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Supporting veterans who have been homeless.

Building homes, rebuilding lives. Providing a pathway into a career in the construction industry and building a house to call home.

Adrian from the Veterans Self-build scheme

Alabaré Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme

Our unique initiative allows veterans to help build their own house under the supervision of a construction company,  whilst receiving wellbeing support from our team.  As a veteran on our scheme, you will benefit from participating in multiple training programmes gaining nationally recognised qualifications.  Our team are on hand to ensure that you have the support you need and to help with setting up and managing your new home.

At the end of the course, you will have the option to rent one of the homes you have helped to build from our Housing Association partners. Some of our veterans go on to employment in the construction industry and others find alternative future careers, but all benefit from the renewed self-confidence and positive self-esteem that the Self-Build scheme brings.

Our scheme could be for you if you are a veteran who is homeless or in need of housing or if you are disadvantaged or displaced, which could include your family.

 

Download Information Leaflet

To date over 178 self-build projects have been built

Originally set up in the late 1980’s as the Community Self-Build Agency the scheme has helped hundreds of homeless or vulnerable people, creating opportunities to build their own homes.

To date over more than 1200 housing units have been developed for some of the most disadvantaged members of local communities, including the award-winning schemes such as the Nelson Project in Plymouth.

Our Current Projects

Stirling Project, Plymouth

In 2021, despite the pandemic backdrop, we broke ground with the Plymouth Stirling Project (2021), which includes 25 self-contained, affordable rental homes featuring up to 12 units self-built by veterans.  With several veterans now completing the scheme and moving in, we are delighted to explore more opportunities in order to provide this opportunity to more veterans in the city.

 

Plymouth City Council

 

Drummond Park, Ludgershall

Our five-year scheme in Ludgershall, Wiltshire (2022) will feature up to 15 new homes for individuals and veteran families.  At Drummond Park, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Lovell Homes and Stonewater Housing.

Veterans can take part for one year, and we have places for 3-5 veterans each year.  Phase One was completed in September 2023.

 

 

Veterans from the Self-build scheme

Like to get involved?

If you are a veteran and interested in taking part in our Self-Build scheme we would love to hear from you.  We have a thorough selection process as we want to make sure that the scheme is right for you and that we can meet any support needs that you have.

To be considered you must be willing to commit to a full-time unpaid programme on a building site which is governed by health and safety law.  You must be interested in the construction industry and seriously considering it as a future career. When you apply we will need to collect the following information from you:

  • Name
  • Service number
  • Years served
  • Arm or Service
  • Location
  • Driver or non-driver

We will also need to know about any personal circumstances that might affect your application and what branch of construction is of interest to you?

Email enquiry Call 07980 968132

Well, look at me, I’ve done it, and so could you

When she saw the scheme advertised at her local veterans’ breakfast club, Debbie immediately recognised the fantastic opportunity it could be for her.

Read Debbie's story

How you can help

Would you like to get more involved with our work?  We can’t do what we do without our supporters and fundraisers, whether that is running a fundraising event, taking part in one of our public events, or volunteering your time and working alongside our clients. Please get in touch to find out how to be involved

Atlantic Nomads rowers

Fundraising

Our fantastic supporters put on all kinds of events and undertake incredible charity challenges, from quiz nights to raffles, from walks to Atlantic crossings – the more creative, the better!

Find out more
Two women fundraisers at an alabare Glow in the Park at Longleat

Events

Our events help us continue to fund life-changing care and support for homeless adults, young people, veterans and those with learning disabilities. Consider our calendar of events, including our signature BIG Sleep events.

Find out more

Quick contact

If you need some help or have any questions please get in touch. We will get back to you within 48 hours for any general enquiries. If you need emergency help click here

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