Alabaré Veterans’ Self-Build Scheme
Our unique initiative allows veterans to help build their own house under the supervision of a construction company, whilst receiving wellbeing support from our team. As a veteran on our scheme, you will benefit from participating in multiple training programmes gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Our team are on hand to ensure that you have the support you need and to help with setting up and managing your new home.
At the end of the course, you will have the option to rent one of the homes you have helped to build from our Housing Association partners. Some of our veterans go on to employment in the construction industry and others find alternative future careers, but all benefit from the renewed self-confidence and positive self-esteem that the Self-Build scheme brings.
Our scheme could be for you if you are a veteran who is homeless or in need of housing or if you are disadvantaged or displaced, which could include your family.
Download Information Leaflet
To date over 178 self-build projects have been built
Originally set up in the late 1980’s as the Community Self-Build Agency the scheme has helped hundreds of homeless or vulnerable people, creating opportunities to build their own homes.
To date over more than 1200 housing units have been developed for some of the most disadvantaged members of local communities, including the award-winning schemes such as the Nelson Project in Plymouth.
Our Current Projects
Barne Barton, Plymouth
In 2024, we joined forces with Latimer (the development arm of Clarion Housing), Lovell Construction and Plymouth City Council to create this new veterans’ self-build opportunity at Barne Barton, the former Royal Navy site in the city.
Up to four veterans per year, who have previously struggled and been homeless in their civilian lives, will be able to benefit from 12-14 months hands-on construction training plus the opportunity to live in one of the homes they have helped to build. The Alabaré team provide support to help veterans engage in the project, empowering them and helping to build resilience which will enable them to go on to future independence.
Many previous veteran self-builders have gone on to secure employment in the construction industry or related trades.
Latimer, Clarion Housing – Barne Barton
Drummond Park, Ludgershall
Our five-year scheme in Ludgershall, Wiltshire (2022) will feature up to 15 new homes for individuals and veteran families. At Drummond Park, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Lovell Homes and Stonewater Housing.
Veterans can take part for one year, and we have places for 3-5 veterans each year. Phase One was completed in September 2023.
Stirling Project, Plymouth
In 2021, despite the pandemic backdrop, we broke ground with the Plymouth Stirling Project (2021), which includes 25 self-contained, affordable rental homes.
The Stirling House scheme completed in 2024, with 12 veterans having benefited across the lifetime of the programme and 6 now living in homes on the site that they have helped to build. To read the full story click here.
Like to get involved?
If you are a veteran and interested in taking part in our Self-Build scheme we would love to hear from you. We have a thorough selection process as we want to make sure that the scheme is right for you and that we can meet any support needs that you have.
To be considered you must be willing to commit to a full-time unpaid programme on a building site which is governed by health and safety law. You must be interested in the construction industry and seriously considering it as a future career. When you apply we will need to collect the following information from you:
- Name
- Service number
- Years served
- Arm or Service
- Location
- Driver or non-driver
We will also need to know about any personal circumstances that might affect your application and what branch of construction is of interest to you?
Email enquiry Call 07980 968132How you can help
Would you like to get more involved with our work? We can’t do what we do without our supporters and fundraisers, whether that is running a fundraising event, taking part in one of our public events, or volunteering your time and working alongside our clients. Please get in touch to find out how to be involved
Fundraising
Our fantastic supporters put on all kinds of events and undertake incredible charity challenges, from quiz nights to raffles, from walks to Atlantic crossings – the more creative, the better!
Find out more
Events
Our events help us continue to fund life-changing care and support for homeless adults, young people, veterans and those with learning disabilities. Take a look at our calendar of events, including our signature BIG Sleep events.
Find out more