Homeless veterans’ charity Launchpad has appointed four new Trustees to its Board.

Chris Smith, Aaron Sahota, Ian Dormer CBE and Katherine McGough have been appointed as Trustees of the charity, following interviews with existing Board members and chief executive.

The appointments were approved by existing Trustees at their last meeting in November and it now takes current membership to ten.

The charity provides vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have experienced homelessness and have struggled with the transition into civilian life.

Launchpad manages three houses in the North of England in Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time. Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.

Ian Dormer CBE has a diverse background in public service, education and engineering. He serves as an independent member of the Audit & Risk Committee for Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and is Director of Herbert Dove Trustees, overseeing JT Dove – a significant builder’s merchant.

Ian is also the managing director and owner of Rosh Engineering Ltd which specialises in high-voltage equipment across the UK and Northern Europe.

His previous leadership roles extend to the educational sector as Chair of the Primary Science Teaching Trust and Non-Executive Chair of Newcastle College. With experience on various boards, including the Institute of Directors and Regional Development Agency ONE North East, Ian combines strategic oversight with entrepreneurial acumen, making him a prominent figure in both for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Katherine McGough is a highly experienced professional with Human Resources and Organisational Development experience, particularly in the housing sector where she is currently Director of People Services at North Star Housing Group, a role she has held for almost 13 years.

She has also owned her own business offering HR, coaching and training to North East businesses and held various senior roles. Katherine’s expertise encompasses strategic change management, policy development and performance management and this will be her first non-executive role.

Aaron Sahota currently works as a senior manager at PwC – a leading global firm in professional services and consulting. His experience encompasses managing significant accounts in the financial sector, particularly with a UK retail bank, and implementing large-scale transformations.

He specialises in internal audits and health & safety and has worked in regulated environments in the public sector. His appointment as a Trustee of Launchpad is his first non-executive role.

Chris Smith is an accomplished executive with over 38 years’ experience in the social housing sector, 20 of which have been at a senior level as Director of Service in various functions. Chris is currently employed as Deputy Chief Executive of Thirteen Housing Group and has a very impressive track record in business development and community regeneration.

Lucy Perriam, Chair of Launchpad, said:

“I am delighted to welcome our four new Trustees who each bring extensive experience, knowledge and the leadership qualities that will hugely benefit this wonderful charity, our staff and veterans.

 

“I’m really pleased with the quality and strength of each appointment who, together with our existing Trustees, chief executive and leadership team, will enable us to further develop Launchpad nationally and to help reduce veterans homelessness.

 

“I’d also like to put on record my thanks to Philip Mixer who has resigned from his position on the Board for personal reasons. Philip served as a Trustee of Launchpad for almost eight years.”

Launchpad has partnered with housing provider Anchor Housing to empower veterans in their transition to independent living.

In 2024, the partnership supported 14 veterans to transition from supported accommodation from Launchpad’s Speke House to independent, permanent housing.

Speke House in Liverpool is one of three houses offering temporary housing and holistic support to vulnerable veterans, many of whom arrive at Launchpad after experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges, or family breakdowns. Through tailored care and support, veterans regain stability and prepare to reintegrate into civilian life. But what happens when they’re ready to move on?

This is where Anchor Housing steps in, offering a seamless transition to ‘forever homes’ in one of their 1,700 locations across the UK.

Jim Riley, Launchpad’s Independent Living Coordinator at Speke House is working closely with Anchor Housing’s Operations Manager Dawn Brown and Community Partnership Manager Rebecca Heede who together, have played a vital role in helping residents take this transformative step.

The transition from a safe space like Speke House to independent living can feel overwhelming for veterans. Recognising this, the teams at Anchor and Launchpad collaborate to identify housing solutions tailored to each veteran’s needs. Whether it’s staying close to Liverpool to remain part of the community, starting afresh in a new location, or returning to a familiar home, Anchor Housing ensures veterans feel supported every step of the way.

Anchor’s housing model aligns closely with the supportive environment at Launchpad, offering independent living with private homes, community facilities, and access to activities as needed. To ease the transition, Anchor also provides funding to help veterans purchase essentials such as white goods and carpets.

Life-Changing Impact

In 2024, 14 residents from Speke House have transitioned to homes within the Liverpool City Region, allowing them to maintain connections with the Launchpad team. Two others moved to locations further afield, realising their dreams of a fresh start in new communities. In one exceptional case, Anchor directly rehoused a veteran without requiring him to stay at Launchpad, enabling a smooth and immediate transition into his forever home.

