“I’m almost 65, and ALABARÉ has given me another chance at life. They saved my life.”
For former Royal Engineer Steve, support from ALABARÉ has helped him overcome decades of addiction and move towards independence.
A £30,000 Veterans’ Foundation® grant will help the charity expand its Boots on the Ground programme, giving more veterans opportunities to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and connect with others.
The programme brings veterans together through nature-based activities and community projects, helping them develop skills, establish routines and reduce isolation.
Steve joined the Army as a teenager but struggled after leaving service.
He came to ALABARÉ in April 2022, where outdoor activities helped him find renewed purpose.
He has since stopped taking drugs, reduced his alcohol consumption and moved into independent accommodation in December 2025.
He continues to participate in the charity’s activities.
Boots on the Ground offers more than 200 activities annually, including canoeing, bushcraft, gardening and horsemanship.
Nearly 90% of participants report improved emotional wellbeing, while 35% report better physical health.
Participants also give back to their local communities through volunteering and conservation work.
Veterans have helped at Salisbury FC throughout the football season, stewarding the car park, supporting the crowd safety team and assisting fans with stand transfers.
In South Wales, a group volunteers weekly at Margam Country Park near Port Talbot, clearing pathways, maintaining fences, weeding and keeping visitor areas tidy.
Gary Chapman, Head of Veterans’ Services at ALABARÉ, said:
“Boots on the Ground makes a massive difference to the lives of our veterans and helps to break the cycle of homelessness by giving them new skills, confidence, and positivity.
“Our thanks go out to the Veterans’ Foundation for their support of wellbeing sessions to help former military personnel overcome some of the mental and physical challenges they’ve faced following their service and help them navigate towards independence.”
With Veterans’ Foundation® support, ALABARÉ plans to broaden the programme and enable more veterans in the community to take part.
