Member Article

North East roofer launches 'first of its kind' training programme for homeless ex-servicemen

A new programme launched by Findley Roofing is offering a lifeline to homeless ex-servicemen and giving them a chance to rebuild their lives and get a roof over their heads.

The company has set up its Homeless Ex-Servicemen Programme (HESP) to offer help to those leaving the forces while at the same time solving a chronic skills shortage within the construction industry.

The programme, which Findley believe to be the first of its kind anywhere, consists of an eight to 12-week programme where participants will learn how to carry out basic entry level tasks, such as painting, decorating, low-level maintenance and construction work with the Washington business.

During the length of the programme, those taking part will be housed in company owned apartments in Durham featuring barracks-style bunkbeds with food personally provided, all bank rolled by Findley Chief Executive Officer Grant Findley.

The concept for the training programme came about after Findley spent time volunteering at local soup kitchens, where he was inspired to do something about the high proportion of ex-servicemen who end up homeless.

It is estimated that currently one in ten of all homeless people have previously served in the armed forces.

Findley commented: “Our HESP idea makes perfect sense to me, as it not only helps me recruit hardworking people who can act with military precision for our company, it’s also my way of giving back to people who have served and fought for our country.

“These men and women are homeless on our streets because they have struggled to adapt to life after the armed forces, where they were used to being part of a team and having a routine.

“I want to give them this feeling back, as well as offer them direction and hope, by giving them a trade and eventually recruiting them to work for our company.”

The full launch of the HESP programme follows a short trial last year which has already seen one ex-marine secure full-time employment at the North East roofer, and Findley along with Sales and Marketing Director, Tony Finnegan, hope to see similar success over the coming months.

Findley added: “Both Tony and I are philanthropists at heart and it gives us enormous pleasure to know that just one ex-serviceman isn’t sleeping rough tonight.

“Instead he has accommodation and a full-time job thanks to the HESP project and I hope there will be many more following in his footsteps.

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