Residents living at Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Sacriston, Durham will be busy in the garden this summer thanks to grant funding and support from local businesses.

Homeless veterans’ charity Launchpad received a donation of £5,000 from the Newcastle Building Society Community Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, to contribute towards the costs of purchasing a greenhouse and associated equipment for residents to use.

The greenhouse will support the veterans’ recovery by providing regular outdoor wellbeing activities, enabling the veterans to grow their own food and build their mental health.

Launchpad’s Hollyacre House opened in May 2022 and since then, the charity has renovated and landscaped the garden area and created a sensory garden. The garden has been maintained by residents throughout the year and they have taken pride in keeping it tidy and presentable. They have learnt how to grow plants and shrubs, which have also attracted wildlife.

Launchpad also has a partnership with Sunderland University working with Occupational Therapy students who work with the residents and involve them in activities including gardening, cooking and baking.

Construction company Kier is a valued supporter of Launchpad and, through its social value commitments, the Tier 1 contractor has laid a base for the greenhouse and provided labour free of charge to build it for the residents. Newly named by residents as ‘Kier corner’, Graeme Cassidy and David Marshall from Kier Construction’s North & Scotland business, were invited to officially unveil the new greenhouse for the residents to use.

Phil Thompson, manager of Launchpad’s Hollyacre House, said:

“We are so grateful to Newcastle Building Society and to the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland for providing this grant. We always encourage our residents to be outdoors and get active and this greenhouse is a great addition to the garden.

 

“We have greenhouses at our two other houses which are regularly used by residents to grow and cook their own food. The residents have already started to use the greenhouse to start preparing produce and I’m looking forward to seeing the garden during the summer.

 

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Graeme and David from Kier who have very kindly offered their skills and time to build the base and erect the greenhouse and our residents wanted to show their appreciation by naming this area after the company.”

Steve Lynn, operations director for Kier Construction’s North & Scotland business, said:

“I’m really proud of the part Kier has played in helping to build a new greenhouse for the residents at Hollyacre House. The brilliant work carried out by Graeme and David from our aftercare team is just one example of how we are committed to leaving lasting legacies for the local communities in which we work. I look forward to seeing all the fresh produce grown by the residents.”

Hollyacre House resident and keen gardener, Graham French, moved into Hollyacre House in June 2024. He said:

“I’ve already started planning what we’ll grow. Some onions are already sown and then perhaps tomatoes come next. I’ll be glad to pass along what knowledge I have to the other veterans and show them how it’s done.

 

“The charitable donation made it possible and we’ve got a real space, a solid chance to grow food and pass on what we know collectively and it’s something we can build on going forward.”

Sue Legg, Senior Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, said:

“It’s great to know that this grant has enabled such a positive effect on veteran’s wellbeing. It’s a perfect example of how philanthropy can make a difference in tackling health issues for people who are most at risk of social exclusion.”

Hollyacre House is one of three houses the charity manages, with others located in Newcastle and Liverpool and the charity accepts veterans from all over the UK. These projects often provide the first safe space in which veterans have slept for months or years.

The house comprises 15 self-contained, one-bedroom flats, providing vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life.

Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.

Last month, Avondale House resident Arron achieved his ITC Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid through Adventure Training North East. This is the first of many awards he hopes to achieve to pursue a career as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor.

He would like to work locally in the Newcastle area and he recently spent time working with Launchpad Ambassador, Dan Smith of Northern Outdoor to gain experience.

This course and award were made possible through support, advice, and guidance from Ian our Employment and Training Coordinator at Avondale House and a funding grant from the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust that Ian set up for him through an RBL Case worker.

The grant will allow Arron to complete further courses in mountain bike leader, lowland leader, and paddle sports instructor.

It is hoped that further funding can be granted for him to complete specific courses as an archery instructor, climbing wall instructor and camping leader.

Arron is very ambitious and determined to succeed in this field and if any other charities would like to offer Aaron support, please do get in touch.

He is pictured receiving his certificate from Dan Smith.

Veteran, entrepreneur and Launchpad ambassador, Dan Smith is set to embark on one of his biggest adventure challenges to date by aiming to become the first person from the UK to paddle 500km solo along the Hess River in the Northern Yukon, Canada.

He will set off on his Sub-Arctic Odyssey in July 2025 and will be flown into the Yukon – one of Canada’s remotest regions, faced with relentless wilderness, fending for himself armed with only his canoe, bear spray, a shot gun to protect himself from apex predators and enough food and supplies for last him two weeks.

The Hess is considered to be the most remote and challenging canoe-able whitewater rivers in Yukon and while Dan aims to become the first person from UK to complete the challenge in just 14 days, he is also doing it to raise awareness and money for two UK veterans’ charities, Launchpad and Team Forces.

Veteran Dan, 45, from Belford in Northumberland is no stranger to setting himself personal challenges. In 2018 and to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, he kayaked solo the length of Britain. He successfully completed the 998-mile ‘Paddle of Britain’ challenge, setting off from the top of Scotland and paddled via inland waterways to the south coast of England in just 53 days, raising a staggering £27,000.

He is now in full training with paddling and functional strength training and is looking forward to the challenge ahead when he sets off on 14 July 2025.

Launchpad is a homeless veterans charity providing vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans experiencing homelessness and unemployment.

The charity has three houses in the North of England, in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool providing accommodation for up to 98 veterans who come from all over the UK. Dan became an ambassador of the charity in 2019.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been set up and he aims to raise £30,000. All monies raised will be split between two charities, Launchpad and Team Forces. Click here to access his page and place a donation.

Dan said:

“I’m really looking forward to this challenge, it has always been a dream of mine. I can’t wait to experience the feeling of being flown into the Yukon and be dropped off on Keele Lake. It’s going to be a challenge to navigate remote rapids and the alpine wilderness with only remote back up support but I’m super excited. Yes, there is a lot of feeling of anticipation as there will be some big rapids to tackle by myself and to keep an eye out for bears and other apex predators.

 

“But, this is something I’ve always wanted to do. My motto is to explore, inspire and support. I’ve always wanted to explore as a kid and I want to try and inspire others and the next generation to be outdoors and go on an adventure – it can be life changing. Finally, I’m really proud to be supporting two brilliant veterans’ charities that are close to my heart.”

Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said:

“What an incredible challenge and one not for the faint hearted. Dan is a great ambassador of Launchpad and I’d like to wish him a safe and enjoyable adventure. We’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress and encouraging and supporting him all the way.”

A schoolboy from Darlington has raised £155 for a homeless veteran’s charity after making and selling bracelets to his family, school friends and teachers.

Harry Gayles, aged 8, said he wanted to give back to veterans who have struggled with the transition to civilian life and chose Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Durham to give his donation to.

Harry rallied family members to make 115 bracelets which are made of small beads and elastic and made them in various colours and sizes to appeal to everyone.

Harry attends West Park Academy in Darlington and is a popular primary school for service families who are based near Catterick. He said he was inspired by BBC 1 radio presenter Dean McCullough after he starred in last year’s series of the popular TV show I’m a Celebrity. His mother’s partner is also a veteran. He joined the Army when he was 17 and served five years as a mechanic.

Harry said,

“I wanted to give back to veterans and I was pleased when all my friends and even teachers bought a bracelet and supported my idea. I hope the money will help those veterans who are struggling. I have a lot of friends at school whose parents are serving in the Army so I was keen to support them in some way.

 

“There was a lot of bracelets to make so I’m pleased all my family and Nana helped me. I found it very therapeutic but annoying when the beads sometimes fell off the elastic and then I would have to start all over again. I’m glad my donation will help the veterans at Launchpad.”

Sharon Hudson, Deputy Manager at Launchpad’s Hollyacre House, said:

“It was lovely to meet Harry and his family and invite them into Hollyacre House so we could thank him personally but also show him how his donation can help us to deliver the services we do to homeless veterans. What a lovely caring little boy who has a heart of gold. Donations like this mean so much to our charity.”

