AstraZeneca in Liverpool are working with staff and residents from Launchpad’s Speke House, as part of Armed Forces Week.

Staff from the company visited the house this week to help residents construct a new greenhouse and to teach them about gardening and growing their own produce to promote healthy living. One member of staff even brought in plants to give the garden a boost and has offered advice on what to grow so residents can enjoy their surroundings over the summer.

Staff and residents living at Speke House have also been invited into AstraZeneca’s offices on Renaissance Way, Boulevard Industry Park in Speke to join in with some of their celebration events to raise awareness of the charity and Armed Forces Day, which will be held this Saturday, 25 June.

In addition, AstraZeneca has also kindly gifted Launchpad staff five iPads to improve communication with residents and they are going to promote the charity and all the great work they do to support veterans not just here in the UK but to other teams globally.

The activities build on an already successful partnership the charity has with AstraZeneca who will continue to support Launchpad as one of their site adopted charities. In November last year, staff from the company visited the house and volunteered to build four raised flowerbeds so residents could tend and maintain the area throughout the year. In addition to giving up their time, materials such as pallets, screws and compost were also donated by AstraZeneca.

Sam Jackson, Manager of Speke House, said:

“Once again, we are extremely grateful to all the staff at AstraZeneca for their continued support of Launchpad and working with our residents in the garden.

“Activities like this give them a real confidence boost and it also helps with their mental health and wellbeing by being outdoors, socialising and working and communicating with different people.

“The garden is really taking shape – just in time for summer and we hope this nice weather we have continues, so they can sit out and enjoy it. We’ve set up a gardening club and some of the residents have expressed interest in maintaining and improving the garden area all year round which is fantastic to see they are taking ownership and pride in their area.”

Mark Proctor, Senior Director of the Liverpool AstraZeneca site, said:

“We are extremely proud to be supporting Armed Forces Day and Launchpad. Historically our site has supported many local causes in the community, and I know our employees find it immensely rewarding to see the difference our backing can make to individuals and organisations like Launchpad. We have ex-service people and current reservists working on the site who know only too well how important Launchpad is and how impactful our support can be. We look forward to further nurturing this partnership and helping more local veterans in the future.”

Launchpad provides accommodation and support, with the help of partner organisations, to veterans to help then transition to civilian life. Speke House comprises 50 self-contained flats and communal facilities including a communal lounge, kitchen, IT suite, consultation room and garden.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for the nation to celebrate and show our support to the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served for their country, past and present.

Leading North of England civil engineering and built environment company, Esh Group, has pledged its support to veterans’ charity Launchpad.

As part of Armed Forces Week, staff from the company will be visiting Avondale House in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, this week to deliver a session to residents from its Building My Skills programme which will provide employability and careers guidance to the veterans living at the scheme.

The charity provides vital accommodation and support for up to 100 veterans across its three houses in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool. Avondale House on the Byker Estate in Newcastle comprises 33 self-contained flats and is the largest veterans’ accommodation in the City.

For most veterans, the transition from the armed forces to civilian life is smooth but those few who can’t resettle easily face challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental and physical health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment.

Launchpad was created to help veterans overcome these challenges and to live positive, independent and rewarding lives thereafter, ideally in employment too.

The charity works with local and national partners to deliver a variety of support services that benefit residents. Esh Group is the latest company to provide employment and training advice to help resident veterans find jobs.

The partnership is expected to bring lots of benefits to residents living at the house, particularly those who are looking to find a career in the construction industry.

Although the partnership has been announced as part of Armed Forces Week, the charity and Esh Group are hoping to form a long-term arrangement that will not only benefit existing residents but also future and past residents too.

Thanks to external funding from Nationwide’s Community Grant Scheme, all residents that have moved on to independent living will continue to be supported and former residents will be able to access employment services.

Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Avondale House in Newcastle and Hollyacre House in Durham, said:

“We are very grateful to Esh Group for supporting Launchpad and delivering employment and careers advice service to our residents.

“For some veterans, leaving the armed forces and finding employment can be challenging however, most former serving personnel have transferable skills that many employers put at the top of their person specification.

“Our residents are looking forward to taking advantage of these sessions delivered by Esh Group and you never know, if the opportunity arises, they may even end up working for the company in future, which would be fantastic.”

Kate Marshall, Social Value Manager at Esh Group, added:

“I’m delighted to be working with Launchpad and its veterans during Armed Forces Week and beyond to raise awareness of careers in construction, as well as helping individuals with employability skills. I am fortunate to be joined by one of our Contracts Manager’s who is a veteran and can provide a real-life success story of forging a career in the industry upon leaving the forces.”

