Ex-homeless veterans complete heritage project restoring military structures

A group of previously homeless British veterans have returned to the UK following a fortnight-long heritage-restoration mission in Malta.

The group, comprising 10 former personnel from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, took part in the Heritage that Heals programme, which combines conservation work with wellbeing support.

Throughout their deployment, the veterans worked to preserve historic military sites at Fort Delimara and an outpost near Dingli, receiving backing from Heritage Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta.

The initiative, organised by the Alabaré, forms part of the charity's broader approach to supporting veterans through structured heritage projects.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

It was developed in collaboration with the University of Bangor and Archaeology Warwickshire, whilst helping participants develop confidence, teamwork abilities and employment skills.

Over the two-week period, participants collectively delivered 900 hours of restoration labour, valued at more than £12,000 at the UK minimum wage.

The programme's impact on mental health was significant, with 69 per cent of participants reporting enhanced psychological well-being.

Using the nationally recognised Shorter Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, researchers recorded an average improvement of 3.14 points among participants.

According to the Swemwbs criteria, an increase of three points represents a substantial and meaningful positive shift in attitudes and overall well-being.

Such improvements are considered foundational in supporting individuals on their journey towards living independently.

The visit also included cultural engagements, with veterans meeting the British Deputy High Commissioner, Tristan Gilchrist, and Malta's Minister for National Heritage, Dr Owen Bonucci.

Nick Cogbill, a veteran who served across all three military branches and currently resides in Alabaré's Homes for Veterans accommodation in North Wales, described the experience as transformative after spending six years housebound.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Stranger shows incredible act of kindness after memorial bench destroyed
• Rare WW1 ledger returned home after being found at car boot sale hundreds of miles away
• Britain's proudest town revealed as new poll uncovers Britons' pride in their local areas

He said: "It's been phenomenal. After being housebound for six years, coming out to experience something like this has been an adventure!

"I actually felt part of something, I felt valued, and my confidence has gone through the roof. This, for me, was a trip of a lifetime."

Jimmy Flurrey, who spent 12 years in the Royal Navy before becoming homeless following difficulties with renting, depression and alcohol misuse, spoke of rediscovering connection after three years of self-imposed isolation.

He said: "The biggest shock for me was how well I got on with everyone. A new passion has been ignited in me."

Alabaré has received an invitation to bring another group of veterans to Malta in 2027 to undertake additional restoration projects, thereby extending the partnership with Heritage Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta.

Simon Frith, Alabaré's Partnerships Lead, said: "This experience has been life-changing for the veterans who took part. It's given them renewed purpose and camaraderie that many would not have felt since leaving the forces.

"Together, we've restored confidence, connection, and hope for 10 previously homeless veterans and will help them towards breaking the cycle of homelessness."

The deployment coincided with Anzac Day on April 25, during which commemorations took place at the Australian High Commissioner's residence, where participants laid a wreath.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter