Joe’s Story

“If it wasn’t for Launchpad, I don’t know where I would be. I would probably be a mess. This place has given me structure that keeps me both mentally and physically fit.”

Joseva (Joe) served 13 years in the Royal Artillery and completed seven tours including four in Iraq, two in Afghanistan and one in Cyprus.

He saw a lot of front-line action during his tours, particularly when he was deployed to the Gulf War where he was involved in desert warfare. He also worked as a close protection driver.

After a while, the forces began to take their toll and it was stressful for him so he decided to apply for redundancy in 2013 but, was held back to carry out some battle group support with the American soldiers in Afghanistan. He eventually left the Army in 2015.

After leaving the Army, he worked in various security roles both in England and abroad including high-profile protection.

After a relationship break-up, Joe found himself sofa surfing with nowhere to live and after getting no joy from his local council and various housing providers, he turned to Op FORTITUDE who referred him to Launchpad. He applied to live at Speke House in September 2023 and was accepted.

After moving into the house, Joe felt physically and mentally better. Although he wasn’t physically injured, he still suffered from PTSD. At the time, he said: “Since I moved into Speke House, I feel like I’m getting there. If it wasn’t for the support with my issues and the techniques I’ve learned, I would be mentally disorganised.

“Being here makes me feel secure. I get up each day and go to the gym – this place has given me structure that keeps me both mentally and physically fit.”

After moving in, Joe engaged with the support available to all residents. His support worker helped him and advised him how to manage his finances including maximising the benefits he is entitled to and learning how to budget better.

He engages with our in-house therapist to support his mental health, describing the service as ‘awesome’ and saying ‘this has helped me deal with my mental illness and more.’

He also engaged with our employment and training specialist and made full use of the service including CV building, interview techniques and searching for jobs.

At the time Joe said: “I feel like I’m finally learning to relax and I’m happy to be in my own space for now. The space provided by Launchpad has helped me immensely. I’m looking to get involved in more activities as I gain more confidence.”

He is looking forward to what the future holds. He would like to get a job and be successful and financially independent. He is looking to move on and become self-sufficient when he is ready.

Unfortunately, since publishing this case study, Joe had to go home to Fiji to care for his sick mother. We wish him well and his mother a speedy recovery.

Op FORTITUDE

Launchpad was selected by the government as one of nine funded organisations to reduce veterans’ homelessness. As part of a two-year £8.5 million programme, vulnerable veterans across the UK can access Op FORTITUDE, a dedicated pathway for veteran rough sleepers.

As part of the programme, Launchpad provides additional, sustained support to homeless veterans across its three houses in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham. In addition, Launchpad has partnered with Healthier Heroes CIC based in Burnley and together, we aim to support 230 veterans over the two years.

Following successful trials delivered for existing veterans, Launchpad will 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.