Veterans living at Launchpad’s Avondale House have been recognised for their hard work during lockdown after winning a prize at this year’s ‘Byker in Bloom’ gardening competition.

Two of the residents volunteered to tidy the front of the house clearing bushes and weeding and then planting up planters and gravel adding colour and making it appealing and even easier to maintain.

The materials were purchased from donations raised at the 75th VE Day celebration events, which took place on the Estate in May where residents baked cakes.

The annual gardening competition was created by Byker councillors and is supported and funded through the Byker ward committee. It is partly funded and delivered by the committee and Byker Community Trust (BCT) housing association, which owns and manages homes on the Byker Estate.

The free-to-enter competition encourages all residents living in the Byker ward to enter their colourful garden creations with categories including prettiest balcony, most creative backyard, best newcomer, innovation in a front garden and lockdown project.

This year, a new category was included with additional funding support from Newcastle City Council’s Arts Development team and provided by Northern Cultural Projects. Judging was supported by Urban Green and RHS volunteer.

Prizes of shopping vouchers are awarded for first, second and third places.

Sam Hughes, Assistant Manager Projects at Avondale House, said: “I am really proud of our residents who took it upon themselves to look after and maintain the front of house. The transformation is amazing and I think it’s great that they have been recognised for their efforts.

“Gardening not only gets our residents outdoors and into the fresh air but it also helps with their mental health and wellbeing.”

Councillor Veronica Dunn, said: “We would like to thank everyone who entered a garden or green space in the competition this year. Despite all the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic, we have been overwhelmed by the response to this year’s event and the standard of the spaces the judges have visited.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity to see your gardens and acknowledge the care and effort that goes in to help to keep Byker ‘in Bloom’. Well done to all the winners and everyone else who entered.”

Avondale House comprises 32 self-contained one-bedroom flats and residents are supported to help them make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Since 2013, the charity, which also has a house in Speke, Liverpool, has supported 474 veterans. 42% of residents left Launchpad with jobs and 69% successfully moved on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they needed.

Launchpad has been shortlisted in the ‘Veteran Owned Business of the Year’ category at this year’s English Veterans’ Awards.

The annual awards recognise veterans in business, fitness, sport and the wider community. They also recognise reservists who are doing great things within their community and companies that support the military community.

Launchpad was founded in 2013 by three people, two of whom are former members of the military community who passionately believe that veterans who struggle with the transition from military to civilian life deserve our nation’s help and assistance.

Since it was established, the charity has supported over 470 veterans. In the last 12 months, Launchpad has supported 128 veterans with accommodation and the support they need to rebuild their lives. 42% of residents left Launchpad with a paid job and 69% moved on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with their families or with the help and support they need.

The charity has two houses, Avondale House in Newcastle upon Tyne, which comprises 32 self-contained one-bedroom flats and Speke House in Liverpool, accommodating 48 residents in self-contained flats.

The English Veterans’ Awards are open to all former military veterans that are doing great things in England, Reservists that are going above and beyond and those companies that go the extra mile to support veterans within, or recruit employees from, the military community.

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

“We are delighted to be shortlisted in these awards. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our committed staff.

“Launchpad has supported hundreds of veterans since it was established. For most veterans, the transition from the armed forces to civilian life will be smooth but, those few who can’t resettle easily are faced with challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental and physical health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment. We help veterans overcome these challenges wherever possible.

“Just to be shortlisted is a satisfying achievement and we are looking forward to finding out more about the other shortlisted organisations; we look forward to hearing of their journey and wish everyone good luck.”

There are twelve awards in total and the winners from each category will be announced in the finals to be held at the Village Hotel Solihull on 7 October 2020.

A full list of all the finalists and categories are available here.

Job Vacancy Specialist Case Worker (Avondale House, Newcastle upon Tyne)

The Specialist Case Worker’s (SCW) role is to help veterans in Launchpad to overcome mental health, gambling, drug and alcohol issues in order to get them into stable and independent lives. The SCW will work with veterans, staff, volunteers and partner organisations to encourage those veterans who need support to engage the agencies that provide expert relevant help.

