Launchpad has partnered with housing provider Anchor Housing to empower veterans in their transition to independent living.
In 2024, the partnership supported 14 veterans to transition from supported accommodation from Launchpad’s Speke House to independent, permanent housing.
Speke House in Liverpool is one of three houses offering temporary housing and holistic support to vulnerable veterans, many of whom arrive at Launchpad after experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or family breakdowns. Through tailored care and support, veterans regain stability and prepare to reintegrate into civilian life. But what happens when they’re ready to move on?
This is where Anchor Housing steps in, offering a seamless transition to ‘forever homes’ in one of their 1,700 locations across the UK.
Jim Riley, Launchpad’s Independent Living Coordinator at Speke House is working closely with Anchor Housing’s Operations Manager Dawn Brown and Community Partnership Manager Rebecca Heede who together, have played a vital role in helping residents take this transformative step.
The transition from a safe space like Speke House to independent living can feel overwhelming for veterans. Recognising this, the teams at Anchor and Launchpad collaborate to identify housing solutions tailored to each veteran’s needs. Whether it’s staying close to Liverpool to remain part of the community, starting afresh in a new location, or returning to a familiar home, Anchor Housing ensures veterans feel supported every step of the way.
Anchor’s housing model aligns closely with the supportive environment at Launchpad, offering independent living with private homes, community facilities, and access to activities as needed. To ease the transition, Anchor also provides funding to help veterans purchase essentials such as white goods and carpets.
Life-Changing Impact
In 2024, 14 residents from Speke House have transitioned to homes within the Liverpool City Region, allowing them to maintain connections with the Launchpad team. Two others moved to locations further afield, realising their dreams of a fresh start in new communities. In one exceptional case, Anchor directly rehoused a veteran without requiring him to stay at Launchpad, enabling a smooth and immediate transition into his forever home.
The veterans’ testimonials highlight the profound impact of this collaboration:
- “As a veteran, the thought of leaving supported veteran accommodation and moving on to living independently was quite daunting. However, after day one in my Anchor property, I wish I had made the move sooner.” – Dave, Ex-Army
- “I have a fantastic apartment in the most beautiful county in England. Anchor actively encourages pet companions, and now I have Beau, the yellow Labrador, as a companion. How different is that from sleeping on a Domino’s Pizza box in Edinburgh.” – Deane, Ex-Army
- “The transition from military life to civilian life is one of the hardest things I have ever done. My journey has now led me to a place I can finally call ‘home’ and the start of a new chapter in my life.” – Michael, Ex-Navy
A Growing Collaboration
The partnership continues to evolve, with Rebecca Heede now working to expand support for veterans at Launchpad’s other locations in the North East. Together, Launchpad and Anchor Housing are creating a brighter future for those who have served, providing not just homes, but the foundation for independence and a new beginning.
Sam Jackson, Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House, said:
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anchor for providing not just housing, but a true sense of home for our residents. Your dedication to creating safe, supportive, and welcoming communities makes a profound difference in their lives, and we deeply appreciate your partnership.”