Volunteers from ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans in Hampshire are taking part in a significant scheme to better tell the story of the area’s vital role in the D-Day operation 80 years ago.
The homelessness charity’s clients are supporting the Hampshire Hidden D-Day Project, led by Portsmouth City Council and the University of Winchester, to carry out site surveys of 22 former camps in the south of the county.
The sites were once home to troops, vehicles and equipment that came together ahead of the Normandy landings in 1944 – a critical turning point in the outcome of World War Two.
This project is part of ALABARÉ’s Boots on the Ground programme and is seeing veterans use metal detectors and CSI-style searches to find personal and military items with hidden stories.
“This experience has been more than just a project; it has been a privilege.”
Alex says being involved in the D-Day project has ignited his love of history and storytelling. He said:
“I want to say a huge thank you for the opportunity to be part of this project. It has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience, one that I will genuinely carry with me forever.
“As a veteran, this project has felt especially meaningful and close to my heart. It has given me the chance to engage with history in a way that feels personal and powerful.
“Growing up, I vividly remember watching Time Team, the archaeological dig programme, with my late mother. To now find myself on a site uncovering historical objects connected to D-Day feels surreal. In many ways, it feels like coming full circle. Being part of this work gives us the opportunity not just to uncover artefacts, but also to help tell the stories of those who were there.”
The project will continue through until November, with volunteers from ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans in Gosport due to carry on their involvement.
Gerry McDougall leads the Boots on the Ground programme in Hampshire for ALABARÉ and said:
“We’re very proud to be part of the project to uncover some of the hidden history of Hampshire and tell such an important story for generations to come.
“Taking part has also been fantastic for building self-esteem. These are veterans who’ve become homeless for whatever reason, and that’s affected their confidence. This is providing some motivation, giving them something back that they previously had and, through sharing their experiences with others, creating a community, too.”
ALABARÉ has seen huge benefits to the wellbeing of former military personnel experiencing homelessness by getting involved in physical activities and providing a creative and emotional outlet for their interests.
The Impact of Boots on the Ground
- 200 BoTG Activities Annually
- 55 Veterans Participated
- 67% report improved mental and physical wellbeing
ALABARÉ is also working across the South West, Wales, and overseas to increase clients’ involvement in heritage projects.
ALABARÉ’s nature-based wellbeing programme, Boots on the Grounds, helps build the confidence and wellbeing of previously homeless veterans, thanks to the support of funders such as the Army Benevolent Fund and the Scott (Eredine) Charitable Trust.
More information on Alex’s story with ALABARÉ can be found at https://alabare.co.uk/alex-boots-on-the-ground/