Armed Forces Day will be held this Saturday, 25 June and is a chance for the nation to celebrate and show our support to the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served for their country, past and present.

Two years after he originally planned to climb North Africa’s highest mountain, Afghan war veteran and Launchpad ambassador James Rose will finally take on his challenge next week.

The double amputee veteran from Middlesbrough is set to climb 4,167m to the summit of Mount Toubkal in Morocco to complete one of his toughest challenges to date.

The climb was originally planned for September 2020, but his challenge had to be delayed when Covid hit, but now he’s raring to go.

The challenge, even for able-bodied people, is extreme and although it will be happening two years later, it’s something that James is relishing.

James will be accompanied by fellow veterans John Gilpin, Ray Priest and Gerry Garvey who are collectively hoping to raise £15,000 for two veterans’ charities, Launchpad and BLESMA who support limbless veterans.

James and his colleagues are no strangers to achieving extreme physical challenges and his passion for mountaineering really came to the test in 2019 when he became the first double (above the knee) amputee to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

James, 34, joined the British Army in January 2008 was in 2^nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, formerly the Green Howards. He had a passion for football and fitness when growing up but opted for a career in the military.

During his time at Weeton Barracks, James found out that he would be deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and it was during a mission in November that year when his life took a turn for the worse. James was on patrol when he stood on an IED. He heard the pressure plate click and knew for that split second, his life would change forever. As a result of the blast, he lost both of his legs, and suffered a broken pelvis and tail bone. He spent four years recovering in Headley Court and it was his family that helped him stay focussed and get through those dark, difficult times.

Not letting his injuries deter him, he decided to get back into fitness and started rowing. This gave him a new lease of life and in January 2014, he trained with Team GB Development Team. He also learned how to ride a hand cycle and cycled 65 miles in 2017.

In 2018, he was selected to represent Team GB at the Invictus Games in Sydney competing in the wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, gaining silver and bronze medals respectively.

During his time at the Invictus Games, he became friends with Darren Young and together they decided to raise money for veterans with depression and PTSD. Their chosen challenge was to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which they completed in September 2019.

Throughout the pandemic, he remained focussed on the challenge ahead and has been training rigorously for the last two years climbing various mountains in the UK while also publishing his own book called ‘No excuses’. The book is about his own story from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the roof of Africa and talks about resilience and overcoming adversity.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, James said:

“We were originally set to complete this climb in 2020 but when the pandemic hit, plans had to be postponed. I’m just glad it’s finally going ahead and I can’t wait for what lies ahead.

“After reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, I wanted to set myself another challenge. We’ve been training for this for over two years and yes, it’s a personal challenge but it’s also about raising awareness of mental health and funds for two fantastic veterans’ charities.

“These challenges are extremely physical and painful but if you have a positive mindset and stay strong, you will get through it. You need to keep strong in your head – it’s about mind over matter.

“Like I said in my book, I may have lost my legs but not my life, for me life has only just begun and reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal next week will be the icing on the cake.”

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, said:

“Despite the setback of the pandemic, James has shown real strength and courage to carry on and complete this enormous challenge. He is an inspiration to us all and I would like to wish him and the other veterans joining him, a safe journey and we look forward to hearing how he gets on.

“As an ambassador of Launchpad, he is demonstrating what can be achieved through a positive mindset and overcoming adversity and I’m sure this will be welcomed by many of our resident veterans. We are very grateful James has chosen Launchpad as one of his charities to raise much needed funds.”

The climb will take the group approximately three or four days, weather and conditions permitting. To donate, please click here.

James has also been selected to be part of the Queen’s baton relay ahead of this summers’ Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He will carry the baton through Middlesbrough town centre on Thursday 14 July.

Launchpad is a veterans’ charity providing quality accommodation and support to help veterans stabilise their lives before settling down in a supportive community and with a job.

The charity runs three houses across the North of England, in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham, providing accommodation for 100 veterans at any one time for up to two years, longer if necessary.

We are looking for someone to run diversionary activities and small projects at Speke House, on the south side of Liverpool. We’re looking for someone with good leadership and organisation skills who can motivate veterans. The salary is £25K and comes with generous holidays.

Applicants can view the full job description here or please contact Sam Jackson, Manager of Speke House on 07469 886 323, 0151 425 3886 or email [email protected]

Please send a covering letter and CV.

The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded a grant of £40,200 to Launchpad to help change the lives of homeless veterans.

