Three residents who have been supported by Launchpad and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity have been selected to feature in a national marketing campaign highlighting homeless veterans and the work between the two charities.

Drew, Antony and Mark have been selected by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Army’s national charity, to feature in their February direct marketing appeal.

The campaign features each resident who themselves were homeless and received support from both charities to help them move on to live independently and find employment.

They are featured in a marketing leaflet that is being sent to 11,000 supporters who have donated via their [ABF The Soldiers’ Charity] direct marketing appeals in the last five years.

The campaign highlights the experiences of all three residents and support from Launchpad, who provide high quality accommodation and targeted support, with the help of specialist partners, to help them stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity provides lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families.

Drew, 51 lived at Launchpad’s Avondale House in Newcastle and served nine years in the Parachute Regiment, including two and half years spent in Northern Ireland. He has since moved on and is now looking to start his own business.

34-year old Antony, lived at Speke House and served nine years in 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. He spent four years in Cyprus and completed two tours of Afghanistan, while Mark, 44, who resides at Speke House, completed five years’ service in the King’s Regiment covering tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Belize and carried out public duties in London.

Commenting on his experiences, Mark said: “It’s frightening to think what would have happened to me if I hadn’t found myself a home at Speke House. Looking back, I can barely remember arriving. I have suffered great memory loss and can only recall events from after being treated.

“Without Launchpad and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s support, I would still have been on the streets”, reflects Mark. “I have been able to keep my dignity, have somewhere safe to live, and keep myself clean, warm and fed.”

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity make it their mission to help homeless veterans get back on their feet. Last year, they spent £980,000 helping over 1,400 men and women with housing issues. They also awarded £393,500 to charities that specialise in helping veterans who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to secure a roof over their head and regain stability.

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, commented:

“We have established a unique partnership with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and are very grateful for their continued support. Last year, they provided a multi-function grant to support the vital work we deliver to our residents, as well as funds to a number of veterans to cover heating bills.

 

“For most veterans, the transition from the armed forces to civilian life is smooth but, those few who can’t resettle easily, face challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental and physical health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment. It’s wonderful to see Drew, Antony and Mark being selected to feature in this direct marketing appeal and like all residents who we support, each have a unique story to tell.

 

“I hope their stories resonate with people and they will support this excellent campaign.”

Col. Barney Haugh CBE, Director of Grants & Welfare at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said:

“It makes me so proud to be able to support soldiers, veterans and their families when they are in need. Tackling homelessness among veterans is one of our main goals. As well as helping them directly, we fund carefully selected charities that work tirelessly to get them back on track.

 

“I hope Drew, Antony and Mark’s stories show how suddenly a veteran can find themselves in great need. Supporting our direct marketing appeal by the way of a donation will go a long way, addressing not just housing needs but physical health, mental resilience and employment prospects.”

The campaign can be viewed here.

Since 2013, Launchpad, which has two houses in Liverpool and Newcastle, has supported over 550 veterans. 62% of residents successfully move on to settled accommodation and 36% leave in paid employment.

Share