Up to 170 guests celebrated the work of homeless veterans’ charity, Launchpad by attending a glittering Armed Forces’ Dinner last week.

The event, which was held in the Great Hall at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne, celebrated the work the charity provides to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have experienced homelessness and have struggled with the transition into civilian life.

Guests were entertained by host Alfie Joey and the evening commenced with a 10-minute performance by the Tyne Electrical Engineers Association Pipes and Drums band.

Royal Marines veteran, Andy Grant who served with 45 Commando fighting the Taliban in Helmand Province in Afghanistan was invited as a keynote speaker and gave a funny yet moving and honest speech about his experience of serving and getting critically injured during an expedition, being medically discharged, facing life as an amputee and then how he has overcome adversity.

A live auction followed a delicious three-course meal and the evening was concluded with a performance by singer, Claire Louise who performed a selection of 40s wartime and Postmodern Jukebox hits.

One of the stars of the night was 6-year-old Jevindu Senyuth Dissanayake who donated a selection of hand paintings to the charity to auction off and raise some funds.

Jill Murray, CEO of Launchpad, said:

“It was a fabulous evening and it was great to see so many organisations and people attend to learn more about the charity and the work we do to support our homeless veterans. Thank you to all our sponsors and those who purchased a table, your support is greatly appreciated.”

The sponsors of the event included Esh Construction, Hydrock, now Stantec, believe housing, Northumbrian Water and Mode Rehabilitation.

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.

The charity manages three houses in the North of England and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time.

Homeless veterans charity Launchpad has praised the impact of the government’s Op FORTITUDE programme after 187 previously homeless veterans have benefitted with 71 successfully moving on to independent living and 63 securing employment within the first year.

Launched by the government in 2023, Launchpad was selected as one of nine funded organisations to deliver the two-year £8.5 million programme, which aims to reduce veterans’ homelessness.

Over the last 12 months, the charity has been providing additional, sustained support to homeless veterans across its three houses in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham. In addition, Launchpad partnered with Healthier Heroes CIC based in Burnley and together, 230 veterans will be supported over the two years.

Residents have benefitted from psychotherapy sessions, engaging in activities to boost their confidence, support with training and employment and follow-on support into independent living once they have moved on.

In the first 12 months across all locations, Launchpad has delivered 1,480 psychotherapy sessions to residents which were delivered on a one-to-one basis and tailored to their individual needs. The sessions are proving to be popular, and feedback from those attending scored the helpfulness of psychotherapy as 8 of out 10.

Since last September, 144 residents have engaged in training and work experience and 63 have secured paid employment. Funding from Op FORITIDE has enabled the charity to employ dedicated Employment and Training Co-ordinators in all locations.

Regular breakfast clubs, gardening, hiking and walking, cycling, cooking, fishing and organised trips and visits to various attractions are just some of the wider programme of organised activities residents have been able to participate in and enjoy. Engaging in diversionary/skills-building activities helps to reduce isolation and improves their communication skills and mental health and wellbeing.

Once the residents move on to live independently, they are supported by our dedicated Independent Living Co-ordinators who support them to move on, help them build support networks so they sustain their recovery and do not return to homelessness. Since last September, 84 residents have been supported.

Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said:

“We have been surprised at the scale of demand for this service. Between all three Launchpad houses and Bancroft House in Burnley, managed by Healthier Heroes CIC, we have capacity to collectively accommodate 127 homeless veterans. In just 11 months, 259 homeless veterans were referred from Op FORTITUDE which is unfortunately more than we can accommodate.

 

“However, the impact of those who we have been able to support has been immeasurable. No veteran should be homeless and this programme demonstrates that more needs to be done to support our UK Armed Forces veterans who have fallen on hard times. We will continue to support our veterans and hopefully, the new government will allocate funding to similar programmes.”

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

“There has been really good team collaboration and sharing information. We have multi-agency and forum meetings with other providers. The activities programme we can now run thanks to Op FORTITUDE is amazing – engagement and motivation is now at an all-time high!”

