The first set of works to expand and refurbish a home in Pontypridd, for veterans at risk of homelessness, has been successfully completed.
The garage and roof space have been converted into new self-contained flats for clients receiving support from homelessness charity ALABARÉ – the largest housing provider for veterans in Wales.
Almost £500,000 has been awarded to the charity from the Government’s Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund, administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, towards the project, with the first half of the year-long project now complete.
The overall Fund, totalling £4.5 million and distributed by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, has been shared across 19 UK organisations to help reduce homelessness and rough sleeping amongst former military personnel.
Once the full works at ALABARÉ’s Home for Veterans in Pontypridd have been finished, the number of bedspaces will have been increased by 83%.
What’s happened and what’s still to come?
The new flats that have been created will provide accommodation for veterans who require lower-level support than others in the property, as clients take the next step towards independent living, while still having the reassurance of on-site support if it’s required.
The facilities are fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, to ensure veterans with more complex physical needs and mobility issues can access the support they deserve more easily.
Works at the Pontypridd house will continue from this summer, with a two-storey extension to the main building being created, to provide more space for clients.
There will also be refurbishments carried out in the kitchen area, a new communal dining area, upgrades to the conservatory to become an improved relaxation space, and the creation of a sensory and wellbeing room for veterans with poor mental health and PTSD.
The project will be completed by the end of the year.
Gary Chapman, Head of Veterans’ Services at ALABARÉ, said:
“This project is making a huge difference to the lives of Welsh veterans and will provide them with a place that truly feels like home as they work towards living independently once again.
“The renovation and expansion works wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs funding. We thank them for backing ALABARÉ’s efforts to support former military personnel who need a helping hand, through person-centred and trauma-informed care. As people who are referred to us come with more complex issues, changes like this will enable us to deliver on our commitment to providing best-in-class care and support.”
ALABARÉ has been in consultation with existing clients at Pontypridd throughout the build process to ensure disruption to their accommodation and care is kept to a minimum.
The charity has also collaborated closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council on planning regulations and multiple occupancy housing rules
