Homeless veteran’s charity Launchpad has appointed two new members of staff to support residents living at Avondale House in Byker, Newcastle.
These key roles will support the veterans by boosting their mental health and wellbeing while living at the house, but also provide ongoing support once they have moved on to live independently.
Beth McNally has been appointed as an Activities Co-ordinator and will be responsible for developing, managing and encouraging the residents to participate in local community and diversionary projects.
Providing a mix of voluntary social events and physical activities helps the veterans to gain confidence and social skills. Residents are encouraged to participate in a programme of activities to improve their mental health and wellbeing by organising activities such as mindfulness, arts projects, music lessons and outdoor sports.
Beth has experience of working with people with autism, brain injuries and mental health and joins Launchpad after working as a learning support assistant for three years.
Commenting on her appointment, she said:
“This is an exciting new role for me and I was keen to try something new. I enjoy working with people on a one-to-one basis and this role allows me to do that but on a much larger scale – it will encourage me to push myself out of my comfort zone and I’m already enjoying engaging with the residents and planning in activities they want to participate in.”
Meanwhile, Gayle Young has been appointed as a part-time Independent Living Co-ordinator to support the residents once they have moved on from Avondale House and to help them successfully transition to living independently.
Gayle has a background in housing and works as an independent lettings agent – a role she has held for 17 years and will continue to work in. She will support the residents to ensure they go on to thrive and don’t fall back onto hard times by linking them with the support they need from a variety of providers.
This tailored support helps them to access benefits they are entitled to as well as helping them to manage their finances, secure their tenancy, gain support for their mental health issues and wellbeing, as well as encouraging them to find employment.
Gayle said:
“This role is perfect for me – it’s as if it was almost written for me. It means I can still focus on the housing side – helping the residents to move into their new home, visiting them, providing support to ensure they are maximising their benefits and it’s a part-time role which fits perfectly for me. It’s lovely to see the residents thrive in their new environments and as a charity, that is our purpose and why we exist – to support the residents to help them to move onto live independently.”
Both Beth and Gayle’s roles and the activities that are provided to the residents are funded as part of the government’s Op FORTITUDE / Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme. Op FORTITUDE is a dedicated pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness to get into supported housing or to keep them in their current home. Launchpad was selected as one of nine funded organisations to deliver the initial two-year programme.
In the first 17-months of our Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme, the three Launchpad locations successfully supported 202 homeless veterans with high-complex needs.
Phil Thompson, Manager of Avondale House, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Beth and Gayle to Avondale House. These roles are vital in supporting the residents with their mental health and wellbeing but also supporting them once they have moved on to live independently. Launchpad is not just about putting a roof over a homeless veterans’ head, it’s about providing the vital support they need to help them move on and support them in the communities which they go on to start their new lives. They both bring a wealth of experience that I’m sure will be a benefit to our residents and I’m looking forward to working with them both.”
Launchpad provides accommodation and support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans to help them stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Avondale House provides self-contained, one-bedroom flats for up to 33 residents and includes a communal lounge/kitchen area, IT suite and central courtyard for residents to relax.
The charity manages three houses in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans and their partners where relevant. The houses often provide the first safe place in which the veteran has slept for months or even years.
Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.