Job Title: Specialist Case Worker (SCW)

Reports to:         Manager, Avondale House
Job type:            12 Month Contract linked to grant funding
Remuneration:  c £26,269.00
Holidays:            33 days (includes bank holidays).
Hours of work:  37.5 per week, to be worked on a flexible approach which may include covering evenings and weekends, as directed by the Manager of the House. An on-call rota is operated to give cover out of hours and the Specialist Case Worker will be included in the rota.

Application deadline: Saturday, 22 August, 2020 – 23:30

The Service

Launchpad is a registered charity. Avondale House is one of two supported houses within Launchpad; it is a unique initiative benefitting homeless veterans and their partners. Providing accommodation and support for up to 2 years helping veterans make a successful transition into permanent housing and employment. Avondale House contains 32 self-contained, furnished flats in a safe and secure environment. It is in Byker, just East of Newcastle City Centre.

Launchpad is of national importance, with Avondale House providing a local solution, working with local organisations to secure a stronger future for veterans, reducing risk of homelessness and rough sleeping, dealing with housing, health and wellbeing, and training for employment. This is a 12-month contract linked to grant funding, within a charity that is expanding its services. We are seeking funding to extend the post beyond the first year.

Role Overview

Job Purpose

The SCW’s role is to help veterans in Launchpad to overcome mental health, gambling, drug and alcohol issues in order to get them into stable and independent lives. The SCW will work with veterans, staff, volunteers and partner organisations to encourage those veterans who need support to engage the agencies that provide expert relevant help.

The outcomes should be as follows:

• Veterans free of, or with reduced, addictions and with good mental health.
• Continuity of care through effective partnership working, care co-ordination, delivery of interventions and key work responsibilities.
• Support to the day-to-day operation of the service through the delivery of appropriate interventions.

Enhanced reputation of Launchpad. The SCW is expected to contribute (with guidance and training as necessary) in other areas of management of Avondale House, as all do, including fundraising, guiding and mentoring residents, helping with administration, accounting and standing in for other members of staff when necessary.

Method

The SCW will work with residents, staff, partner organisations and others, as necessary, to support, arrange and co-ordinate the delivery of interventions and key work responsibilities. The priority is to do what is good for the veterans and is to do all he or she can to motivate residents to engage.

In conjunction with other staff, the SCW will assist the residents in preparing Personal Action Plans based on the Outcomes Star methodology that leads to employment as well as liaising with the other agencies in and around Newcastle to secure third-party expertise in welfare, health, training, employment and housing.

The SCW must support the Manager in engaging the veterans while representing the interests of Launchpad. The SCW must be perceived as balanced, fair and objective. To achieve this, he/she will possess strong leadership capabilities and an approachable personality, coupled with excellent communication skills.

Primary Responsibilities

Organise through self-help in Launchpad or with external organisations, a programme of support for residents as follows:

• Manage an active caseload providing structured brief interventions and/or other psychosocial and pharmacotherapy interventions in conjunction with the Manager.
• Establish and strengthen relationships with partner organisations to provide the best available support to residents in the areas of mental health and addiction.
• Deliver an integrated service through the provision of assessment, recovery planning, appropriate referral, support, care co-ordination and interventions (e.g.) psychosocial, pharmacotherapy, harm reduction)
• Assess and manage risk ensuring a safe and appropriate environment for all active risk prevention.
• Develop and manage Personal Action Plans with individual residents, including creating and maintaining personal records, creating and managing the residents’ Outcome Stars, in conjunction with other staff.
• Develop and disseminate substance misuse information and give advice on health and social well being in both group and one to one setting.
• Support the Manager and be prepared to stand in for other staff when required
• Conduct risk analyses and take actions to keep staff and residents safe, as necessary.
• Record outcomes and write reports and case histories, as required by the Manager and Trustees.
• Be a part of the “Staff on Call Rota”.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

Essential Competencies

• Inclusive, encouraging leadership and motivational powers.
• Personable nature, with high quality oral and written communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with enthusiasm to make a positive impact on, and help, veterans.
• Be able to work largely unsupervised.
• The ability to plan, prepare and execute complex plans to achieve successful outcomes for the residents and charity.
• Be methodical, accurate and have a thorough approach to work, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to influence and develop strong relationships with external organisations and veterans to benefit all in Launchpad.
• Trustworthiness, fairness, honesty and respect for others.
• Strong organisational skills and high quality oral and written communication skills.
• Experience of working in Supported Accommodation with residents with complex needs.
• Enthusiasm and patience when working with people.
• Experience in lone working.
• Understanding of addiction services and the support they provide.
• Understanding and experience of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of our veterans.
• Experience of working with vulnerable adults with mental health, drink and/or drugs issues.
• Full UK driving license.

