Veterans living at Launchpad’s Speke House were treated to an afternoon of entertainment after being invited to a summer garden party.

It was the first time since lockdown, the residents were able to get together and soak in the atmosphere at the summer drive-in concert, organised by The Not Forgotten Foundation.

Residents and staff from Launchpad enjoyed a BBQ, raffle, bingo and music from the 50’s to the 90’s at the event, which was held at Knowsley Hall in Prescot. The show was hosted by Annie Riley and The Harmonic Sounds of Musicality.

The free event is one of eleven summer garden party events organised as part of The Not Forgotten’s 100th birthday celebrations.

The Not Forgotten provides social activities and challenges to combat social isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community.

They support serving men and women who is wounded, injured or sick and any veteran with a disability, illness or infirmity, by organising activities to raise money and provide physical challenge and build self-confidence.

Martin Leverick who attended said:

“I had a great time, musicality was top notch entertainment, the food was a real treat and we even got to meet Lord Derby. All in all, a fantastic day out. As a disabled veteran, I appreciate all the work that went into making the day happen.”

Antony Lewis said he was extremely grateful for the invite to The Not Forgotten Foundation summer event. He said:

“I really enjoyed the whole day, the music was fantastic it was pleasure to meet Lord Derby and engage and enjoy my time out of the Speke House with my fellow veterans. After the last year of Covid-19, it was brilliant to be out and about engaging and socialising again. A big thank you to Speke House for supporting me and also to The Not forgotten Foundation for a fantastic day.”

Natalie Scully, Assistant Manager (Projects) at Speke House, said:

“After months of isolation and lockdown due to the pandemic, this was a welcome event for our residents to enjoy. It was lovely just to get outdoors in the sunshine, breath in the fresh air and enjoy the entertainment. We all had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you to The Not Forgotten for organising this event for veterans.”

Speke House is the city’s largest veterans’ accommodation providing 48 self-contained flats and communal areas. Last year, the house supported 71 previously homeless veterans. 61% of those successfully move on to settled accommodation and 28% left in paid employment.

More information on The Not Forgotten is here https://thenotforgotten.org

Up to 60 pupils from Byker Primary School in Newcastle welcomed special visitors in class this week to learn about Armed Forces Day.

Staff and one of the veteran residents from nearby Avondale House visited the school this week to talk to two Year 6 classes to inform them about Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day will be held this Saturday, 26 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.

Phil Thompson, Manager of Avondale House who served 31 years in the British Army, organised the visit with his staff and residents to talk about life in the military and why we celebrate Armed Forces Day. It was also an opportunity for the children to speak to the veterans and ask questions.

Thanks to funding from Karbon Homes, they were invited to make bunting, write thank you cards and design toppings for a celebration cake that will be presented by some of the children to serving personnel at The Fifth Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers this Friday, 25 June, to show their appreciation.

Phil said: “We love going into the schools and talking to the children about Launchpad and to raise awareness of important days such as Armed Forces Day. We haven’t been able to do that recently because of Covid but, this year we were able to make this happen.

 

“We wanted to engage with local schools and as many pupils as possible to explain the importance of Armed Forces Day but also invite them to participate in some fun activities. They also asked us some really good questions and it was nice to hear some of their parents and extended families are currently serving or have served for their country.

 

“These events are important dates throughout the year to remember and celebrate and engaging pupils in practical activities is a great way of showing their appreciation to the armed forces community.”

James Shield, Key Stage 2 Phase Leader at Byker Primary School, said:

“Our children really enjoyed the activities designed by Launchpad and to learn about the armed forces and engage with veterans who they are likely to see in their local area.

 

“It is important for our children to be able to engage with groups in the local area and address any misconceptions such as ‘all veterans fought in World War Two’. They appreciate all those who are serving (and previously served) and it is the communication with the forces staff that will be the most rewarding.”

Veronica aged 11 said,

“My mam used to be a medic in the Army and her boyfriend was a soldier, so he has shown me all his medals. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the talks today and making the bunting.”

Alyssa aged 10 said,

“My mam was in the Navy for 7 years and we always pay our respects on Remembrance Day but I didn’t know much about Armed Forces Day so it was really interesting. I’ve enjoyed the talks and activities.”

Staff from Avondale House also visited Ponteland Academy this week to talk to Year 6 pupils and participate in the fun activities.

