Expansion builds brighter future for veterans’ charity

A North East veterans charity is expanding its Sunderland headquarters to make vital support more accessible.

Work has begun to expand Veterans in Crisis’ head office on Roker Avenue in Sunderland, with architectural, structural and civil engineering firm Building Design Northern (BDN) overseeing the project.

As part of its annual charitable commitment, BDN has supported the design of the rear extension by providing specialist expertise to create a fully accessible space for veterans and their families.

Groundworks are now underway following several years of planning.

Officials say the extension will improve wheelchair access while introducing hearing loops and enhanced wayfinding for visually impaired visitors.

Additional space will also enable Veterans in Crisis to broaden its programme of activities, including art therapy, wellbeing sessions, book clubs and community events.

Practical facilities will include cooking areas, laundry access and showers.

Paul McLoughlin, business development manager at Veterans in Crisis, said: “We are incredibly appreciative of everything BDN has done for us. 

“They have gone far beyond what we could ever have expected and the support they’ve provided has been exceptional.

“As a small community interest company, funding is always a challenge, and we rely on generating our income to deliver projects like this. 

“Having BDN contribute their expertise as part of their social value commitment has been immense for us and has helped turn what started as a simple idea into a transformational project. 

“It will also allow us to expand the activities and support we offer, helping even more veterans rebuild their lives. 

“When the project is complete, it will be a fantastic example of what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together for the benefit of the community.”

Founded in 2018, Veterans in Crisis supports former members of the armed forces and their families across Sunderland and the wider region.

The charity has helped more than 500 homeless veterans secure housing, alongside providing emergency accommodation and food bank support.

Counselling is also delivered by qualified therapists with lived military experience, complemented by a range of wider wellbeing services.

For BDN, which has worked on North East developments including Sheepfolds Stables and Eastgate Point, the project forms part of a wider commitment to using its professional expertise to support charities and community organisations.

The multidisciplinary consultancy also provides project management services and says the Veterans in Crisis expansion will create lasting social impact.

Luke Darwin, director of structural engineering at BDN, added: “Supporting projects like this is something we’re incredibly passionate about. 

“Veterans in Crisis provides life-changing support to former members of the Armed Forces and we’re proud to have been able to contribute our architectural, structural and civil engineering expertise to help make this vision a reality.

“Accessibility was at the heart of the design and it's rewarding to know that this extension will help ensure more veterans can access the services they need in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. 

“Seeing work now underway is fantastic and we look forward to watching the project take shape.”

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