Desirable Competencies

• Awareness of general Health and Safety legislation. Trained in Safeguarding.
• Competent IT skills, to include the internet, social media, Word and Excel.
• Experience of accounting.
• Understanding of the challenges ex-service personnel face when transitioning from military service to civilian life.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring

This role requires the post-holder to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check through the Home Office’s Disclosure and Barring Service.

Information obtained as a result of the check that may adversely affect the post-holder’s ability to fulfil the role may result in termination of employment.

Contact and Application Process

Applicants should respond to the advert by contacting [email protected] sending a CV and a covering letter that explains how the applicant suits the job description and why they want the job. The closing date for applications is 23.30 on Saturday 22 August 2020.

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to revision in accordance with the needs of the charity to ensure an effective and efficient administrative function.

National veterans’ charity, Launchpad has received a grant totalling £50,000 thanks to a donation by the Veterans’ Foundation.

The grant will help to ensure the charity continues to provide safe, secure accommodation and other essential support to homeless veterans in the UK to help them make a successful transition to civilian life.

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

Since 2013, Launchpad has supported homeless veterans to stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life. The charity has two houses, Avondale House in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, which comprises 32 self-contained one-bedroom flats and Speke House in Liverpool accommodating 48 residents in self-contained flats.

In 2018, the University of York found there were 3,500 homeless veterans in the UK, many living on the streets. Around 85% of veterans who arrive at Launchpad are homeless and are supported for up to two years (longer if necessary). This grant will contribute towards helping homeless and unemployed veterans rebuild their lives.

Homeless veterans are referred to Launchpad through a network of UK military charities, local authorities and housing partners. For many homeless veterans, Launchpad is often the first safe place they’ve slept in for months, even years.

Staff work with residents to understand their needs and develop a tailored support package that will help them on the road to successfully transition to civilian life.

To date, the Veterans’ Foundation has given £3.8 million out in grants to 260 organisations, many of them smaller but very worthwhile charities, which are helping members of the Armed Forces community.

Major General David Shaw CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, said:

“The Veterans’ Foundation helps to fund charities and other charitable organisations who do wonderful work for service people to tackle the challenges of mental and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of parents while serving and remembrance.

“For most veterans, the transition from serving in the Armed Forces and returning back to civilian life will be smooth but, those few who can’t resettle easily, are faced with challenges such as homelessness, poverty, health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment.

“Launchpad is a terrific charity providing high quality accommodation and holistic support so this grant will help them to continue to deliver their great service.”

Nicholas Tubbs, Chair of Launchpad, said:

“We are very grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for this grant donation, which will ensure we can continue to support homeless veterans. No veteran should be homeless and charities such as Launchpad exist to ensure the structure and mechanisms are in place to support them on their journey.

“Raising funds, particularly during these current economic times is challenging so securing grant funding at this level is very welcome. Thank you on behalf of all staff, trustees and residents.”

Launchpad accommodates up to 80 resident veterans from across the UK at any one time. Since 2013, 474 veterans have benefitted from the charity. 42% of residents left Launchpad with jobs and 69% successfully moved on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they needed.

For most veterans, the transition from serving in the military and returning to civilian life will be smooth and the veterans subsequently contribute enormously to businesses and their communities. However, a small percentage can’t resettle easily and are faced with a number of challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental health issues, addictions and unemployment.

A survey by veterans’ charity Launchpad indicated that 60% of residents currently living at each of their houses in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Liverpool agreed that relationship and family breakdowns were the main contributing factors for their homelessness.

The survey asked residents to consider their experiences before finding Launchpad and a large majority said they found it difficult to cope with life outside of the forces. This put a huge strain on their relationships with their partners, spouses and families, in most cases resulting in divorce and separation.

Broken relationships led to homelessness with 89% stating they were either sofa-surfing or staying with friends, while 70% said they were sleeping rough. 81% of residents said they also had mental health problems ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD.