Launchpad’s Avondale House is the North East’s largest veterans’ accommodation comprising 33 one-bedroom self-contained flats. The charity provides accommodation and a wide range of support, with the help of specialist providers, to residents and their partners to help them make a successful transition to civilian life.

Since 2013, Launchpad has supported 517 residents (as of 21 June 2021) from its two houses in Newcastle upon Tyne and Liverpool.

Veteran residents living at Launchpad’s Speke House in Liverpool are looking forward to getting outdoors and keeping fit this summer after establishing their own cycling club.

The club will help residents to combat challenging mental health and improve their wellbeing through physical activity and provide greater opportunities to socialise.

Staff and residents will be organising bike rides throughout the year to encourage residents to get outdoors and keep active and they are also hoping to raise money for the charity by cycling the Coast-to-Coast route.

To get them on their way, Launchpad has purchased bikes, storage units, clothing and equipment thanks to a donation of £9,100 by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS).

The funding is part of its annual Big Salute campaign, which raises money to benefit members of the armed forces’ community and their families. Launchpad is one of eleven charities that has been successful in applying to the latest round of funding.

Monies are raised and donated through activities undertaken by their audiences as well as BFBS staff. The Big Salute is supported by BFBS Trustees and by the forces’ community through fundraising events in the UK and abroad.

Nicky Ness, Director of Broadcasting and Entertainment, BFBS, said:

“Every year, the Big Salute supports armed forces’ charities with grants to fund a huge variety of projects, many of which have helped to connect veterans and communities together. The pandemic has reduced the opportunities for socialising and physical activities, so we are thrilled that this grant will enable more veterans to enjoy cycling to help boost their overall physical and mental wellbeing.”

Sam Jackson, Manager at Speke House, said:

“This funding will make an enormous difference to the veterans at Speke House, especially after such a long period of lockdown when they have been unable to support each other in their recovery and exercise freely. As lockdown eases and the weather improves, it will be fantastic for them to get outdoors on their bikes to socialise and improve their mental health and wellbeing.”

Speke House opened in 2015 and is the city’s largest veterans’ accommodation providing 48 self-contained flats and communal areas. 85% of the residents that arrive at Launchpad are homeless and the charity provides accommodation and support, through the assistance of specialist providers, to help residents successfully transition back into civilian life.

Last year, Speke House supported 71 previously homeless veterans. 61% of those successfully move on to settled accommodation and 28% left in paid employment.

More information on the Big Salute is here www.bfbs.com/bigsalute

Launchpad is looking to extend its network of connections across the North East region thanks to the unique benefits of being a member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce (NEECC).

The charity joined thousands of other organisations by becoming a member of the Chamber and is looking forward to the start of the gradual return to face-to-face events when possible, and has benefited from the Chamber’s extensive virtual events programme.

The Chamber was established to bring organisations together as a collective force and to have a stronger voice. It is the North East’s largest member organisation representing 3,000 businesses from SME’s to large multi-nationals.

Launchpad’s Avondale House based in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne is the city’s largest veterans’ accommodation provider, dedicated to provide accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to 33 residents including their partners.

Avondale House has supported over 220 veterans since it opened in 2013, providing support to residents to help them successfully transition to civilian life and live independently.

Phil Thompson, Manager of Avondale House said:

“Becoming a member of the Chamber is important for a charity like ours to help raise awareness of supporting our veterans but also to collaborate with other organisations who may be able to support the work we do.

 

“We joined just before Covid-19 hit so access to events have been restricted but, now that we are coming out of the pandemic, we’re looking forward to attending events and networking with other like-minded businesses to grow our network and share knowledge and influence. This is a great opportunity for Launchpad and to support our growth strategy across the region.”

Lynsey Fairless, Relationship Manager Small Business at the Chamber, said:

“We are delighted to have Launchpad in our membership. In the Chamber we pride ourselves in our ability to connect businesses for their mutual benefit and also for the benefit of the whole North East business community.”

The charity, which also has a house in Liverpool providing accommodation for up to 48 residents, welcomed its 500th resident in March since it was founded. 71% of residents successfully move on to settled accommodation and 42% (pre-pandemic figure) leave in paid employment.

If you or your organisation would like to support the work we do, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.

Veterans living at Launchpad’s Speke House accommodation in Liverpool have benefitted from a community grant from the Asda Foundation to purchase food, hygiene and wellbeing products.

