Richard’s Story

“I can’t thank the team at Speke House enough for everything they’ve done. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself again.”

Richard served for over sixteen years in the British Armed Forces as a Rifleman in the 1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, and Hong Kong.

After leaving the military, Richard was diagnosed with severe PTSD, which he attributes to the “horrendous scenarios” he experienced during his service. His transition to civilian life was challenging, and he soon found himself grappling with unemployment, addiction, and homelessness, caught in a downward spiral.

Richard’s life began to turn around when he entered Tom Harrison House in Liverpool, a facility offering a twelve-week residential recovery programme tailored specifically for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services personnel. The experience and support he received set Richard on a path to recovery. During his stay, he was so moved by the support that he took on the role of Activities Support Organiser, helping to plan activities for other residents and offering peer support.

While at Tom Harrison House, Richard frequently interacted with staff and residents of Speke House, and he set a personal goal to move into the house to continue his journey toward stability, independent living and a positive future.

Since moving to Speke House, in early 2024, Richard has embraced sobriety, celebrating a major milestone of three years alcohol-free at Launchpad’s Garden Party in June. During the event, he courageously shared his journey with other residents, reflecting on his struggles and expressing his hope for the future.

Determined to rebuild his life, Richard became passionate about self-improvement and actively sought employment. With guidance from Paddy, Launchpad’s employment and training specialist at Speke House, he explored various courses and opportunities to enhance his skills, knowledge, and confidence.

With Paddy’s support and funding from the Job Centre, Richard enrolled in the Building Heroes Construction Multi-Skills five-week residential course, held in September and October. This program provided him with a range of trade skills and culminated in Level 1 City & Guilds certifications in both Health and Safety and Basic Construction Skills. He found the experience invaluable, especially the tiling module, which significantly boosted his confidence. Reflecting on the course, Richard said, “It was brilliant, and everyone should do it.”

With newfound skills and confidence, Richard is now ready to start a new chapter. He recently secured a job as a passenger assistant, supporting vulnerable adults by accompanying them to appointments, meetings, and activities. This role not only represents his return to employment but also enables him to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Richard expressed immense gratitude to Launchpad and the Speke House team for their unwavering support, stating, “I can’t thank the team at Speke House enough for everything they’ve done. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself again.”

From addiction and homelessness to a new job and renewed purpose, Richard’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of support, resilience, and community. Launchpad is proud to be part of his incredible story and looks forward to seeing him thrive in his new role.

Note:

Tom Harrison House provides a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services personnel.