Military veterans help build their own homes

THEY'VE CONSTRUCTED 25 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES TO RENT

- LORNA HUGHES

PLYMOUTH military veterans have helped to build their own homes in a life-changing scheme. The ex-armed forces personnel, who were previously homeless, have helped construct the 25 affordable homes to rent.

The Stirling House Project, which houses six veterans in need of a new home, is a partnership between Live West, Plymouth City Council, and veterans' charity Alabaré. The development is based on the site of a former care home at Honicknowle Green.

The project has helped the veterans with employment, learning skills for life and is helping them to settle into their new homes.

Adrian Colwill, 49, was involved in the project from the start and now lives in the home he helped to build.

He joined the forces at the age of 16 and served in the Royal Army's Artillery before performing a number of successful roles, including managing a hotel, when he left the military.

But he later experienced mental health challenges which, despite being years after leaving the forces, left him on the brink of becoming homeless and at times living in a tent.

He said: "I don't know where I'd be now had I not had this experience because life has taken a vastly different path and a path that I will forever be grateful for. There are no superlatives to quantify what's happened.