The Army Benevolent Fund is proud to award a £75,000 grant to Launchpad, a leading charity providing accommodation and support for homeless veterans.
Launchpad provides more than just a roof over veterans’ heads. Residents benefit from furnished one-bedroom flats, along with tailored support to address individual challenges such as mental health and addiction recovery, employment assistance, and help finding long-term housing. Continued support is also available to those who have transitioned to independent living.
The grant, approved on behalf of all the Regiments and Corps of the Army, will directly assist at least 130 homeless Army veterans currently living in Launchpad’s three houses, as well as 50 veterans who have moved on to live independently within the community.
The ABF has been a steadfast supporter of Launchpad since it was established in 2013, reflecting both charities commitment to helping former service personnel rebuild their lives. With 90% of Launchpad’s residents being former soldiers, the charity plays a vital role in addressing the increasing demand for specialist veteran accommodation and support. In 2024 alone, 361 homeless veterans approached or were referred to Launchpad. To address the growing need for these services, our recent grant has increased from previous years.
In addition to providing veterans with housing, Launchpad offer wraparound support tailored to their individual needs. This includes helping them to resolve mental health/addiction problems including psychotherapy for those needing it, a programme of diversionary/health-inducing activities to keep the veterans focused on their recovery, support with skills development and employment, help with finding long-term accommodation and continued support when living independently.
Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said: “We are very grateful to the Grants team at the Army Benevolent Fund, who have worked closely with us, listened to our challenges and really heard what we have said, then responded by supporting us with a grant that will enable Launchpad to continue to offer vital accommodation and tailored support services to homeless ex-Army veterans.
“The grant will help to make a big difference to the lives of homeless veterans with complex needs and give them the chance of a better life. This is especially pertinent at a time when 85% of our current residents are ex-Army and demand for Launchpad Homeless Veterans Charity has more than doubled.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added: “We are delighted to be helping Launchpad provide vital wraparound support for veterans in need. By offering assistance throughout the entire process, their services make a huge and positive impact on the quality of life of former soldiers as they reintegrate into wider society.”
To find out more about Launchpad, visit their website here.