A total of £750 worth of products was donated from the Hunts Cross store via the Asda Supporting Communities Grant to support up to 48 residents living at the house.

Staff at Launchpad applied for the grant funding, which is offered to projects where communities are transformed and lives can be improved.

Food items including tins and non-perishables were donated to make up food packs, while hygiene products such as shower gels, toothpastes and deodorants will also be included and distributed in welcome packs to new residents but also given out to current residents.

Baking items and ingredients were also donated to allow up to 20 residents to take part in a wellbeing project to make pancakes, allowing them to socialise and learn new skills.

Natalie Scully, Assistant Manager (Projects) at Speke House, said: “We are delighted to receive ongoing support from the Asda Hunts Cross store. This is the third time the branch has reached out to us to support our veteran residents.

“The items that have been donated to residents have made a huge impact, especially the baking products, which allowed us to bring residents together for a social purpose during a time when we were unable to have days out. Projects such as baking can have a positive effect on the mental health of our residents.”

Chloe Rose Millington, Asda Hunts Cross Community Champion, said: “Asda Foundation grants are about bringing people together and improving the lives of those in our communities. We are proud to offer continued support to the veteran residents living at Launchpad’s Speke House, particularly during these challenging times.”

Earlier this year, the store donated boxed sets of deodorants and shower gels and bales of towels and at Easter, the made sure all residents received an Easter Egg.

Since 2013, the charity, which also has a house in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, has supported over 510 veterans. In a typical year, 71% of residents successfully move on to settled accommodation and 42% (pre-pandemic figure) leave in paid employment.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 takes place from May 10th -16th.

The theme of the nationwide campaign this year is “Nature”, highlighting the benefits that being out in nature can bring to supporting mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week is led by the Mental Health Foundation which aims to help people to protect, understand and sustain their mental health. This awareness week allows people to talk about their mental health and have conversations that may prevent them from becoming unwell.

What are the mental health problems that affect veterans?

There are three common mental health issues most commonly suffered by veterans: PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), depression and traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTSD occurs in some veterans who have experienced military combat, assault and disasters and often presents as poor sleeping, panic attacks and anger, and can often lead to drug and alcohol abuse. The 2014 JAMA Psychiatry study suggested PTSD was 15 times more likely to occur in veterans than in civilians.

Depression is more than ‘feeling down’ and is more likely to leave people feeling unable to cope with daily life, struggling to complete daily tasks and find socialising very difficult. The 2014 JAMA Psychiatry study found that veterans were five times more likely to suffer from depression than civilians.

TBI is a result of a significant blow to the head and disrupts life with severe headaches, fatigue, drowsiness and issues with low mood and mood swings.

How does Launchpad help?

Here at Launchpad, our staff work with a wide network of partners that provide mental health and wellbeing support.

Some residents have more complex needs than others and may need multi-agency or medical support for their issues. Launchpad encourages residents to talk about problems they are experiencing, and to take part in activities that support their mental health and wellbeing.

While many have felt the double blow of poor mental health and isolation in the times of lockdown during Covid-19, they are encouraged to get involved in social activities such as day trips, group cycling and skills-based activities such as baking.

As restrictions now allow us to travel for physical activity, our residents are encouraged again to get out in nature and take part in group activities like fishing.

Earlier this year, the charity secured £3,530 from the Angling Trust as part of Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund to organise a series of fishing trips, available to all 33 residents living at Avondale House in Newcastle, to participate in throughout the year.

It is proven that fishing reduces stress and anxiety, improves physical health, mental wellbeing and social isolation and it will contribute to their recovery.

In addition, funding has also been secured thanks to a grant of £9,100 awarded by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) to set up a cycle club at Speke House. The funding is part of its annual Big Salute campaign and the cycle club will allow residents to combat challenging mental health and improve their wellbeing through physical activity, providing greater opportunities to socialise.

The funding will be used to purchase bikes, storage units, clothing and equipment and staff and residents will be organising bike rides throughout the year to encourage residents to get outdoors and keep active.

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

“Enabling veterans to take part in social, sporting and skills activities brings them enjoyment and helps them tackle mental health issues. We are proud that our excellent staff and partner organisations make these opportunities available to the veterans.”

To find out more about Mental Health Awareness week, please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week