A SALISBURY-BASED charity has celebrated a decade of providing support to homeless and vulnerable ex-service personnel.

To mark the occasion a celebration event was held at its Plymouth Home for Veterans.

The home in the Lipson area of the city first opened in 2009 and since then Alabare has expanded its services for veterans with a further 22 homes across the south and South West of England and across Wales, including Salisbury, which can collectively house 115 Veterans at any one time.

Salisbury Home for Veterans can accommodate a total of 14 veterans at the moment but this will increase once the new veterans campus at Wilton Hill, Wilton, opens its doors.

The chief executive of Alabare, Andrew Lord, said: “Since Alabare first started to support veterans in need a decade ago, we are now in the position where we are able to help over 300 ex-service personnel every year.

“We are extremely proud in the role we play in giving something back to those who have served our country and helping them to once again live happy and independent lives. One of the first residents we ever supported commented that our homes provided him with hope, honour and respect and 10 years on we are still doing so.”

Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans not only provide veterans with accommodation but also help sign post them with external agencies including counselling services, drug and alcohol support groups, Citizens Advice and NHS services.

Alabaré’s services for Veterans are supported by a number of other military including the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the ABF Soldier’s Charity.

In Salisbury, the charity can house up to 14 veterans which will increase with the opening of Wilton Hill, at the former Army Land Command HQ.