Homeless veteran’s charity Launchpad has been awarded a grant of £75,000 from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) to enable it to continue to provide vital accommodation and wraparound support to Army veterans living in all three of its houses.
The funding, approved on behalf of all the Regiments and Corps of the Army, will support at least 130 homeless Army veterans and 50 veterans in the community, once they have moved out of Launchpad to live independently.
The ABF has been a long-standing supporter of the charity since it was founded in 2013 and 90% of the residents that live in the houses in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham are ex-Army.
Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone. Last year, Launchpad accommodated 171 homeless veterans during the year – an increase from 135 just 18 months ago.
In addition to providing the veterans with furnished, one-bedroom flats, they are supported by wraparound support tailored to their individual needs. This includes helping them to resolve mental health/addiction problems including psychotherapy for those needing it, a programme of diversionary/health-inducing activities to keep the veterans focussed on their recovery, support with skills development and employment, help with finding long-term accommodation and continued support when living independently.
Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said:
“We are very grateful to Darren Doherty and his team at the Army Benevolent Fund, who have worked closely with us, listened to our challenges and really heard what we have said, then responded by supporting us with a grant that will enable Launchpad, to continue to offer vital accommodation and tailored support services to homeless ex-Army veterans.
“The grant will help to make a big difference to the lives of homeless veterans with complex needs and give them the chance of a better life. This is especially pertinent at a time when 85% of our current residents are ex-Army and demand for Launchpad Homeless Veterans Charity has more than doubled.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“We are delighted to be helping Launchpad provide vital wraparound support for veterans in need. By offering assistance throughout the entire process, their services make a huge and positive impact on the quality of life of former soldiers as they reintegrate into wider society.”
Launchpad provides accommodation and support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans to help them stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life. The charity manages three houses in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans and their partners where relevant. The houses often provide the first safe place in which the veteran has slept for months or even years.
