Veterans to travel to Malta to help restore military sites
A group of 10 former service personnel, supported by Alabaré, are making the trip
Three Wiltshire veterans supported by a local charity are to travel to Malta later this week as part of a programme to restore historic military sites in the country.
Homelessness charity Alabaré, based in Salisbury, has partnered with Heritage Malta, the Armed Forces of Malta and academic teams from Bangor University and Archaeology Warwickshire to mix heritage conservation with therapeutic rehabilitation.
The two-week programme aims to help the group of 10 veterans improve their wellbeing and boost their confidence and sense of purpose.
The group departs on Friday 17th April, returning on 1st May, with their trip seeing them restoring Fort Delimara and the AFM Delimara Post, working alongside Maltese heritage specialists and military personnel.
It will also include VIP visits, cultural excursions, and an Anzac Day commemoration.
Gary Chapman, ALABARÉ’s Head of Veterans’ Services, said: “This programme builds on the foundations of our nature-based outdoor wellbeing activities ‘Boots on the Ground’.
“We know that structured physical work, peer support, and service-like environments help break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness. In Malta, heritage itself becomes part of the healing.”
Mother left sofa surfing preparing for new chapter
Among the group is Susan Bradley, who served in in the Royal Army Medical Corps, went to Alabaré in 2024 after a relationship breakdown during the COVID lockdown. It led to her losing working income, and eventually giving up her tenancy as debts mounted, whilst trying to raise three children.
The youngsters were offered accommodation by friends and family, but Susan was left living in her car or sofa surfing with friends.
However, through the charity's Boots on the Ground programme, she's renewing her confidence and putting a spring back in her step and hoping to secure permanent living in Salisbury, kick-starting a new chapter in her life.
Exploited Engineer turning life around
Joining Susan on the trip is Steve Lovelock. He joined the Royal Engineers as a teenager and later worked in the rail industry.
But after leaving the Armed Forces, he became addicted to drink and drugs, before being exploited by cuckooing drug dealers at his home.
This led to him becoming homeless and turning to Alabaré in 2022.
He's since reduced his alcohol consumption and is clean from drugs thanks to their help, meaning he's rebuilt his confidence. In December 2025, he moved into independent living.
"It’s about all veterans being able to rebuild, knowing that they can be trusted," he said.
Naval officer aiming to set sail again
Also on the plane is Jimmy Flurey, who enjoyed a 12-year Royal Navy career, including serving in Afghanistan.
He became a chef after bringing his career to an end, but found himself furloughed during the COVID pandemic and lost his home because he couldn't keep up with rent payments.
Despite finding temporary housing in Devon and Somerset and being offered a job, the wages weren't enough, and he ended up in shared accommodation.
He did get back into work as a chef, but personality clashes with his housemates left him experiencing depression and self-medicating with alcohol.
Jimmy turned to Alabaré in December 2025 after a period sofa surfing and sleeping on the streets.