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Celebrating the impact of Op FORTITUDE: Transforming Lives, One Veteran at a Time

At Alabaré, we are proud to reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made in supporting veterans over the past year through Op FORTITUDE. This initiative has helped us empower veterans to rebuild their lives, offering them a fresh start and renewed hope. Thanks to this support, we’ve already reached 65% of the 300 veterans we set out to help. Whether it’s through specialised veterans housing or tailored programs, we’re making a real difference in their lives.

Alabare veterans housing

A community of support

Our approach ensures that no veteran faces their challenges alone. Through partnerships with organisations like the Royal British Legion and local councils, as well as direct referrals, we connect veterans to the services they need most. Indeed, 32% of the veterans we’ve supported so far came to us through Op FORTITUDE, while many others continue to find us through trusted partners.

Building stability and trust

One of our top priorities is ensuring veterans feel safe, supported, and heard. By adding dedicated roles like a Veterans Manager in Salisbury and service leaders in Wales and England, we’ve been able to offer consistent, high-quality care. Building trust is key, as it opens the door for veterans to share their challenges—whether it’s mental health, finding employment, or overcoming substance abuse.

Tackling life’s challenges together

We know that the journey to stability can be difficult. Employment remains a significant hurdle and veteran employment rates are worryingly low, with only 17% of veterans currently in work, the issue is even more pronounced, with unemployment rates exceeding 80%.

Programs like our Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme, which combines job training with housing opportunities, have seen remarkable success, with 100% of participants able to work finding employment and stable housing.

Other challenges, such as struggles with addiction or managing finances, are just as pressing. That’s why we’re working with partners to address these issues head-on. However, we know more specialised support is needed, and additional funding is needed to provide specialist workers in drug and alcohol support. The growing number of referrals means expanding our accommodation capacity is also a key priority.

Real lives, real impact

Our work isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. Take the story of Gavin a veteran at our Salisbury veterans housing service. While working to reconnect with his teenage children, he discovered they had become homeless. Just weeks before Christmas, our team acted quickly, securing emergency housing for the children and reuniting the family during a time that could have been filled with heartbreak.

It’s stories like this that highlight the heart of what we do: creating opportunities for families to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Transformative outcomes

The impact of our work is evident in the remarkable outcomes reported by veterans transitioning from our services:

  • 71% of veterans with declared substance abuse issues actively engage with support services.
  • 42% of veterans offered employment assistance utilise this support.
  • 86% of veterans with mental health conditions receive appropriate care.
  • 57% participate in weekly physical activities through our Boots on the Ground service.

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, we’re looking to continually expand our reach and refine our services to meet the emerging needs of veterans transitioning from Military life to civvy street. With continued support, we can strengthen the safety nets that help veterans overcome challenges and achieve the lasting stability they need.

With your support, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Together, we can help more people like Gavin and his children find the stability and support they deserve. Read more below.

We are enormously grateful for the funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the help that this provides.

 

Learn more about our veterans homeless assistance

Gavin, a veteran, moved into Alabaré veterans housing after months in a leaky caravan without electricity. With support from Op COURAGE, this marked the start of a journey to reconnect with his children, face unexpected hardships and build a brighter future.

Read Gavin's story
Get involved

Whether you are a church, school, or community group member such as Scouts or Guides, Mothers’ Union or Men’s Breakfast, we would love to chat about how we can help you support the work we do at Alabaré.

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veterans in need
Homes for Veterans

Our veteran pathway provides accommodation, training, wellbeing and support programmes to help ex-Armed Forces personnel who have struggled or faced homelessness in their civilian lives.

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Boots on the Ground

Veterans across our service and wider community can participate in outdoor pursuits run in a friendly, supportive atmosphere that promotes positive mental wellbeing to build confidence and self-esteem.

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Quick contact

If you need some help or have any questions please get in touch. We will get back to you within 48 hours for any general enquiries. If you need emergency help click here

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