Previously homeless Royal Navy, Army, and RAF veterans preserve structures at Fort Delimera in Malta
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It has been described as a “phenomenal” effort by the team of ten veterans
Passionate veterans who were saved from homelessness preserved several structures at a historic site in Malta.
The former Royal Navy, Army, and RAF personnel worked on several historic military structures at Fort Delimara and an outpost at Dingli. Beneficiaries of the Alabare charity, an organisation that rehouses homeless veterans in Wales and the south west of England, included ten former service personnel from Gosport and elsewhere.
One of them is Jimmy Flurrey, who had a 12-year career in the Royal Navy and became a chef following his service, but found himself homeless after experiencing problems with renting, depression, and alcohol misuse.
He self-referred to Alabare’s homes for veterans service in Salisbury just before Christmas last year. Speaking about the Malta trip, Mr Flurrey said: “The biggest shock for me [during the visit] was how well I got on with everyone. I’ve spent the last three years isolating myself, and working with a team again brought out a different side of me. It’s been amazing. Being around the military family again has been really nice.
“At the start of the project, you’re thinking ‘there’s a lot to take on’, and then once it’s finished, you see what’s been done. Everyone’s been working hard, and concurrently, so you can see what’s being done, and I think everyone’s been impressed with it as well. A new passion has been ignited in me.”
The team were supported by Heritage Malta and the country’s armed forces during the visit. Activities helped them build confidence, enhance their employability, and improve their teamwork skills.
During the two-week Malta expedition, they provided 900 hours of manpower towards restoration work, equivalent to more than £12,000 at the UK minimum wage. The group also engaged in cultural visits, such as meeting the British Deputy High Commissioner, Tristan Gilchrist and Malta’s Minister for National Heritage, Dr Owen Bonucci.
Nick Cogbill, who has served in all three military services and is living with the charity’s service in the north of Wales, said: “It’s been phenomenal. After being housebound for six years, to come out and experience something like this has been an adventure. I’ve made loads of new friends, and it’s shown what we can do and what we can do together.
“It’s given me something else to focus on, but it’s been great working on the fort, working in teams again. 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. The support from Alabare has been amazing throughout, and while I’ve struggled a bit with being away from home and away from my children, it’s made a massive difference in me.”
Alabare has been invited to return to the island in 2027 to carry out further restoration work. Partnerships lead Simon Firth 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. It’s also another example of the power of partnership – with Heritage Malta and the Armed Forces Malta. Together, we’ve restored confidence, connection, and hope for 10 previously homeless veterans and will help them towards breaking the cycle of homelessness.”