Bristol's Merchant Venturers have made a £30,000 grant to an innovative Forces Self Build Scheme taking shape in West Street, Bedminster.
The Merchants’ gift will go towards building and construction training to help 12 ex-servicemen to build their own homes – as well as ensuring the presence of a skilled workman on site
The project – the brainchild of Stella Clarke, Chair of the Community Self Build Agency and former SAS Major Ken Hames - has also received generous support from the Army Benevolent Fund and Knightstone Housing. The objective is to provide a step up to ex-servicemen struggling to adapt to civilian life.
Merchant Venturers master Giles Clarke said on a visit to the site: “Of the thousands of UK soldiers that have served around the world, in recent years a number have found it difficult returning home and re-adapting to their civilian lives.
“Homelessness can occur as many suffer deep emotional scars from their experiences with a range of mental and physical health problems. The Merchants are committed to supporting vulnerable sections of Bristol’s society and feel that that this self build scheme is in keeping with one of the society’s objectives to promote learning and the acquisition of skills.”
The Merchants have supported a number of other projects aimed at helping veterans in Bristol. For example, earlier this year, the first-ever Bristol-based residential home for veterans opened its doors. It was provided by specialist support charity Alabaré aided by funding from the Society of Merchant Venturers.
