The statistics are catastrophic:
- More than 1 in 3 people have experienced violence while being homeless.
- Those who are homeless are over 9 times more likely to take their own life.
- People experiencing homelessness are at least 3 times more likely to be murdered.
Across the UK, thousands of rough sleepers are exposed to freezing temperatures.
One homeless veteran this Christmas is appalling; hundreds on the street is a disgrace.
That's why the Veterans' Foundation funds multiple projects across the UK providing safe shelter for homeless veterans, as well as ongoing support so they can rebuild their lives – it is the least they deserve.
But we need your help to help them.
This Christmas, don’t let our British veterans suffer alone on the very streets that they have fought to protect, donate to help a homeless veteran today.
"If it wasn't for the help that I've had in being given a home, and receiving counselling, I would have been in a grave by now," - David, Royal Signals.
This is David, 52, he enjoyed a successful career throughout his life. He grew up in Knotty Ash in Liverpool and left school with 7 GCSE’s.
David started working in a fish market to earn a living and attended Riversdale College of Technology to study for a diploma in electronics and communication.
He joined the Army in 1984 with the Royal Signals first armoured division at Catterick Garrison. He completed training with 7 sigs then trade training with 8 sigs and was posted to West Germany.
Life was good – he has two sons aged 19 and 21 and was married for seven years but his world fell apart when he lost his mum in 2015 and then his dad in 2017. This was a very traumatic time for him and he turned to drink to help him cope with his loss.
David has tried to take his life twice. In July 2018, he jumped into the Mersey and, thankfully, was rescued and sectioned. He tried again in December 2018 when he took out a knife hoping he would get shot dead. These were very difficult, dark times. Eventually he found the Launchpad project - safe shelter and rehabilitation for veterans.
“If I hadn’t found Launchpad, I would have been in a grave. I feel relieved. I now have the support I need and a roof over my head. The staff have been brilliant and are always there to talk to when I need them.
“Launchpad has been a godsend. By living with fellow residents, we can all relate to each other. They are there if we need to speak to someone or if we just need some time to ourselves, we can do so in the comfort of our own flats. I’ve been lucky because a friend who has since left Speke House gave me all his furniture.”
🇬🇧 Launchpad provides accommodation and support for veterans, it has centres in Newcastle and Liverpool. Launchpad is supported by the Veterans' Foundation through quarterly grants that help maintain its life changing, and life saving, work.
