Clothier Lacey & Co, one of the region’s best-known marketing and PR consultancies, is throwing its weight behind Launchpad, a charity which supports homeless veterans, to help bolster its fundraising activities during its tenth anniversary year.

Launchpad was founded in 2013 by former members of the military community who wished to help veterans struggling with transition from the military into civilian life and needed help and assistance, particularly with accommodation.

Additionally, the founders realised that the sort of accommodation needed was in short supply in the North East.

Accordingly, Avondale House in Byker was the first house to open, followed by Speke House in Liverpool which the charity purchased in early 2015 and its third home, Hollyacre House in Sacriston, County Durham, opened in May 2022.

While 90% of the veterans who arrive at Launchpad are either street-homeless or sofa-surfing, to date, almost 635 veterans have been supported since 2013, 137 residents have been supported between July 2022 and end of June 2023, 61% have successfully moved on and 41% gained employment during their time with Launchpad.

Speaking about the charity and Clothier Lacey’s decision to lend its support, managing director, Philippa Clothier, said:

“We are also celebrating a milestone this year – our 25th anniversary – and we wanted to select a special partnership to mark our successful twenty-five years.

“I have sat on the fundraising committees for several charities over the years but wanted to work with a totally different type of charity in our 25th year. Launchpad just seemed to be the perfect match – putting our marketing and PR skills as well as our extensive network of contacts to work on behalf of those less fortunate who are finally being given a roof over their heads by the charity.

“Many of the residents have mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some have just been released from prison, some need help with addictions to alcohol and drugs and others have found themselves homeless because of relationship and family breakdowns or not being able to secure paid employment.

“Whatever their back story, these men and women have at some stage, been prepared to put their lives on the line so that we can all sleep safely in our beds at night. They deserve our help and we are looking forward to working with Launchpad to provide support in whatever way we can.”

CEO and co-founder of Launchpad, David Shaw, said:

“We are very grateful to Philippa and her team that they are keen to work with us in this important 10th anniversary year and we look forward to developing a successful relationship with them. It is timely that we are sharing 10th and 25th anniversaries.

“Launchpad has recently been selected by the government as one of nine organisations to tackle the issue of veteran homelessness. Funding for additional support has been awarded through the Op FORTITUDE programme, a new dedicated pathway for veteran rough sleepers. Staff at Op FORTITUDE will refer callers to a network of support including housing providers, charities and local authorities and as part of the programme, Launchpad will provide additional, sustained support to homeless veterans across all three of its houses.

“We are likely to be entering a much busier period – although we always have a waiting list for accommodation – so it is tremendous news that our PR, communications and business development manager, Craig Downs, will be able to call upon extra pairs of hands.”

Launchpad is marking its 10th anniversary with a fundraising dinner to be held at the Discovery Museum on 27th October. Organisations can support the charity by attending the event, providing a raffle prize or providing training and employment opportunities to residents. Find out more at https://veteranslaunchpad.org.uk

Veterans’ charity Launchpad is one of nine organisations selected by the government to tackle the issue of veterans experiencing homelessness.

As part of a two-year £8.5 million programme, vulnerable veterans across the UK will have access to Op FORTITUDE, a new dedicated pathway for veteran rough sleepers.

A new housing hotline has been set up to give homeless veterans a single point of contact to get them the help they need. Op FORTITUDE staff will refer callers to a network of support, including housing providers, charities and local authorities.

As part of the programme, Launchpad will provide additional, sustained support to homeless veterans across its three houses in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham. In addition, Launchpad has partnered with Healthier Heroes CIC based in Burnley and together, they will support 230 veterans over the next two years.

Following successful trials delivered for existing veterans, Launchpad will provide combined addiction and mental health psychotherapy services, intensive training and employment support, greater access to community activities and focussed support to help the veterans transition live independently.

90% of the veterans who arrive at Launchpad are either street-homeless or sofa-surfing. Some of the other veterans are referred on prison release with nowhere to go. By moving into Launchpad or Healthier Heroes, veterans’ homelessness and rough sleeping can be avoided.

A grant will provide the veterans with psychotherapy to address their complex mental health and addiction problems, the appointment of Employment & Training Co-Ordinators to support the veterans into employment and transitional support to reduce the risk of veterans becoming homelessness again.

The funding, which was launched by the Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer, will see wraparound support services for 1,300 veterans across more than 900 housing units. The programme will fulfil the government’s pledge to end veterans rough sleeping and is part of the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan 2022-2024.

