ALABARÉ’s Boots on the Ground well-being programme gets £20,000 boost

Homelessness charity ALABARÉ is pleased to partner with the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) to continue its award-winning Boots on the Ground well-being programme.

A £20,000 grant from the ABF supports the South West-based charity’s commitment to provide outdoor activities that boost mental health, physical fitness, emotional resilience, and social integration.

The Boots on the Ground programme operates in areas close to the charity’s Homes for Veterans across the South West and Wales, and is offered to formerly military personnel who are accessing ALABARÉ ‘s homelessness services or within the community.

Activities available include hikes, gardening, kayaking, bushcraft, and ironmongery, as well as heritage projects both in the UK and overseas to maintain and improve access to vital community assets.

How Boots on the Ground is changing lives

The programme is making a huge difference to the veterans taking part, with improvements seen within every activity undertaken.

Among those feeling the benefits is Gavin – he came into ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans in Bristol after finding himself homeless, addicted to heroin, and losing contact with his daughters and mother.

He was severely underweight at less than 8 stone and grossly malnourished, with his demeanour being quite aggressive towards those trying to help him.

After engaging with ALABARÉ’s Boots on the Ground team over a desire to learn how to cook, just six months later, Gavin’s now a different person.

He’s gained weight to his target of 11 stone, eats well, completes daily exercise and has rebuilt his family relationships, while addressing behavioural challenges and continuing his recovery from drug addiction.

Gavin’s also working towards a bushcraft qualification and has taken part in a residential week learning horsemanship and the sport of polo.

He credits ALABARÉ and Boots on the Ground with providing that change: “To be honest, it’s a new world for me. I can’t put it into words. It’s an amazing experience to be in nature so often.

“I have to thank (ALABARÉ’s) Boots on the Ground immensely because when I first started coming out, I didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself. The first time we went on a walk, I realised I still had fitness in me. I was dead two years ago, in a coma, so when I realised, I could still do that sort of stuff, it gave me a massive boost. This was the foundation for me. It’s inspired me to do a lot more, and I feel safe being part of the activities.”

Over the last financial year, through its Boots on the Ground programme, ALABARÉ has delivered more than 200 sessions for veterans across the South West and Wales.

88% of those taking part reported an uplift in their well-being after their involvement in the activities.

The programme takes inspiration from the NHS’s Five Ways to Well-being – connecting with others, being physically active, learning new skills, giving back to others, and paying attention to the present.

Positive Ways Forward

The ABF have highlighted the collaboration on their social media channels, describing ALABARÉ as a ‘valued partner charity’, posting, “This year, we awarded £20,000 towards their Boots on the Ground programme, which provides mental health recovery for homeless ex-Armed Forces veterans. Through time in nature, outdoor activities and volunteering on community and heritage projects, the programme helps veterans rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing and reconnect with others.

“Boots on the Ground runs alongside ALABARÉ’s supported accommodation across the South West of England and in North and South Wales, offering veterans a safe, structured and positive way forward.”

With the support of the Army Benevolent Fund grant, ALABARÉ is looking to increase the range of activities available to veterans and boost participation amongst the charity’s clients and in the community.

It’s also hoped that sessions can be expanded to include more clients from across ALABARÉ’s services, such as young people and homeless adults.

Karen Langley is the Manager for Boots on the Ground with ALABARÉ and said, “I’m so proud of what the Boots on the Ground programme has achieved with veterans taking part, and I’m looking forward to having more people directly benefitting from the activities.

“I’ve seen some huge transformations in our clients, and they’ve gained new skills that will ultimately support their journey towards independence and future employment. ALABARÉ’s mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds. By having people within our supported living accommodation attending sessions, we’re actively working to round off that circle.

“I’d like to pass on my thanks to the Army Benevolent Fund for their ongoing support for the Boots on the Ground model, and for recognising the life-changing difference it’s making to so many of our veterans.”