Speke House celebrates 10 years of helping homeless veterans in Liverpool

Homeless veteran’s charity Launchpad is celebrating ten years at one of its houses in Liverpool.

The charity opened Speke House in 2015 and has supported 446 homeless and unemployed veterans to help them move on successfully and live independently.

The house comprises 50 self-contained, one-bedroom flats, providing vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life. Residents are supported for up to two years (longer if necessary) and then offered additional support once they move on to independent living.

Launchpad Trustees and staff invited guests to the house to celebrate this important milestone to have a tour and meet residents. Those attending the visit included Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, High Sheriff of Merseyside, Professor John Mohin OBE, The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE and Lady Mayoress, Alderwoman Erica Kemp CBE.

Launchpad purchased Speke House from Johnnie Johnson Housing Trust and have spent over £2 million refurbishing the property since it opened in January 2015.

Since then, Speke House has received 804 referrals. Of the 446 veterans living at Speke House, 57% received training, 44% gained employment whilst living at the house, 77% engaged in some form of house activity during their stay, 59% had a positive move on and 31% left with a job.

Richard moved into Speke House in early 2024 and served over sixteen years in the British Armed Forces as a Rifleman in the 1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, and Hong Kong. He said: “I can’t thank the team at Speke House enough for everything they’ve done. Their belief in me has helped me believe in myself again.”

Ryan served four years as the light dragoons – Royal Armoured Corps. He said: “My life is a massive improvement, and I am much happier now. Things are more in perspective, and I can look forward. After regaining my qualifications, I’ve secured a job in groundswork. If anything, Speke House has made me more resilient”.

A former resident of Speke House, said:

“The angels from above had brought me to Speke House to save my life. You have brought hope in my life and a sense of belonging again. I finally have support, salvation, freedom and a new beginning which is more valuable than anything anyone can ever offer me. You all mean the world to me and I hope you will see how far I will go as I finally believe in myself again.”

Sam Jackson, who has been Manager of Launchpad’s Speke House since it opened, said:

“Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing. Last year, we supported 92 homeless veterans here at Speke House and as a charity across all three of our houses, 361 homeless veterans’ approached us or were referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.

“No veteran should be homeless and we are proud of the service and support we provide here in Liverpool and it was my pleasure to welcome key dignitaries into the house for a visit and tour and to spend time speaking to our Trustees, staff and residents.”

Launchpad manages three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans and their partners where relevant. The houses often provide the first safe place in which the veteran has slept for months or even years.

In 2023, the government launched the Op FORTITUDE/Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme. Op FORTITUDE is a dedicated pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness to get into supported housing or to keep them in their current home. Launchpad was selected as one of nine funded organisations to deliver the initial two-year programme. As part of the programme, Launchpad has supported 187 previously homeless veterans, with 71 successfully moving on to independent living and 63 securing employment within the first year.

The Labour government committed a further £3.5m funding to extend this programme and to ensure wraparound services, to support homeless veterans, through organisations like Launchpad who provide valuable specialist support to veterans by securing employment, independent living and dealing with mental health challenges.