David Shaw, CEO and Co-Founder of Launchpad, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected to help deliver this important programme and further strengthen our aim of helping to reduce veterans homelessness in the UK.

“Launchpad has jointly campaigned the government for this programme, working alongside Riverside Group, Alabaré and Stoll. We, together with Healthier Heroes, are looking forward to supporting a further 230 homeless veterans over the next two years.

“Since it was formed in 2013, Launchpad has supported over 635 veterans while Healthier Heroes has supported 138 veterans since December 2020. On average, over the last five years, 61% of veterans supported by Launchpad have successfully moved on and 41% left in paid employment.”

During the announcement of the funding, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:

“Everyone deserves a place they can call home, not least those who have served their country. Today’s launch is a huge milestone in ending veteran homelessness and a clear demonstration of this government delivering on its promises.

“There is a lot of great work being done across the country to help veterans get the right level of support. Op FORTITUDE is about bringing all of this together, so any veteran has a clear pathway to get local and customised care.”

Andrew and Rio Powell, Co–founders of Healthier Heroes CIC and Bancroft House, said:

“We are extremely happy to be part of this groundbreaking programme which enables us, as a partnership, to deliver more support to help reduce homelessness within the veterans’ community across the UK.”

Delegates and guests attending a glittering awards ceremony in Newcastle upon Tyne last month have helped to raise thousands of pounds for a charity providing vital accommodation and support to homeless veterans.

A grand total of £3,474 was raised for Launchpad after it was nominated as the charity of choice at this year’s Constructing Excellence North East Awards, held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park on Friday 16 June.

Over 500 guests attended the black-tie event which celebrates the North East Built Environment and showcases and celebrates achievements by projects, organisations and individuals as they continue to set the benchmark for excellence.

Now in its 19th year, judges shortlisted a number of projects and organisations to compete across 15 categories. The winners of the North East awards will go on to represent the North East in the national finals in London later this year.

David Shaw, CEO and Co-Founder of Launchpad, said:

“We are very grateful to the Board of Constructing Excellence North East and headline sponsor CDM Recruitment for choosing Launchpad as this year’s charity.

“This year is our 10th anniversary of providing support and accommodation to homeless veterans and we have two houses here in the North East, in Newcastle and Durham, providing accommodation for up to 50 veterans.

“The North East housing and construction sector has always been very supportive of our work and some of the organisations we work with were shortlisted for awards, which is fantastic to see. We are very grateful for the amount of money that was raised but importantly, the event helped us to continue to raise awareness of our work and to engage with organisations that can support our three core aims of housing, health & wellbeing and employment.

“Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and won an award.”

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive at Constructing Excellence in the North East, said:

“Launchpad is a charity that very much has our support. It is crucial that veterans have assistance so they can transition successfully from military to civilian life.

“On behalf of CENE and its members, we hope our contribution can make a difference.”

Launchpad runs three houses in the North of England providing accommodation and support for up to 101 veterans. Since 2013, over 620 veterans have been supported across all three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham.

Annual Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.

As part of Armed Forces Week (19-24 June), Launchpad is celebrating and recognising the valuable contribution reservists play in supporting the charity.

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.

The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.

Launchpad currently has two reservists amongst their staff at Speke House in Liverpool.

The charity, which provides accommodation and support for up to 100 veterans across three houses in the North of England, actively supports 15 days special leave for current reservists ensuring they fulfil their commitments and attend both courses and operational commitments to help further their reservist career.

Gary Perriton serves in the Naval Reserve and is a Warrant Officer. His role within Launchpad is Corporate Fundraising and Business Development, which has seen strong partnerships grow between the charity and the business community, particularly across the North West.

Nicola Higham is Deputy Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House and an Army Reservist. She has been fully supported by Launchpad throughout her career in the Army and is given time to carry out her training and exercises, separate from work and normal holidays.

Earlier this month, Launchpad was granted Silver Award holder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) for its commitment and support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community. One of the main aspects of achieving the Silver Award is a strong commitment to demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, whilst aligning values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The charity was recognised for employing and supporting people in Defence, including reservists and veterans. They also enable reservists to apply for up to 15 days special leave of absence to attend training and courses with the Reserve.

Nicola said;

“Through my five years’ service at the Army Reserves, I have been fully supported by Launchpad and can adjust my working hours if necessary. Each year, I’m granted 15 days paid leave entitlement for my annual camp. Without the support of Launchpad, I would not be able to offer my service in the capacity that I do.”

