The Sun newspaper awards £20K to veterans’ charity Launchpad, as part of a £1m giveaway.
A readers’ fund was set up to mark its 50th birthday year, providing grants between £2,000 up to £20,000 each to small grassroots charities, which were nominated by readers.
Veterans’ charity, Launchpad was one of thousands of charities nominated and has been successfully selected to receive the maximum grant of £20,000 after being carefully considered by a panel of judges.
Launchpad provides accommodation and targeted support, with the assistance of specialist providers, to help homeless veterans stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life.
In 2018, the University of York found there were 3,500 homeless veterans in the UK, many living on the streets. Around 85% of veterans who come to live at Launchpad are homeless and are supported for up to two years (longer if necessary).
The charity accommodates up to 80 resident veterans from across the UK at any one time. Over 460 veterans have already benefited from the charity since it was established in 2013. 42% of residents left Launchpad with jobs and 69% successfully moved on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they needed.
These are very difficult times for everyone and the Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on charities, who rely on fundraising initiatives, many of which have either been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic.
This grant will be used to contribute towards the running costs at one of Launchpad’s houses in Newcastle upon Tyne and to support seven homeless veterans who would otherwise have ended up living on the street, homeless and hungry.
Homeless veterans are referred to Launchpad through a network of UK military charities, local authorities and housing partners. For most, Launchpad is often the first safe place they’ve slept for in months, even years. Staff work with residents to understand their needs and develop a tailored support package that will help them on the road to successfully transition back to civvy street.
One resident who has benefitted from Launchpad’s support is Lee Foster who lives at Avondale House in Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne. Lee served 12 years in the Queens Regiment of the British Army and completed tours of Northern Ireland and Cyprus. He moved into Launchpad in 2018 and hasn’t looked back.
He said: “Launchpad saved me. It has given me a roof over my head – somewhere safe and secure to live, I cannot thank them enough. Schemes like this that help homeless veterans are a godsend. The support has given me confidence and has built me back up.”
David Shaw, CEO and Co-founder of Launchpad, commented: “This is wonderful news and thank you to the judges for agreeing to donate the full amount to helping our veteran residents. These are very challenging times for all charities so grants like this are a huge relief. It means we can continue to improve our facilities and provide the dedicated support our current residents need during this pandemic and beyond.”