The veterans’ testimonials highlight the profound impact of this collaboration:

• “As a veteran, the thought of leaving supported veteran accommodation and moving on to living independently was quite daunting. However, after day one in my Anchor property, I wish I had made the move sooner.” – Dave, Ex-Army
• “I have a fantastic apartment in the most beautiful county in England. Anchor actively encourages pet companions, and now I have Beau, the yellow Labrador, as a companion. How different is that from sleeping on a Domino’s Pizza box in Edinburgh.” – Deane, Ex-Army
• “The transition from military life to civilian life is one of the hardest things I have ever done. My journey has now led me to a place I can finally call ‘home’ and the start of a new chapter in my life.” – Michael, Ex-Navy

A Growing Collaboration

The partnership continues to evolve, with Rebecca Heede now working to expand support for veterans at Launchpad’s other locations in the North East. Together, Launchpad and Anchor Housing are creating a brighter future for those who have served, providing not just homes, but the foundation for independence and a new beginning.

Sam Jackson, Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House, said:

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anchor for providing not just housing, but a true sense of home for our residents. Your dedication to creating safe, supportive, and welcoming communities makes a profound difference in their lives, and we deeply appreciate your partnership.”

Residents at Speke House enjoyed a joyful Christmas this year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of local businesses and organisations that donated gifts, food, and essentials. These contributions brought festive cheer and lasting support to veterans rebuilding their lives.

Throughout 2024, Speke House partnered with organisations including AstraZeneca, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Morrisons, and New Beginnings Tiling Academy, creating life-changing opportunities for residents to gain confidence, learn new skills, and find a sense of belonging. From adventurous activities such as sailing and coasteering to hands-on training in IT, gardening, and trades, these collaborations transformed lives and prepared veterans for employment. Some of these activities were partially funded through Op FORTITUDE, which is supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to deliver a centralised referral pathway into veteran-supported housing.

Christmas Cheer, Community Spirit
The festive season, often a tough time for veterans far from family, was made brighter with the help of AstraZeneca, Yodel Speke, and Everton in the Community, whose donations brought smiles, laughter, and joy to residents.

A Year of Transformation
This year marked a turning point for many veterans at Speke House, driven by the transformational support of the Government’s Reducing Veterans Homelessness and Op FORTITUDE Programme. These initiatives provided critical resources and centralised pathways to stable housing, empowering veterans to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Thanks to the additional support of organisations including CatZero, Models for Heroes, and Bearded Men Adventures, veterans also enjoyed a packed calendar of activities, volunteer opportunities, and training.

Sam Jackson, Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House, said:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the incredible organisations, who have made such a difference to our residents’ lives. Their support is a cornerstone of their journey toward stability and success.

“For those inspired to get involved in 2025, opportunities abound to make a difference—whether through volunteering, donations, or team-building activities that support residents directly. Please join us in creating brighter futures for the veterans who have given so much for our country.”

Organisations Supporting Speke House in 2024:

AstraZeneca | Morrisons Speke | Asda Hunts Cross | Tesco Woolton | Yodel Speke – Gemma | Haleon Health Partners | The Brick (Wigan) | Local Neighbourhood Fund (Liverpool City Council) | The Battle Back Centre Royal British Legion | CatZero | Army Benevolent Fund | Bearded Men Adventures | Leonardo Hotels | Northwest Angling Academy CIC | Offshore Painting Services | Ladies Friendship Group (Childwall) | Models for Heroes | St Aiden’s Church | Everton in the Community | Liverpool John Lennon Airport | Hays Recruitment | Royal Navy | Speke Hall Liverpool (National Trust) | Donkey Sanctuary | Seascope Maritime Training | New Beginnings Tiling Academy | CE3 | Op Fortitude | Liverpool foodbank +plus.

Members of the Newcastle United Armed Forces Supporters Club (NUAFSC) visited Launchpad’s Avondale House in Newcastle this week to hand out Christmas presents to the veterans living there.

Slow cookers, grills, pots and pans, cutlery, carpets and other essential items and selection boxes were handed out to the veterans living at the house.

The NUAFSC nominated Launchpad as their chosen charity and all proceeds from the Tyne & Wear Remembrance match held in November against Sunderland AFC Armed Forces & Veterans Supporters Association were donated to the charity.

A cheque for £4,277.32 was presented to Launchpad at the end of the match and staff from Launchpad used the money to buy Christmas presents for all the residents living at both of the charity’s North East houses at Hollyacre House in Sacriston, County Durham and at Avondale House on the Byker Estate in Newcastle.

Launchpad’s residents met members of the NUAFSC and were also treated to a Christmas buffet.

The house comprises 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats for former serving personnel and their partners. The charity has three houses in the North of England in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham providing accommodation for 98 homeless veterans – accepting veterans from all over the UK.

Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Avondale House said:

“Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for some of our residents who don’t have any family so being able to give them some Christmas presents is a very special moment.

 

“We are very grateful to the NUAFSC for nominating Launchpad as their chosen charity this year and for generating these funds which has a huge impact on our residents. To be able to use that money to buy the residents Christmas presents but also invite some of the members of the NUAFSC into the house to meet the residents is a special time. I’d also like to say thank you to the Sunderland AFC Armed Forces & Veterans Supporters Association who were very supportive of Launchpad.”