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

“The Op FORTITUDE funding has raised morale and confidence, it has stopped isolation and helped with engagement and social skills. The funding has given residents the opportunity to see a psychotherapist straight away, without long NHS waiting lists which were always a source of negative feedback.”

Andrew and Rio Powell, Co–founders of Healthier Heroes CIC and Bancroft House, said:

“All our roles are in place and the new staff members are doing incredible work. Overall, the Op FORTITUDE referral process is easy, and we can now submit how many beds we have available, which has improved the process.”

Launchpad provides 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.

The charity manages three houses in the North of England and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time.

A host of organisations based in and around Liverpool have supported homeless veterans charity, Launchpad by donating 50 tote bags filled with essential items that will help the veterans who arrive at Speke House to give them the best possible start on their journey to independent living.

The event, held at the iconic Cotton Exchange building in Liverpool’s business district in September, was organised by global engineering company Atkins Realis and brought together businesses, charitable organisations, and community leaders to explore how collaboration can drive meaningful social outcomes.

The event featured participation from a diverse range of organisations, including Morgan Sindall Construction, Liverpool City Region, the Whitechapel Centre, and Regeneration Brainery, along with STEM school governors. Local cooperative, Homebaked Bakery, also attended and generously provided their signature scouse pies, sausage rolls, and cakes for the occasion.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees engaged in workshops and activities centred around the theme of Social Value – examining how organisations can support each other to better serve vulnerable populations. Launchpad’s Deputy Manager, Nicola Higham, had the opportunity to present to the group, showcasing the work Launchpad does to support homeless veterans. She discussed how individuals and businesses can get involved by offering donations, volunteering, or providing employment opportunities for Launchpad’s residents.

A key highlight of the event was a ‘speed networking’ session, where attendees were able to interact with students from Regeneration Brainery, exchanging stories and advice. This created a valuable platform for fostering connections between business leaders and young people looking to build careers in socially responsible sectors.

Homebaked Bakery also shared their inspirational journey, detailing how their cooperative bakery has been providing jobs, affordable produce, and community training since 2012, serving as a beacon of hope in the Anfield area.

The afternoon culminated in an interactive workshop where attendees packed tote bags filled with essential items to be donated to Launchpad and the Whitechapel Centre.

Whitechapel received ‘Kettle Packs,’ which contained dried and tinned foods for homeless individuals staying in hotels or B&Bs with limited facilities. Launchpad was delighted to receive 50 bags filled with toiletries and essential items to be given to new residents upon their arrival.

Since the event, these welcome packs have made a significant impact at Launchpad’s Speke House, where new veterans receive these essential items upon arrival, helping them settle into their new homes more comfortably. For veterans who have faced homelessness, having access to basic toiletries and necessities can make a world of difference.

Nicola Higham, Deputy Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House said;

“We are very grateful to Atkin Realis for inviting us to this event. It has highlighted the power of collaboration between businesses and charitable organisations to deliver tangible, life-changing outcomes. We are immensely grateful for the support and look forward to future opportunities to engage with partners to continue making a positive impact in our community.”

The Royal British Legion (RBL) invited Launchpad to their Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, over the summer.

The week-long residential was an opportunity for staff and the 12 residents from all three houses to benefit from the facilities and activities Battle Back provides.

Battle Back is an adaptive sport and adventurous training programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel from across the Armed Forces, including mobilised reservists. It is a Ministry of Defence initiative, delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the RBL.

The centre creates a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that promotes success at the personal, interpersonal and organisational levels. Participants in the programme will increase their self-confidence, gain motivation, improve their ability to deal with stress and develop a positive mental attitude. The aim is to learn to focus on what they can do – not what they cannot do.

It was also the first chance residents from Avondale House, Hollyacre House and Speke House all came together and participated in activities and supported each other.

Throughout the week, they participated in one-to-one and group activities and coaching sessions. Activities included indoor climbing, wheelchair basketball and badminton, archery, green bowls, walks, mountain biking and cycling and they also got to see the Great Britain Olympic gymnastics team going through their final preparations before heading to Paris.

Hollyacre House resident, Reece said: “The week away at Battle Back has been an inspiring and eye-opening time for myself helping me get out of my own shell communicating and expressing issues I deal with making me feel welcome. The staff were amazing with activities making it accessible with everyone; this has helped and benefitted me for the better.”

