Colin's Story

Colin, from North Wales, served with the Welsh Guards for 15 years.

During this time serving in Afghanistan, he saw close colleagues maimed, injured and killed. As a result of this horrific experience and the unrelenting threat that he had been exposed to, Colin suffered with acute psychological trauma and was diagnosed with PTSD. Due to the critical nature of his mental health issues, he was medically discharged from the forces.

Upon returning home, Colin began to suffer from severe depression and he attempted to take his own life. He began to lose all sense of self-respect and dignity and his personal appearance became unrecognisable from the once proud Guardsman.

He soon fell behind on payments and was evicted from his accommodation. He had become street homeless.

Luckily, Colin moved into one of our Welsh Homes for Veterans where he was able to access the help and support he needed with the security of having a home to call his own. After 8 months living in our home and with the support of our team Colin is on his way to recovery - he hopes to move back into independant living and return to employment as soon as possible.

“Alabaré gave me the lifeline that I needed in order to turn my life around. I am now feeling positive about the future.”