Previously homeless UK veterans, who have been supported by leading homeless charity, Alabaré, are on a ‘Mission to Malta’ as part of their VE 80th Anniversary commemorations to restore Fort Delimara, Malta.
From 3 – 15 May, a group of previously homeless UK Veterans will embark on their ‘Mission to Malta’ to restore parts of Fort Delimara, an iconic landmark of Maltese military heritage situated 14 kilometres from the Maltese capital, Valletta.
The veterans who experienced hardship and homelessness upon leaving the military, turned to leading homeless charity Alabaré, who provided them with safe, secure temporary housing and support.
During the 12-day mission, they will be joined by four veteran staff members and volunteers, including 67-year-old Dave Rook, will partner with Visit Malta, Heritage Malta, and the Armed Forces of Malta to restore the iconic Fort Delimara. Once the work is completed, the Fort will be open to groups for bespoke guided tours as arranged by Heritage Malta this summer.
Victory in Europe 80th Anniversary Commemorations
The veterans visit coincides with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and will see the veterans pay their respects by singing “I vow to thee my country” at noon on 8 May.
In addition to Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit, and Chief Operations Officer, Kenneth Gambin, the group will also be visited by the British High Commissioner to Malta, Her Excellency Cathy Ward, and the Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, Dr Owen Bonnici MP. These visits will provide an opportunity to meet the volunteers and witness the ongoing restoration works at Fort Delimara.
Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Zammit, commended Alabaré for their support,
“Engaging in a volunteering opportunity with Heritage Malta is a rewarding and meaningful experience that embodies the true spirit of the agency’s slogan ‘Part of Us’, for both locals and foreigners.”
Andrew Lord, Chief Executive Officer of Alabaré said,
“This partnership between Alabaré, Armed Forces of Malta, Heritage Malta and Visit Malta demonstrates the positive impact we can have on our communities when we work together. We have helped build veterans’ self-esteem, resilience, skills and wellbeing while transforming an iconic part of Malta’s military heritage.”
Giving Homeless UK Veterans Hope
With services at one in three supported housing providers in England closing last year due to funding cuts and rising costs, vulnerable individuals like these veterans have fewer places to turn. Initiatives like Alabaré’s ‘Mission to Malta’ are giving homeless veterans hope of a transformed live.
Supporters can inspire future programmes in a variety of ways – by donating, fundraising and volunteering their time. Visit Alabaré’s website for more examples of how Alabaré is transforming lives and how to support.
About Fort Delimara
Constructed between 1876 and 1884, Fort Delimara formed part of a network of British forts and batteries designed to defend Marsaxlokk Harbour. After 1956, the fort was stripped of most of its artillery and subsequently fell into a state of decline, abandonment, neglect, and misuse
About Alabaré
Alabaré is a UK charity that supports people to overcome the barriers of homelessness, mental ill-health and learning disabilities in-order to have a home, health, choice and independence.
About Heritage Malta
Heritage Malta proudly manages over 90 museums, landmarks, national monuments, and underwater sites. Our mission is to provide enhanced experiences during visits to our various sites and museums, catering to diverse interests from prehistoric caves to industrial heritage. As the national agency, we are committed to making culture accessible and facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge. With a professional team of curators, archaeologists, architects, digital and scientific experts, conservators, and restorers, Heritage Malta invites you to be part of a spectacular past.
About Armed Forces of Malta
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is Malta’s military organisation tasked with primary defense functions and safeguarding national sovereignty and interests, both in peacetime and in crisis. The AFM is organised, trained, and equipped to conduct military operations at a national level and contribute to international crisis management operations. It consists of a Force Headquarters and five separate units: three land units, an air wing, and a maritime squadron. The AFM also includes a Volunteer Reserve Force.
