AN INITIATIVE has been launched to support the mental health of veterans in Salisbury.

Boots on the Ground is being run by Salisbury-based charity Alabaré to support veterans living in the charity’s Homes for Veterans accommodation through outdoor activities to improve their mental health.

Activities include everything from dog walking to carpentry at Alabaré’s development centres.

Karen Langley, who is a team leader at Alabaré Riverside Sanctuary in Salisbury, said: “At first we are starting with Salisbury and Bristol homes and then in time expanding the service moving to our other homes in Hampshire, Plymouth, Gloucester, and Weymouth.

“As a veteran myself of 12 years’ service and having served on several operational tours including Bosnia and Northern Ireland I can relate to the experiences of the veterans in the homes and the difficulties they have faced since leaving.

“This can include mental and physical health issues, relationship breakdowns and addictions and we as a charity support the men and women through these challenges with our specialist partners.”The charity is also working in collaboration with Salisbury and Amesbury Armed Forces Breakfast Club which meets every Friday at Alabaré Head Office, Riverside, Churchfields Industrial Estate.

Club members are also sharing their skills to support veterans involved in the project and Alabare is looking for more volunteers to help.

One volunteer, a former Royal Engineer, has offered to teach veterans about healthy cooking while another will be sharing his woodworking skills.

The breakfast club is open to all serving members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.

The club has also provided sponsorship to the project to get rod fishing licences - adding to the activities open to veterans

Get in touch via the website alabare.co.uk or email Karen at k.langley@alabare.co.uk

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