A group of 10 British veterans have returned from Malta after completing the latest Heritage that Heals programme, a two‑week heritage restoration deployment led by homelessness charity ALABARÉ.
During the mission, Army, Royal Navy and RAF veterans helped to preserve multiple historic military structures at Fort Delimara and an outpost at Dingli, supported by Heritage Malta and the Armed Forces of Malta.
The visit has formed part of ALABARÉ’s Heritage That Heals initiative, an innovative approach to veterans’ wellbeing through structured heritage conservation and academic research alongside the University of Bangor and Archaeology Warwickshire – as well as an opportunity for veterans to build their confidence, teamwork, and employability.
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.
The trip coincided with ANZAC Day (25 April), with commemorations held at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence, where a wreath was laid on behalf of ALABARÉ.
Improving wellbeing through heritage
69% of participants on the project reported an improvement to their mental wellbeing, with a mean increase of 3.14 points, using the nationally recognised SWEMWBS (Shorter Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) criteria.
A rise of 3 points is considered a substantial, meaningful and positive change in attitudes and wellbeing, which in turn lays the foundation for clients’ pathways towards independent living.
During the two-week visit to Malta, the team provided a total of 900 hours of manpower towards the restoration work, equivalent to more than £12,000 at the UK minimum wage.
Nick Cogbill, who has served in all three military services and is living with ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans service in North Wales, commented on the experience, saying:
“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 ALABARÉ 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.”
Jimmy Flurrey 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 ALABARÉ’s Homes for Veterans service in Salisbury just before Christmas last year. Speaking about the Malta trip, Jimmy 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 next steps
ALABARÉ has been invited to return to the island with another group of veterans in 2027 to carry out further restoration work in the country.
That will continue the mutually beneficial partnership with Heritage Malta and Armed Forces Malta while providing a chance for previously homeless veterans to get involved in heritage that heals.
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. 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.”
