Homelessness charity encouraging Gloucestershire veterans to reach out
Alabare run supported living accommodation for veterans in Gloucestershire
A homelessness charity operating in Gloucestershire is reminding former military personnel that support is available to them.
Alabare say they’re standing with veterans who may be struggling, especially at this time of year when remembrance bring up many emotions.
The charity have several Homes for Veterans in Salisbury, Gosport, Bristol, Gloucester, Plymouth, Swansea, Cardiff, Llandudno, and Conwy where they support former military personnel who find themselves homeless, providing practical and holistic care.
The charity say this time of year can be very triggering and unnerving for those who’ve served and lost friends and comrades, as well as those who have struggled to adjust to civilian life.
As well as being a safe and secure place to stay, colleagues also help residents with practical and holistic support such as financial budgeting, signposting to drug and alcohol recovery, and reinforcing and increasing employability skills and opportunities.
The Boots on the Ground programme gives veterans opportunities to get into the great outdoors, try out new activities and be more active, while boosting confidence, teamwork and reducing social isolation.
Karen Langley, the Boots on the Ground Manager for ALABARÉ, said:
“The run up to Remembrance, it is really difficult.
“I know for myself, when I left the forces, it took 19 years before I could actually wear my medals and go on parade.
“It's a hard time for veterans, really hard time for quite a lot.
“A lot of people put on that painted smile, but deep down, they're falling apart.
“At ALABARÉ, we’re about building that person and letting them know that they mean something. That they're not a failure. That it's just a blip.”