Support project helps veterans find new homes

A North East housing service is launching a pilot project to help Armed Forces personnel transition into civilian life and avoid homelessness.

The Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS), led by Gateshead Council in partnership with Durham County Council, Believe Housing and Newcastle City Council, has secured £30,000 in funding from the Forces in Mind Trust to deliver the scheme at Catterick Garrison.

The 12-month project will see a dedicated housing adviser embedded on-site at the UK’s largest military base. 

With lived experience of the Armed Forces, the adviser will provide tailored guidance to service personnel and their families as they leave the military. 

This includes support with housing options, documentation and links to wider services.

Councillor Chris Buckley, cabinet member for housing at Gateshead Council, said: “Transitioning to civilian life can be complex, and housing is a critical part of that journey. 

“By embedding expert advice at Catterick, we can help prevent housing challenges before they arise and ensure that veterans and their families have the support they need to settle confidently into civilian life. 

“This new role not only strengthens the safety net for our Armed Forces community, but also helps shape a more coordinated, informed approach to supporting Veterans nationally.”

Lieutenant Colonel David Marshall, deputy commander joint military command North (Army), added: “Headquarters North are pleased to trial this novel social housing pilot in conjunction with AFOS and Catterick Garrison. 

“AFOS has a wealth of experience in assisting service leavers, Reservists, spouses, and veterans to navigate the social housing system across the North East. 

“Offering services like this are vital in achieving our vision to make the military community in the North the best it can be, and we welcome engagement from charities and local initiatives from across the North.”

The pilot responds to recommendations from the Roadmap to End Veteran Homelessness study, which highlighted the importance of early and specialist advice in preventing housing insecurity among veterans. 

By introducing this support before personnel leave the forces, AFOS hopes to reduce the risk of homelessness and make the transition to civilian life smoother.

Learning and insights from the initiative will also be shared nationally, helping shape longer-term approaches to veteran housing support across the country. 

Michelle Alston, chief executive of Forces in Mind Trust, added: “The vast majority of ex-Service personnel leave the military and secure appropriate housing. 

“However, we know that the early stages of moving into civilian accommodation can sometimes be challenging. 

“This project will trial the potential benefits of direct support at the UK’s largest military garrison, and provide a case study in implementing the findings of our funded Roadmap to End Veteran Homelessness report. 

“We are proud to support this project, which aims to support our vision of successful transition for all members of the Armed Forces community.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →