Launchpad – Who we are and what we do

Launchpad are a homeless veteran’s charity, who have three supported housing schemes, in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool, including 98 fully self-contained apartments for veterans.

Launchpad don’t just provide a roof over the head of our veterans, we provide individually tailored, wrap around support for every individual. We have an excellent track record of achieving positive results, with around 80% of veterans moving on successfully, into independent living, 36% into employment, and 65% gaining valuable training to meet their needs and aspirations. Some veterans are unable to work for a range of different reasons, and our specialist team of Care Workers, Wellbeing and Activity Advisers, Psychotherapists and Independent Living Coordinators, help to support every resident into a positive, independent life, where we will continue to provide floating support, until they no longer require it.

Prior to coming to us, veterans were experiencing the following challenges:

• 88% were sleeping on the streets or sofa surfing.
• 81% experienced mental health problems, often service related.
• 82% were long-term unemployed.
• 76% struggled to afford food & 67% survived thanks to food banks.
• 54% considered suicide to escape their challenges.
• 54% experiencing long term physical health or disability.

Many say that they feel abandoned by the country which they served.

Launchpad provide up to two years’ housing and wraparound support, to help veterans to address the underlying issues that have been contributing to their situation. For many individuals, we provide the first safe space that they have slept for months, or even years.

A high proportion of veterans that arrive at Launchpad are destitute and traumatised, owning only a carrier bag of personal possessions. On arrival, we provide each person with a comprehensive welcome pack including the main household items which they need, along with five days’ worth of food. We help veterans to claim their benefit entitlements, which part-funds their support and sign post them to key organisations as required. Next, and only when they are ready to do so, we help every veteran to develop a personal action plan to address their complex needs. We work with many specialist partners to help veterans achieve their goals, including the NHS, SSAFA, Combat Stress, RBL and many local housing and employment partners.

Since our founding in 2013, Launchpad has supported over 829 homeless veterans.

Launchpad provides not just accommodation but the first safe and stable environment many veterans have experienced in months or years, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

To learn more about the impact of Launchpad’s work, you can read veterans’ stories here:

https://veteranslaunchpad.org.uk/outcomes/veterans-stories/

Trustee opportunities

Launchpad is now seeking to appoint three new Trustees to join our Board as the charity enters its next phase of development. Our Board plays a vital role in ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation as it continues to grow its services and impact for veterans experiencing homelessness.

As a Trustee, you will help guide Launchpad strategically while supporting the executive team in delivering services that make a meaningful difference to veterans across the UK.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Asset Management / Property / Building Surveying
• Homelessness or Supported Housing
• Accounting / Finance
• Audit and Internal Audit
• Legal
• ICT

We would also welcome applications from Armed Forces veterans, particularly those who bring experience in one or more of the areas above.

The role of a trustee

Trustees provide strategic oversight and ensure the charity operates effectively, responsibly and in line with its mission.

As part of the Board, you will:

• Contribute to the development and oversight of Launchpad’s long-term strategy.
• Ensure strong financial governance and effective stewardship of resources.
• Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive leadership team.
• Help strengthen partnerships across the housing, charity, and veterans’ sectors.
• Support the continued growth and impact of Launchpad’s services.

The Board currently comprises experienced individuals from the housing, military, commercial and charity sectors who bring a broad range of governance and leadership expertise.

Commitment

Trustees attend quarterly board meetings and committees that you will be required to attend and contribute to, as well as occasional working groups or discussions relating to specialist areas of business.

The role is voluntary and unremunerated, although reasonable expenses incurred in relation to Launchpad activities will be reimbursed.

Applications should be made via email to jim@allcrofta.com and must include on separate documents:

Closing date for application: Thursday 9th April 2026.

Final stage interviews will be held in person, date to be confirmed.

As an equal opportunities employer Veterans Launchpad welcomes applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity) ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.

In making an application for this role we ask you also to view our Privacy Notice which outlines our compliance to General Data Protection Regulations and the use and storage of your data.

Personal Data is held and processed on the lawful basis that such action is in the Legitimate Interest of the company in pursuing the purposes described and has been considered through the use of a Legitimate Interest Assessment utilising the Balance Test to not be outweighed by risks to the rights, freedoms and interests of the Data Subject.