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.”
