Stuart’s Story

“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the help and support I got from Launchpad. My life has changed for the better and I’m now in the right place to see my future and hopefully gain full time employment – that is my goal.”

Stuart joined the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1990 aged 16.

Soon after starting his service, Stuart was shocked to hear that his best friend, who was serving in Northern Ireland had been fatally shot in the head. This had a huge effect upon Stuart’s mental health and he made the decision to leave after five months and look for employment elsewhere.

He had many different roles including working as a bus driver, labouring and others and met his wife where they settled down and started a family.

His marriage broke down after a few years and he decided to move to Spain to start a new life. He worked managing bars and working in water parks.

He backpacked around Asia during Spain’s off-peak season, visiting Thailand where he survived the tsunami in 2004. He found himself stranded with no way of getting off the island, so he stayed back for three weeks to help with the clear up operation. He witnessed sights that no one ever wants to experience and this had a profound effect on his mental health.

On two occasions over the years, Stuart has tried to take his own life – even today, he is still in trauma and suffering from nightmares and flashbacks.

After a few more years working in Spain, he moved back to the UK after losing a couple of his friends to suicide and realising that his alcohol intake had increased to the point where he was drinking daily from morning to night and knew he had to change his life.

Stuart worked for various companies over the years and after losing his job which came with accommodation, he found himself homeless and unemployed for the first time in his life. This had a detrimental impact on him and once again, he tried to take his own life.

Stuart reached out for help and support but he self referred himself to Launchpad. He moved into Avondale House in April 2024 and said: “Being offered fully furnished accommodation was a life saver – moving into your own flat from a room in a shared house and never feeling safe was a massive help.”

He engaged with the staff and volunteered to help around the garden and decorate some of the vacant flats.

“I have always been the type of person who doesn’t just take all the time – I like to give back. Over the years, I have raised £30,000 for needy causes and charities including MIND, The Bradley Lowrey Trust and Brenda’s Trust. Volunteering gives me a purpose in life.

Stuart has attended training thanks to RMF Group and has completed and passed his CSCS car training, dumper truck, asbestos and groundwork training and is looking to gain employment as soon as possible.

Stuart has since been offered alternative accommodation which he has accepted. He said: “Moving out was a huge effort on my behalf as I felt so welcomed and safe at Avondale House, but I needed my own space mainly for my children to visit and stay over, so I accepted the offer on my own flat and moved out.

“I am so grateful for the support from Launchpad, and even though I have moved out, I am in constant contact with the staff for support and the residents who I have made my friends.”

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