Aaron from Avondale House, said: “I know this might sound extreme, but this course has honestly been life-changing for me and the fact that staff came with us and completed the course has only made my respect for these guys go through the roof. But I would also 100% be comfortable confiding in them in the future, which is a big thing for me as I do not open up all normally. I have been blown away by this week. It has given me so much more than I could have wished for.”

Richard from Speke House, said: “My time at Battle Back has been absolutely amazing. It has brought me out of my comfort zone because I was scared of heights and doing the wall climb has made me feel that I am better with heights and the whole week has been the best thing I have done in a long time.  I would recommend others to do Battle Back.

“I have met some great friends and would love to thank all the staff members for an amazing week and for them helping me get over my fear of heights and 100% would love to come back. Thank you.”

Rob Lockyer, Facilities Co-ordinator at Speke House attended. He said:

“The fact that all Launchpad staff partook in every single evolution as a course member rather than standing back as an observer, was a key element of what made it work so very well. This helped the Battle Back coaching staff immeasurably and very much helped residents relax and feel at ease opening-up. This was particularly noticeable when Launchpad staff joined in the physical elements and contributed a great deal when the emotive elements were brought to the fore.

 

“The Battle Back coaches were outstanding throughout, kept the course safe, well briefed and always remained professional and non-judgemental.”

Phil Thompson, Manager of both Avondale House and Hollyacre House also attended Battle Back. He said:

“It was a great week. All of the residents have expressed how grateful they are to Launchpad and Battle Back, it was the first time residents from all three houses participated in an activity and jelled well, supporting each other throughout the week.

 

“The organisation, administration, briefs, liaison with RBL, and the co-ordination between all three houses worked well. The activities provided by Battle Back were a vehicle for conversation around mindfulness, self-esteem, self-awareness and purpose which were professionally delivered.

 

“I personally gained a lot from the week and I hope this will be the first of many visits to Battle Back for Launchpad’s staff and residents.”

We are delighted to be shortlisted in the UK Housing Awards for Best Supported Housing Landlord.

The awards identify social landlords, charities, and partners, who work with their communities to deliver great outcomes for tenants and residents. Judged by experts from individual fields, they are designed not just to celebrate success, but to help other landlords learn from it and replicate it, helping to improve services across the sector.

The winners will be announced on 26 November in Manchester. Wish us luck!

Congratulations to all those shortlisted. You can view the full shortlist here.

Launchpad has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) Gold award.

The charity is one of 193 organisations throughout the UK that has been recognised by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) Gold award recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.

To win a gold, an organisation must demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the armed forces community. All the winners are recognised as powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for reservists.

Gold status is also awarded to those who implement HR policies that accommodate the needs of the armed forces community, while continuously promoting this advocacy within their own networks and industry.

Launchpad received the bronze award in February 2021, subsequently followed by silver in May 2023 and has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the military community.

Since achieving the silver award, Launchpad was selected by the government as one of nine funded organisations to reduce veterans’ homelessness. The two-year £8.5 million Op FORTITUDE programme provides a dedicated pathway for veteran rough sleepers. This grant has enabled Launchpad to provide combined addiction and mental health psychotherapy services, intensive training and employment support, greater access to community activities and focussed support to help the veterans transition to live independently.

Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said:

“This is wonderful news and is testimony to the hard work and dedication of our Trustees and staff. To achieve gold within 12 months of receiving silver is incredible. Not only does it demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, it also highlights that our workplace policies and procedures support all members of the Defence community.

 

“We have two reservists within our team and we proactively promote their support to the Armed Forces including invitations to veterans, other veteran charities and reservists to visit the houses and look at ways we can work together proactively to support vulnerable veterans. We have also worked with the Career Transition Partnership to actively encourage and promote positions/roles within the charity.”

The scheme aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to strengthen support for armed forces communities, including putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and a commitment to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life and be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.

Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People, said:

“Our Armed Forces community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.

 

“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”

Launchpad provides 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.

The charity 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.