Staff from Launchpad’s Hollyacre House invited Harry into the house to meet some of the staff and residents and was treated to pizza for his lunch as a thank you. He was also given a tour of the house and was pleased with his visit.

Launchpad is a homeless veterans charity and provides vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life. The charity manages three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK providing accommodation for 98 homeless veterans.

Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad (across all three houses) in 2024 alone.

A grant of £130,000 from Greenwich Hospital will help homeless veterans’ housing charity Launchpad continue its vital support for unemployed former Royal Navy and Royal Marines facing a housing crisis.

Since its establishment in 2013, Launchpad has assisted over 745 homeless veterans, providing housing and wraparound, person-centred support to former personnel often at critical times in their transition from military life. The Charity supports veterans across the North West and North East of England with housing accommodation based in Durham, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Launchpad understands the detrimental effects that a lack of stable housing can have on individuals during vulnerable periods in their lives. The team works to reduce homelessness, unemployment, and social deprivation among veterans by offering housing and ongoing support. Once veterans are housed, they receive help with training, employment opportunities, and securing permanent housing.

Launchpad helps veterans stabilise their lives and successfully transition from military to civilian life through its ongoing partnerships with specialist providers. In the last five years, 50% of veterans have gained employment during their time with the Charity, and 61% have successfully moved on to live in safe and secure housing elsewhere.

Veterans like Nicholas, photographed, who served in the Royal Navy from 1985 to 1999, rising to Leading Weapons Engineer and took part in conflicts during the First Gulf War and Bosnia. Diagnosed with glaucoma and PTSD while serving, his vision deteriorated in civilian life, leading to job loss as a paramedic, homelessness, and mental health struggles. After contacting OP COURAGE, he was referred to OP FORTITUDE and found stability at Speke House in August 2024. Nic now aims to secure over-55s housing with Anchor Housing, prioritising transport links to maintain his support network.

Supporting housing initiatives for former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel aligns with Greenwich Hospital’s core funding principles. Greenwich Hospitals previous support for Launchpad has strengthened aid for homeless Royal Navy veterans, ensuring critical assistance when it’s needed most.

Deirdre Mill, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:

“The team at Launchpad understand that secure and sustainable housing is often the first step in helping former RN personnel transition to civilian life. Their long-term, proven approach is making a real difference and is effective. We want to support Launchpad to help meet the growing demand for safe and affordable housing for veterans in need.”

 

Jill Murray, Chief Executive, Launchpad, said:

“We are grateful to Greenwich Hospital for awarding Launchpad this grant. Our passion and determination drive us to achieve positive outcomes on behalf of the veterans we support. This funding award further strengthens our ability to operate on a sustainable footing, allowing us to keep focused on their long-term success and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Greenwich Hospital.”

We are pleased to publish our Impact Report for the financial year ending June 2024. To view a copy, please click here.

During the year, we supported 162 veterans across all three houses. 85% of our residents came from a homeless background, 49% with mental health issues and 98% from long-term unemployment.

The statistics that most indicate positive outcomes, ‘Employment’ and ‘Successful Move-on’ were 42% and 62% respectively.

Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.

Occupancy of Launchpad’s houses continues to be high and there is no doubt Launchpad helps reduce homelessness among veterans, particularly in the north of England.

The Charity benefitted enormously from Op FORTITUDE, the then-Government’s initiative to end homelessness among veterans. Launchpad received nearly £650K over two years to help in five areas: psychotherapy support in each house, funds for activities, salary funds for staff in each house to focus on veterans’ training and employment and again, salary funds for an independent living coordinator in each house, to ensure alumni of Launchpad can access support if needed.

We’d like to thank the many funding organisations and volunteers that have and continue to support Launchpad. We’d also like to thank our wonderful staff, who, without them, means we couldn’t deliver the fantastic services we do to support our resident veterans.