Paul Matson did not set out to become a charity leader. When the Hull‑born former Royal Artillery soldier left the Army in the late 1980s, he assumed civilian life would be straightforward. Instead he faced homelessness, addiction and a profound sense of isolation.
Today, he runs Hull 4 Heroes, a charity that renovates homes, offers welfare advice and is planning a 22‑acre ‘Veterans’ Village’ for ex‑servicemen and women. His story is a sobering reminder of how difficult resettlement can be – and a practical guide to overcoming those difficulties.
Joining the Army for a cup of tea
Matson’s entry into military life was almost accidental. Down on his luck as a teenager, he wandered into an Army careers office after hearing they offered free refreshments. “I was skint and I only went there because I thought I might be able to get a cup of tea and a biscuit and then leave,” he said. The recruiter was persuasive, and within 20 minutes Matson had enlisted.
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He thrived on the challenges of basic training and appreciated the camaraderie of 25 Field Regiment. But military culture also instilled habits that later hindered him. “Everything has to be achieved, man up! You never get a chance to grieve for your friends who go down,” he said of his time in uniform. The unspoken expectation to suppress feelings made it hard for him to recognise and address trauma once he left.
Early struggles after service
After four years’ service and the amalgamation of his regiment, Matson returned to Hull. He admits he was in turmoil. “One of my best pals had been killed and I was in a bit of turmoil yet I came back to Hull,” he recalled. “It was where most of my turmoil had begun, but it was the only place I could think of.” Without the structure of military life, he spiralled into alcohol and drug misuse. “I could have gone somewhere else but I probably had a bit of PTSD. I turned to drink and drugs and fell on my knees,” he said.
His turning point came when a stranger intervened. “Somebody offered me some help and I accepted and I moved forward,” he said. Accepting assistance was transformative. “As soon as I accepted help I changed really quickly. It was like someone had thrown me a massive lifeline. You see it now, the relief on people’s faces the moment they ask for help.” Matson retrained in construction, working for a double‑glazing company and eventually starting his own firm building conservatories.
Realising he wasn’t alone
Despite rebuilding his life and enjoying meaningful work, Matson still felt that something was missing. Volunteering for the BBC’s DIY SOS project to convert a row of houses into homes for veterans proved pivotal. “It was a turning point for me, realising that I wasn’t the only one who had struggled,” he said. Until then he had thought his difficulties were personal failings. Seeing other ex‑servicemen facing similar issues convinced him that veterans needed a dedicated support network.
Back in Hull, he gathered veterans and civilians to establish Hull 4 Heroes. The charity started in coffee shops and moved into its first rented premises in 2019. Matson and his volunteers built their own offices and interview rooms after work. “It’s important to have a base and some rooms where we can interview people about their problems,” he explained. “You can’t really expect them to open up in a coffee shop about problems with money and relationships but at first that’s all we had. This gives us more space and more flexibility, a safe and private environment that promotes trust and understanding.”
A beacon of hope
Hull 4 Heroes provides housing renovations, drop‑in support, a food bank and referral services for around 200 veterans each week. The charity’s most ambitious project is the Veterans’ Village, a development of accessible homes with on‑site rehabilitation and training facilities. Matson sees it as more than bricks and mortar: “We see it as a beacon of hope and support for ex‑service men and women as they transition to civilian life,” he said. By offering a holistic support system, the village aims to provide camaraderie and reduce isolation. “Veterans will find an environment where they can relate to one another’s experiences and offer valuable support to each other,” Matson added.
Matson believes the drop‑in centre in Hull’s Princes Quay shopping centre has had a profound impact. “The drop-in centre is one of the best things we have done,” he said. He shared the story of a woman who became reclusive after the pandemic but eventually sought help. “She calls it her safe place and she comes in every day. She realises she’s free now.”
Practical advice for service leavers
Matson’s experience offers concrete lessons for those preparing to leave the Services:
- Don’t wait to ask for help: Matson’s own recovery began only when he accepted support. He emphasises that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Build a new community: Recognising that other veterans were facing the same challenges helped him overcome feelings of shame. Joining veteran support groups or volunteering can recreate the camaraderie of military life.
- Create a safe space to talk: Hull 4 Heroes’ drop‑in centre demonstrates the value of having a private, welcoming place to discuss problems. Service leavers should seek out or help establish similar environments in their own communities.
- Stay active and engaged: Matson notes that his weekends and evenings are now filled with activities alongside veterans – paddle‑boarding, axe‑throwing, shooting – which provide healthy outlets and strengthen bonds.
Paul Matson’s journey from a homeless veteran to the founder of a thriving charity is not built on platitudes. His story is a testament to the power of asking for help, of rebuilding skills and of finding purpose through community. By speaking openly about his darkest moments and by creating tangible support structures for others, he shows that resettlement is possible – but only when veterans are given the space, tools and companionship they need.