This year, Reserves Day was celebrated on Wednesday 21 June and to mark the occasion and in the lead up to Armed Forces Day this Sunday, staff and residents at Speke House held an open day for corporate partners to visit the house, speak to staff and residents and enjoy a BBQ.

Since 2013, Launchpad has supported over 620 veterans across all three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham.

Vital funding from VIVO Defence Services has helped veterans’ charity Launchpad to improve the external facilities at Hollyacre House in Sacriston, Durham.

Earlier this year, VIVO, which provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners, awarded the charity £10,000 sponsorship as part of a two-year corporate partnership.

The funding has contributed towards the costs to tarmac the car parking facilities at the house, which will also accommodate disabled residents and improve the visiting experience.

When Launchpad took over the management and operation of Hollyacre House last year, the grounds around the house were extremely overgrown and unkempt. The driveway leading to the house and the dedicated car parking area for residents became heavily deteriorated and was in major disrepair.

Now, thanks to additional funding, the new car parking facility is not only more functional, it has aesthetically improved the external appearance of the house.

Launchpad provides accommodation and services, with the help of specialist providers, to support homeless veterans who have fallen on hard times and have found the transition from military to civilian life difficult. Hollyacre House comprises 16 self-contained apartments for veterans and their partners, and includes a communal lounge, kitchen and a gym for residents to relax and socialise.

Phil Thompson, Manager of Hollyacre House, said:

“Naturally, when we took on the ownership of the house there were a lot of jobs that needed doing. Our main focus was to concentrate on undertaking essential internal improvements to the flats and communal areas. The car park was in desperate need of repair, to the point where residents were refusing to use the area because of the risk of damage to their cars.

 

“Improving the car parking facilities was always a job that needed doing but, as a small charity, a huge expense, so we are very grateful to VIVO Defence for providing this funding to enable us to carry out these essential works. The result is amazing and will hugely benefit residents and visitors, but it has also significantly changed the appearance of the house.”

Jerry Moloney, VIVO Defence Services Managing Director, added:

“As an organisation that works solely for the UK military and its partners, giving back to charities that do such great work – as Launchpad does for former armed services personnel – is really important to us.

 

“I am proud we have been able to help in this way, the new driveway looks fantastic. I look forward to seeing what more work we can do together throughout our partnership for Launchpad and, of course, the veterans it does so much for.”

In addition to the funding, VIVO Defence has also committed to arrange for its employees to visit Launchpad’s locations to provide workshops, job training and advice to residents seeking employment.

Veterans’ charity Launchpad has been awarded the silver award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for demonstrating its commitment and support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.

Launchpad is one of 56 businesses that has secured the silver award. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Launchpad was awarded the bronze award in February 2021 and has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the military community. The charity provides accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to support homeless veterans who have fallen on hard times and have found the transition from military to civilian life difficult.

To strive for Silver recognition, Launchpad has:

• Employed 14 Defence people including reservists and veterans.
• Enabled reservists to apply for up to 15 days special leave of absence to attend training and courses with the reserve forces.
• Continued to support resident veterans living in all three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham with housing, health and wellbeing and employment opportunities as part of their transition to move on and live independently.
• Engaged with other military charities, the Armed Forces and an extensive network of corporate partners to promote and support veterans and reservists.

Nicola Higham, Deputy Manager at Launchpad’s Speke House in Liverpool said;

“Through my five years’ service at the Army Reserves, I have been fully supported by Launchpad and can adjust my working hours if necessary. Each year, I’m granted 15 days paid leave entitlement for my annual camp. Without the support of Launchpad, I would not be able to offer my service in the capacity that I do.”

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, commented:

“This is fantastic news and we are delighted to receive this silver award in recognition for our commitment and support to the Armed Forces and the veterans we have supported since we were founded in 2013. Veterans and reservists are a fundamental part of our expanding workforce and I’m proud this has been recognised.”

Commenting on the announcement of the 2023 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards; Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserve & Cadets), Major General Marc Overton said: “I would like to thank and congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefits to the Armed Forces Community.

“The winners should all be proud of their life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans and their families. The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”

Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA) and a Trustee of Launchpad, said:

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Each recipient has demonstrated their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”

Launchpad runs three houses in the North of England providing accommodation and support for up to 100 veterans. Since 2013, over 620 veterans have been supported across all three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham.

The full list of businesses achieving the Silver Award can be viewed here.