage MP, representatives from Alabaré, Gosport Council, Seafarers UK and other military organisations.

Portsmouth & Gosport Home for Veterans was full within the first month of opening and, thanks to support from Seafarers UK and individuals, residents have been living in the home since 22nd August when the doors first opened.

Alabaré offers a unique combination of accommodation and support to ex-Service personnel who are struggling to adjust to civilian life. The project provides a safe and supportive environment for 4 ex-Service men or women, in which they can rebuild confidence and develop essential skills whilst working towards living independently again. The charity is currently seeking additional funding to open a further house in the area and extend their support to 7 or 8 veterans.

“The transition from the front-line to civvy street is often hugely challenging for members of our Armed Forces.” Says Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport. “With Gosport and Portsmouth’s significant military links, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult that change is for ex-Service men and women. That is why I am delighted to welcome the official opening of Alabaré’s Home for Veterans as I know they will provide invaluable support to help ex-Forces personnel in our area get back on their feet”.

Alabaré supports veterans across all areas of the Military including Army, Navy and RAF. Dennis Treleaven, Director of Grants at Seafarers UK, says: “Superb facilities like this make all the difference to ex-Royal Navy and Royal Marines servicemen and women, as they come to terms with life on civvy street. Alabaré Christian Care and Support is just one of 75 organisations funded by Seafarers UK, the welfare services charity that enables support to be given to tens of thousands of serving and ex-seafarers and their families each year, who are in need, across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets.”

Andrew Lord, Alabaré Chief Executive, says: “We are delighted that Alabaré’s Portsmouth and Gosport Home for Veterans can now be declared officially open, and we thank Seafarers UK, amongst others, for their generous support of the project. We hope that the local community and stakeholders will be impressed with the facilities we provide for ex-Armed Forces men and women in the Gosport area who are struggling with the transition to civilian life.”