Mick Warke, Founder and Chair from NUAFSC, said:

“It’s a real honour and privilege to support Launchpad and the Armed Forces Community to be able to see the difference our contribution makes to the residents at Avondale House.

 

“The NUAFSC is still in its infancy and this was our first charity event and we are delighted with how much we have raised. We are committed to continuing to support Launchpad and we will be organising other events next year. It’s been a combination of the events from the game and merchandise that has been able to raise that money and thank you to everyone who has contributed to purchasing the merchandise.

 

“We are organising another charity event in May 2025. This will be a Sleep Rough event in Durham and then members will march to St. James’ Park in Newcastle on the last game of the season.”

Veteran Neil Cummins has been a resident at Avondale House since May 2024 and served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He said:

“It means a great deal to receive these presents. I’m not going to be with my family this Christmas and normally we have a big family meal. Getting this present has given me an uplift and it has lifted my spirits and given me hope for the future.”

Launchpad provides vital 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.

On behalf of our Trustees, staff and residents, we’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025!

The City of Liverpool played host to the Royal Navy’s largest and newest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, during its week-long visit to its affiliated city.

On Tuesday, Launchpad hosted a Veterans Networking Conference aboard HMS Prince of Wales. This event was coordinated by Launchpad’s Facilities Coordinator, Rob Lockyer, who served in the Royal Navy for over 42 years. Representatives from key organisations supporting veterans attended, including Tom Harrison House, Riverside, CE3 Enterprises, Beacon Counselling, the Royal British Legion (RBL), The Battle Back Centre, Veterans HQ, and NHS Op Courage.

The support and contribution of the organisations attending the day are invaluable to the service the team at Launchpad provide. Tom Harrison House offers a 12-week rehabilitation program and ongoing support for veterans while referring clients to Launchpad for additional assistance. Riverside manages referral teams for Op FORTITUDE, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which delivers centralised referral pathways into veteran-supported housing and works closely with Launchpad to ensure veterans are off the streets and housing vacancies are filled. CE3 Enterprises has provided vital IT literacy training to residents, with over 15 veterans completing the course and receiving a computer tablet upon graduation.

Other key contributors included:

Beacon Counselling: Currently equipping Launchpad staff with Level 2 Bet You Can Help and Battle the Odds training to enable them to further support veterans facing gambling addictions. This training will soon be extended to residents.

Royal British Legion (RBL): Mark Robinson, National Programmes & Partnership Lead, and Sarah Hulme, Manager of RBL’s Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, together have facilitated residential courses at Battle Back for Launchpad veterans, offering outstanding mental health support and personal development resources.

Veterans HQ: Continues to support with general and housing support to veterans across Merseyside.

NHS Op Courage: Referring clients to Launchpad and supporting residents with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and addiction recovery services.

The conference provided an invaluable platform to discuss shared challenges and foster stronger collaboration for 2025. Attendees were treated to an exclusive tour of the ship led by Lt. Oliver Rich RN, Flight Deck Officer 2, who guided the group through the flight deck, bridge, and galleys named after Liverpool’s famous streets. The scale and sophistication of the ship left many in awe, serving as a humbling reminder of the Royal Navy’s capabilities.

Later that evening, Launchpad representatives joined 600 guests for the Regional Capability Demonstration in the ship’s aircraft hangar. The event showcased HMS Prince of Wales’s advanced systems and mission readiness, leaving a lasting impression. It also provided an opportunity for Launchpad to engage with supporters and businesses eager to learn about the charity’s mission and explore ways to get involved.

On Wednesday, the crew of HMS Prince of Wales extended their support onshore. Leading Air Engineering Technician Ryan Boase and AETs Matthew Green and Rory Miller volunteered their time at Launchpad’s Speke House, redecorating a flat for an incoming homeless veteran. Their efforts ensured a warm and welcoming environment for the new veteran, highlighting the importance of community involvement in helping veterans rebuild their lives.

Over the weekend, as HMS Prince of Wales prepared to welcome 10,000 visitors, Launchpad representatives set up at the cruise terminal to greet attendees and share information about their work. Despite interruptions from Storm Darragh on the Saturday, enthusiastic crowds on Sunday engaged with Launchpad’s team to learn how they could support veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Sam Jackson, Manager at Launchpad’s Speke House, said:

“Launchpad is proud to have been part of HMS Prince of Wales’s visit to Liverpool, which demonstrated the strong affiliation between the Royal Navy and the city. This week-long event not only celebrated the ship’s role in serving and protecting but also highlighted the power of collaboration in supporting veterans.

 

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the crew of HMS Prince of Wales and all participants for their ongoing commitment to helping those who have served.”