14th December 2011

HRH The Princess Royal praises Alabaré’s work with veterans

Former Armed Forces personnel were given a boost today by Princess Anne who visited Alabaré’s Bristol Home for Veterans where a unique package of dedicated support has had such success it is due to be rolled out nationally.

Princess Anne was shown round Alabaré’s Bristol Home for Veterans by members of staff and spent time talking to those who have been helped by Alabaré, hearing their stories and experiences. She praised Alabaré’s work, recognising that it was “important for people to be able to share their experiences in a small scale environment like this”, and wished Alabaré well for their £6m campaign.

Alabaré specialises in tailored support which equips veterans with the skills to progress to independent living. Many struggle to adjust to civilian life after leaving the military, and Alabaré’s help includes helping to overcome addiction and mental health issues including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, enhancing life skills, managing finances, and helping residents to acquire new skills for employment.

John Proctor, Chairman, addressed The Princess Royal today with a background of the charity’s work with veterans:

“In 2008 we established a pilot scheme in Plymouth to focus on the specific needs of veterans. The results were so positive we have embarked on a major expansion opening a further 7 houses in the last 12 months, with invitations coming from much further afield to extend this as a national programme."

He added that Alabaré help those “whose lives have spiralled into chaos” and who have now become homeless since leaving the Services: “…our aim is to make a real and lasting difference in their lives, restoring their dignity and self worth, helping heal broken relationships and providing them with the tools and skills to live independently when they move on. Working in partnership with other agencies we will help them to deal with addictions or post traumatic stress disorder, and to access training, education and employment, during their time with us.”

Every year, 19,000 personnel leave the Forces. 10.5 million veterans and their dependents make up the ex-Service community. The Bristol branch of The Royal British Legion has at least 6 requests per week for accommodation from homeless veterans. Combat Stress says that the average time for veterans to seek help for PTSD is 14 years. More Falklands veterans have taken their own lives since the end of the 1982 war than died in action (South Atlantic Medal Association).

Alabaré would like to take the chance to thank all of its sponsors, without whose help Alabaré’s Bristol Home for Veterans could not run effectively:

Royal British Legion
RAF Association
ABF The Soldiers Charity
The Society of Merchant Venturers   
The Self Build Project Bristol
NatWest