15th June 2011

Celebrating Armed Forces Week – Alabaré’s support for veterans continues

South West charity Alabaré is proud to support Armed Forces Week taking place from 19th to 27th June.

Alabaré highlights that it is important to remember that problems faced by veterans can reach much further than physical injuries received in conflict. A substantial number of men and women leaving the services face difficulties when adjusting to civilian life, and Alabaré is working hard to support them through this transition, providing supported accommodation and helping them access support for mental health problems and other issues stemming from the experiences they have had whilst serving.

Alabaré will be participating in several events in marking Armed Forces Week:

• 23rd June – Open Day at Weymouth Home for Veterans

• 25th June – Alabaré Plymouth Home for Veterans information stand at Armed Forces Day, Plymouth Hoe

• 26th June – Alabaré Information stand at Salisbury Armed Forces event in the Market Square

Since opening our first Home for Veterans in February 2009 in Plymouth, Alabaré’s support for veterans has grown significantly, and demand for places remains high. We now have additional homes in Bristol and Weymouth, and plan to open a new home in Portsmouth in the next month.

Alabaré Homes for Veterans provide a safe and supportive environment, enabling residents to make life changes and work towards living independently again. Staff offer advice and guidance on employment, education and housing matters and provide life skills training where needed. They also signpost service users to other agencies that can provide specialist support with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, other mental health conditions and drug and alcohol dependency.

“This home offers hope, respect and honour.” - Resident at Alabaré’s Plymouth Home for Veterans

During its first 2 years of operation, Alabaré’s Plymouth Homes for Veterans supported 30 ex-Service personnel

Just as importantly, Alabaré is working to prevent veterans and Forces leavers becoming homeless in the first place.

In February 2011 Alabaré ran its first Home and Money Programme with resounding success. The programme is a series of group workshops aimed at equipping people with the skills and knowledge to maintain their tenancies/accommodation and is tailored to the specific needs of personnel about to exit the Services, as well as veterans already in accommodation. The next course is scheduled to run in July in Bulford.

Dave Millward, Alabaré Project Development Manager and former solider in the 1st Battalion Royal Hampshire Regiment, said:
“Armed Forces Week is the perfect time to spare a thought for Service personnel who have left the military and who are struggling with life in civvy street – all Armed Forces men and women deserve help and support.

“We work hard to provide support, guidance and training for veterans who need that little bit extra when it comes to adjusting to life outside of the Forces and we are working towards expanding our projects to meet ongoing demands in other areas across the South and South West.”