FOR many of us the past weekend involved Remembrance and the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. For me it was an opportunity to remember two relatives who died in the First World War and my grandfathers who fought and survived the Second World War. With family members we spoke about the units they served in – the Northamptonshire Regiment, Wessex Field Ambulance and 10th Hussars, and the campaigns they were involved in – The Somme, Ypres, North Africa and Italy. The BBC First World War documentary on Sunday evening, bringing colour to the old black and white film only made the horror of war even more shocking.

The week had also seen the family say goodbye to my Grandma. A long and full life of 95 years. She served in the Royal Navy during the war and had a lucky escape when strafed by a German plane. She always spoke with pride at her time in the Royal Navy.

At Alabare we are supporting veterans, who have served in the Armed Forces. Our homes are across the south-west of England and Wales, focussing particularly on veterans of working age. The homes provide a supportive environment that allows the veterans to address the issues they face, regain confidence and to find voluntary and paid work. Talking with some of veterans last week, they reflect fondly on their time in the military – the camaraderie, being part of a team and doing something worthwhile.

Not all the memories and experiences were positive. It was fitting that I had the time to visit the Veterans Initiative on the Former Land Command site in Wilton. An amazing initiative that brings together housing, training, enterprise for both veterans and the local community. Construction of the housing is well advanced and should be complete by spring. Led by Our Wilton, Alabare is one of the partner agencies.

Alabare’s work with veterans is generously supported by the local community. Saturday saw the first group of people undertaking a tandem skydive with Go SkyDive at Old Sarum. Nearly 60 jumped and more would have if the weather had not deteriorated. The jump brought the full range of emotions – fear, terror, excitement, relief and a sense of accomplishment once we had safety landed. More than 100 people will jump, appropriate in this period of Remembrance and marking the 100th anniversary since the end of the First World War, raising awareness and funds for Alabare’s Homes for Veterans. I am very grateful for their efforts, both jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet and raising sponsorship.

There is still much to do at Alabare. Our work with the vulnerable and marginalised continues each and every day, often unseen. The support from Salisbury is much appreciated.

By Andrew Lord

Chief executive officer, Alabaré