Launchpad provides safe, secure accommodation and other essential support, with the help of partner organisations, to up to 100 Armed Forces veterans to help them make a successful transition to civilian life.

Many residents living at Launchpad have mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some need help with addictions to alcohol and drugs. However, over two-thirds of residents move on to long-term, settled accommodation and a more stable life.

Nicolas Tubbs, Chair of Launchpad, said:

“On behalf of our Trustees and staff, I would like to thank the Veterans’ Foundation and those who play the Veterans’ Lottery, for their continued support and this very kind grant.

 

“This funding will make a big difference to supporting homeless veterans around the UK and help us to continue to support and deliver the excellent service we provide for our residents.”

The funding is for three quarters, subject to quarterly reviews, and will contribute towards the charity’s costs to help homeless and unemployed veterans rebuild their lives by providing accommodation and essential support.

Since 2013, Launchpad, which has three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham, has supported over 550 veterans. 62% of residents successfully move on to settled accommodation and 36% leave in paid employment.

“Our Impact Report (June 2021) highlighted outcomes for our residents and all those who completed our survey in February this year, reported better wellbeing and said they felt better prepared for civilian life,” explained Nicholas.

 

“100% said we’d given them help they couldn’t get elsewhere.”

This latest generous donation from the Veterans’ Foundation will enable Launchpad to continue to support homeless veterans, providing essential support for up to two years.

The Veterans’ Foundation raises its money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. It awards grants to fund charities that help serving and former members of the Armed Forces, their dependents and operationally qualified seafarers who are in need.

Since its inception in July 2016, the Veterans’ Foundation has awarded over £10 million through more than 500 grants supporting over 300 unique organisations.

This year, the Foundation expects to award grants totalling more than £4.5 million. The hundreds of charities and other organisations they have helped include those tackling the challenges of mental and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of serving parents and remembrance.

National veterans’ charity Launchpad has purchased a veterans’ house in County Durham to expand its property portfolio to three houses, providing vital accommodation and support for up to 100 veterans in the North of England.

The charity has purchased Hollyacre Centre on Front Street, Sacriston from administrators, after Single Homeless: Action Initiative in Durham (SHAID) was placed into administration earlier this year, securing the future of eight veterans and saving four jobs.

Hollyacre House comprises 13 self-contained one-bedroom flats and one flat for 5 people and residents will be supported for up to two years (longer if necessary). This is the second veterans’ accommodation the charity has opened in the North East. In 2013, Launchpad opened Avondale House on the Byker estate in Newcastle upon Tyne providing accommodation including 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats and communal areas for former serving personnel and their partners. This was followed by the opening of Speke House in Liverpool in 2015, which provides the same accommodation for 48 residents.

90% of the veterans who arrive at Launchpad are homeless and since 2013, over 550 veterans have been supported with 36% of residents leaving in paid employment and 62% successfully moving on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they needed.

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, commented:

“We are delighted to take over the operations by opening Hollyacre House and continuing to deliver vital accommodation and support to our veterans.

“When the building was closed, eight resident veterans living at the scheme were left wondering where their future lay, but we will continue to support those residents and provide the support they need to help them to successfully move on with their lives.

“We will continue to work with multiple specialist partners to help us deliver the services and support that our veterans need. We look forward to expanding our North East operations, working closely with Durham County Council and charities in the area, many of whom we are familiar with already and who have been very supportive.

“We are keen to work with the local community and businesses and have longer-term plans to restructure some of the layout of the house and improve its facilities.

“The house will be managed by four members of staff who worked at the house in the past and are now members of Launchpad, and we’ll be implementing policies and best practice from our two houses in Newcastle and Liverpool to ensure this facility is run effectively and efficiently. I have no doubt we will bring improvement for staff and residents very quickly.”

Nick Tubbs, Chair of Launchpad, said:

“Our Trustees fully support this expansion and acquisition of a third house and clearly, there is demand for a veterans facility like this in County Durham.

“For most veterans, the transition from the armed forces to civilian life is smooth but more often than not, those few who can’t resettle easily face challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental and physical health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment.

“Launchpad was created specifically to help veterans overcome these challenges and to live positive and rewarding lives thereafter and Hollyacre House will continue to support veterans in need.”

SHAID ceased operations in February 2022 closing two veterans houses, Hollyacre Centre and St. Peter’s Court, also in Sacriston, which comprises 16 self-contained flats. Launchpad has purchased the Hollyacre Centre only and there will be no break in operations.