Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme: Eli’s story
Eli who is now part of our Veteran's Self-Build Scheme came over to the UK in his early twenties as a recruit from St Lucia to join the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME), fulfilling a lifelong dream of joining the British Army.
The world is tipped upside down
His vision had always been to help others, explore the world, and assist in humanitarian crises. However, after several successful years in service, Eli’s career took a dramatic turn when he was convicted of dangerous driving, leading to an immediate dismissal from the job he cherished.
This sudden upheaval took a significant toll on his life. Unemployment strained his marriage and family relationships, and he faced mounting mental health struggles. Though he considered re-enlisting, he found that the process would take far longer than anticipated, further shattering his confidence. Reflecting on the sacrifices he had made since leaving St. Lucia, Eli found himself feeling lost.
His difficulties culminated in being asked to leave his in-laws’ home & his wife worsening his feelings of instability. That night, Eli wandered the streets around London Victoria, searching for a safe place to rest, a stressful experience, even for an ex-soldier, before a friend offered him his sofa for a couple of weeks.
Luckily, Eli had the foresight to reach out to Op FORTITUDE, and shortly afterwards, he received a call from the manager at the Alabaré Homes for Veterans in Gospor,t who was able to offer him a place. He accepted without hesitation. “Yana said there’s a vacancy, and I was like, yes, I’ll take it. She tried to tell me more about it, but I didn’t care—it was a roof over my head,” Eli recalls.
Soon after moving to Gosport, Eli learned that he could reapply to re-enlist. Though tempted by the short-term financial security of rejoining the Army, he chose the self-build route. “No one has ever invested so much in me,” Eli says. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Now, several months into the veterans’ self-build programme, Eli has not looked back. “It’s changed everything,” he reflects. “You might not get paid, but you gain qualifications worth thousands. That’s long-term value.” With support from Frank, the Ludgershall scheme manager, whom Eli affectionately regards as a father figure, he’s already completed his first major scaffolding course, and he is building a portfolio of construction skills. “Frank’s more than a manager—he’s a mentor. He’s done more for me than anyone ever has.”
The training hasn’t only offered Eli practical qualifications, but also emotional stability. “I’ve had free counselling when I needed to learn how to manage my own issues. I’m naturally shy, but I’ve opened up. Frank’s helped with that too.”
Moving forward
These moments show that Frank is not just a program leader to Eli, but a deeply trusted figure who has invested time, empathy, and personal attention into his progress and wellbeing. Eli doesn’t just respect Frank; he emotionally depends on him and sees him as the grounding, guiding adult in his life when things have otherwise felt unsteady.
The progress Eli has made has rippled outward into his personal life. He has reconnected with his wife and her family, even being invited to meet with his mother-in-law, something he never expected. “That moment meant the world to me,” he shares. “I broke down after we spoke. It felt like a second chance. We’ve written things down, goals for when we move into our new flat. One priority is for my wife to continue her nursing studies.”
Eli remains grounded. “I know it’s early days, but I’ve come a long way. From not knowing where I’d sleep, to now having a flat lined up and a trade in my hands, I feel proud again. That feeling when a supervisor on-site trusts me to lead on something, that’s when I feel proud of myself.”
“It’s a life-changing experience for me. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity, and I will say it openly to anybody.”
He acknowledges that the path he chose isn’t for everyone. “Some guys don’t see the value if there’s no paycheck right away. But I tell them, this year is an investment. You finish with skills, a job, and a home. That’s priceless.”
Looking ahead, Eli is cautiously optimistic. “I want to rebuild with my family. Maybe I’ll re-enlist one day or join the Reserves, or maybe I’ll keep building in construction. Right now, though, I just want to focus on this. One year to set up the rest of my life.”
Eli’s journey is one of resilience, reflection, and rebuilding. From homelessness to hope, with the support of Alabaré, the veteran’s self-build programme, and mentors who believed in him, Eli is shaping a new future – brick by brick.
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