Veteran Homes: Robert’s story
Robert joined the Army at 16, serving with the 1st Battalion Queen’s Regiment from 1975 to 1986. He looks back on those early years with pride, remembering the camaraderie and shared purpose that shaped him during his time in Northern Ireland, where he earned a General Service Medal. Leaving when his contract ended, he began building a civilian life defined by hard work and independence.
He first became a TfL bus driver before seeking a fresh start in Milton Keynes, where he worked as an HGV driver. After his father passed away, Robert moved in with his mother, delivering Land Rovers. But when his mother died nine years ago, everything began to unravel. Forced to leave their local authority home, Robert moved in with his brother, although following a series of health crises – a hernia, gallbladder surgery, and then a heart attack he was unable to work and was without stable housing.
Robert tried to rebuild with a new relationship, moving to Humberside, but when that relationship broke down, he returned to Milton Keynes, becoming homeless for nearly two years. During that time, he walked extraordinary distances – from the Midlands to Portsmouth and eventually Cornwall, where he stayed in a private shared room for a year. When he discovered his flatmate was misusing substances, he left, unwilling to be pulled into unsafe surroundings, so this time he walked from Cornwall to Margate, where he contacted the charity RISE, who referred him to Op FORTITUDE, whereupon he was referred to ALABARÉ veterans home on 1 January 2025.
Moving forward
At our Gosport veteran homes, the team worked quickly to secure him a permanent and safe housing pathway. He was offered a tenancy with Agamemnon Housing Association — sheltered accommodation specifically for veterans, which he moved into in January 2026. The team continued providing outreach support, helping him with online banking after a fraud incident, bus passes, utilities, direct debits, and access to the benefits he was entitled to. With help from the Royal British Legion and Gosport Council, he was provided with essential household items such as carpeting, furniture, and white goods.
One moment stands out to Robert – the first morning in his new flat, when he made a cup of tea and realised he finally had somewhere safe, quiet, and his own. This simple moment captures the essence of Homes, Hearts, Minds: the relief of a stable home, the dignity of belonging, and the space to look forward again.
Today, Robert describes life in his new accommodation as calm and friendly. He enjoys taking part in coffee mornings and knowing there is support available should he need it.
“There is nothing bad I can say about the ALABARÉ veterans home; they have helped me greatly. I feel ALABARÉ guides people in the right direction.
If you would like to learn more about ALABARÉ Homes for Veterans, click here
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