I’m a Veteran. This photograph was taken at RAF Boulmer around 1998. I’m sitting on the bonnet of the Land Rover and the radar in the background was captured from the Argentinians in 1982. It was old but reliable, and I knew how to operate it like a skilled pianist. The military is like a family and I’m still in close contact with several of the people.

I left the RAF in 2000 after serving an 8-year commission. It had been my childhood dream, if I’m honest with myself, seeing “Top Gun” at the tender age of 13 had a lot to do with it! The RAF became my life, my family and my identity for the next 8 years. The military provides everything, and I remember walking through the gate for the final time with only about £7,000 in the bank (and a motorbike). Moving into civilian life felt completely unfamiliar but I wanted something more stable and to settle down in the North-East.

In the RAF, I was responsible for the safety of teams, equipment, and pilots. But to civilian employers, I was just another candidate with a non-traditional background. I had a lot to learn.

Joining a large company and later transitioning into recruitment helped, but the change in identity was tough. In the RAF, I had a role with purpose and camaraderie. In civilian life, I was just starting out. The sense of belonging I had taken for granted was gone, replaced by a feeling of isolation. I missed the shared goals and energy of military life. It felt disorienting.

Finding housing was another challenge. The RAF had always provided accommodation, but now I was on my own. Fortunately, I managed to buy a flat in Morpeth. Today, I can’t imagine how challenging the housing market must be for service leavers.

I believe businesses should have a social purpose. For me, supporting a housing charity felt right to align with my work in the housing sector. Launchpad provides veterans with accommodation and support, giving them time to adjust and stabilise before focusing on training or job opportunities.

Launchpad exists to provide accommodation and other support, with the expertise of specialist providers, so these veterans can stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life. They have facilities in Newcastle, Durham and Liverpool offering safe accommodation and vital resources to help veterans regain independence, secure employment, and rebuild their lives after service. With over seven hundred veterans supported to date, their mission is to empower those who served by providing the tools they need for long-term success.

For some, Launchpad may be a brief stepping-stone, giving them time to adjust quickly, for example those who have just left the armed forces but have left resettlement plans late, or are briefly in transit from one job to another or one location to another. 90% of residents who come to Launchpad were homeless immediately before arrival and some come through release from prison. Many of the residents have mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some need help with addictions to alcohol and drugs. Others have found themselves homeless because of relationship and family breakdowns or not being able to secure paid employment.

Here are some of the Veterans’ stories:

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

Veterans’ Launchpad works closely with the Army Benevolent Fund, Corporate Partners, The Veterans’ Foundation, Operation Fortitude and are members of COBSEO The Confederation of Service Charities.

https://veteranslaunchpad.org.uk

Discussing the organisation with their CEO, Jill Murray.

https://vimeo.com/1020610903?share=copy#t=0