VETERANS facing homelessness in Weymouth have been given a helping hand with a £70,000 grant from the Royal British Legion.

The RBL has awarded the grant to Alabaré Christian Care and Support towards the running costs of its Homes for Veterans in both Weymouth and Plymouth.

Alabaré’s partnership with The Royal British Legion dates back to 2009 when the legion’s funding enabled the charity to open its first Home for Veterans in Plymouth.

This was quickly followed by the opening of Weymouth Home for Veterans in December 2010.

Since then, The Legion’s support has helped Alabaré to open a further two homes in each of the towns, meaning dedicated support can now be offered to 19 people at any one time.

Andrew Lord, CEO for Alabaré, said: “We have developed an excellent model of support for veterans.

“This model has been informed through our close work with The Royal British Legion which has proved invaluable. “We appreciate our strong working relationship and hope it will continue long into the future.”

The Homes for Veterans provide a safe environment where men and women can rebuild confidence and focus on their future.

With help from Alabaré’s trained support staff, the residents can address any underlying issues that have contributed to their homelessness.

Issues may include financial debt, addiction, mental health problems or relationship breakdowns.

Daniel Elser, Head of External Grants at The Royal British Legion, said: “The transition to civilian life after a career in the Armed Forces can be difficult.

“Sadly, a minority of veterans struggle and find themselves in circumstances resulting in homelessness.

“The Legion is committed to supporting those in the Armed Forces community at every stage of life, no matter the hardships they may be facing.

“We are proud to support Alabaré in its ambition to provide support for homeless veterans.”

Within Alabaré’s Veterans initiative, more than 100 bed spaces have been developed in 24 dedicated Homes for Veterans.

The homes are located in Weymouth, Plymouth, Gosport, Fareham, Salisbury, Bristol, Gloucester, Pontypridd, Carmarthen and Cardiff.

Almost 300 vulnerable veterans of working age have been already been supported.

For more information visit alabare.co.uk.