More than half of those who responded said they had problems with addictions including drugs, alcohol and gambling, while 83% were long-term unemployed.

Thankfully, help is available to our veterans who face these challenges and charities such as Launchpad provide safe, secure accommodation and wide-ranging support to help them stabilise their lives and make a successful transition back to civilian life.

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

“Each of our resident veterans has an extraordinary tale to tell about how they got into a situation where they needed some refuge like Launchpad to help them get life back in order. Listening to them, I realise how easy it is for seemingly stable lives to unravel. Each veteran has a different set of challenges, but frequently our survey identifies family breakdowns as a major cause for the veterans’ homelessness. I would add that this is not based on academic analysis and we would welcome that research if it would lead to reduced incidence of veterans’ homelessness.”

Luke served eight years in the British Army and completed operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He found the transition from the military to civilian life difficult.

The former professional rugby league player, said:

“I found the transition really hard. When I left the military, my wife chose to live elsewhere with my daughter. I found that difficult and it put a huge strain on our marriage. When we separated, I felt my whole world collapse. I became homeless and lonely and this escalated to other problems. Thankfully, I found Launchpad and I’ve never looked back.

 

“The staff have been there for me and advised me and I know I made the right choice to come here. Launchpad has supported me to get my life back on track. I’m happy, I feel healthy, refocussed again and I still get to see my daughter. I’ve enrolled onto an electrical course at University starting in October and I can’t wait to get started.”

Veteran soldier Gary served three tours of Iraq and two in Northern Ireland; ultimately reaching the rank of Corporal.

Whilst serving, his marriage of 12 years started to break down. He said:

“I found the transition from the army extremely difficult and I believe the problems I was having in my marriage were caused by the stress of me being away on training or on tours. We managed to continue our marriage for a further five years after I left the military but then it completely broke down.”

Gary served a short spell in prison and he used his time effectively to reassess and focus on what he really wanted in life.

Upon his release, he was referred to Launchpad. He said:

“Launchpad is a stepping-stone for me to move on with my life. I came here with nothing and literally started from scratch. I have been able to study and gain qualifications I needed to become a wind turbine technician.

 

“If I hadn’t found Launchpad, I would probably have been in a hostel or re-offended. I spent my time in jail wisely – trying to find myself again and seeing where I fit in and belong in life. I’ve got three young children who I don’t see and it’s hard mentally.”

Over 470 veterans have benefitted from Launchpad’s service since it was established in 2013. The charity accommodates up to 80 veterans from across the UK at any one time in both houses.

Our staff and partners provide targeted support for up to two years (longer if necessary) and recent stats have shown this it is a winning formula, with 42% of residents leaving Launchpad with jobs and 69% successfully moving on to settled accommodation and with the support they need.

Some of our resident veterans from Avondale House enjoyed a relaxing day out fishing up in the beautiful surroundings of Northumberland this week.

The day was organised by the Angling Trust, the sport’s governing body in England, and has become a popular day out for many of our residents, giving them time to relax, unwind and get away for life’s daily stresses.

Fishing is fun activity for our residents to engage in and on this occasion, they were catching carp at a lake in Bellingham near Hexham.

The photo shows Avondale resident Mick after catching a carp, which he later released back into the lake.

The Angling Trust provide all the essentials including the tackle and bait, licence and transport.

Commenting on the eventful trip, Mick, said: “Fishing has always been a hobby of mine and it helps me to take time out and re-focus my mind. I love being outdoors in the fresh air and I think it’s great that Launchpad and the Angling Trust organise these trips for us. It’s one of many activities that are organised by the charity to help veterans rehabilitate.

“Launchpad is not just about putting a roof over someone’s head, it’s about providing the necessary support that will help veterans like me and other residents on their journey.”

Sam Hughes, Assistant Manager Projects at Avondale House in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “After four months of lockdown, it’s great to see the impact this has had. Just to get out of the house and be at one with nature and do the sport you enjoy doing has given our residents a huge boost. I’d like to thank the Angling Trust for organising this trip, which was made even more spectacular by catching a few fish.

“To support our residents, we provide a range of purposeful activities every week, including sports, recreation and volunteering, so veterans can rediscover their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. The activities are provided in a safe, supportive environment by our staff and partner organisations, but where veterans also help each other on their road to recovery.”