Veterans benefiting from charity collaboration in South Wiltshire
Alabaré and the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club are helping former military personnel stay connected and boost their wellbeing
Two South Wiltshire charities are helping boost the veterans community in Salisbury.
Homelessness charity Alabaré and the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club are working together to host sessions for ex-service personnel to retain their social connections and boost their mental health.
Gathering weekly for friendship and support, retired service members attend the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club in Salisbury, offering a welcoming space to share experiences and connect with fellow veterans across military branches.
The club, founded by Andy Heath in 2016, has grown to include over 700 members who participate in various activities, from enjoying breakfast at the White Hart to "Brew and Banter" at Amesbury's Nicholson Centre and the Alabaré Riverside Sanctuary.
Andy emphasized the significance of community inclusion to combat social isolation and promote well-being.
Heath said, "It's inclusion, it stops social isolation, and it just helps with the general feeling of well-being."
Through it's partnership with Alabaré, veterans who find themselves homeless and reach out to the charity for help, can be put in touch with fellow veterans, allowing them to reconnect with the Armed Forces community.
And through small donations made by veterans attending sessions at Alabaré's sites, it helps the organisation continue supporting homeless veterans.
Everyone is an equal
For attendees like ex-army member George Betts, a club presence extends beyond weekly meet-ups to engaging activities such as allotment work, providing an avenue for socialization and leisure.
He said: "It's just a general get together and a cup of coffee.
"It's a social thing with a lot of retired people. It's filling days and being part of something that's going on."
Fellow club member Ray Neil, a former Air Force serviceman, values the opportunity to converse with peers without regard for rank, sharing a sense of camaraderie.
He said: "Whether he's a Commodore or a Captain or a General, it makes no difference."
Graham Taylor, who served with the Royal Angling Regiment, found the club instrumental in settling into Salisbury after relocating from Cambridgeshire.
He noted the club's welcoming environment helped him navigate the local area and foster connections.
"It's somewhere there's a friendly face, someone to have a chat with," Graham said.
More than just a social event
Beyond their own gatherings, club members proudly contribute to local initiatives and charities, applying their skills and giving back to the community.
This dedication to service extends to volunteering efforts at events like Salisbury Football Club and market days.
Saturday mornings often see the club members participating in the field kitchen at local markets, with the next event scheduled for Sunday lunch at the White Hart.
Partnership a perfect fit
For Heath, collaborating with organisations like Alabaré has been crucial in addressing the complex needs of homeless veterans, strengthening community ties and improving support networks.
He said: "Alabaré really fits well with what we wanted to do."
The enthusiasm and appreciation displayed by the veterans for these shared experiences underscore the club's pivotal role in fostering solidarity, companionship, and supportive interaction for retired service members in Salisbury.