Homeless veterans’ charity Launchpad has been recognised by the UK Government with the highest badge of honour for supporting the Armed Forces community.
Launchpad is one of 193 organisations throughout the UK that has been recognised and awarded gold.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS) Gold award recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.
To win a gold, an organisation must demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the armed forces community. All the winners are recognised as powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant by actively engaging with their peers, encouraging them to employ armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, and providing robust and sustained support for reservists.
Gold status is also awarded to those who implement HR policies that accommodate the needs of the armed forces community, while continuously promoting this advocacy within their own networks and industry.
Launchpad received the bronze award in February 2021, subsequently followed by silver in May 2023 and has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the military community.
Since achieving the silver award, Launchpad was selected by the government as one of nine funded organisations to reduce veterans’ homelessness. The two-year £8.5 million Op FORTITUDE programme provides a dedicated pathway for veteran rough sleepers.
This grant has enabled Launchpad to provide combined addiction and mental health psychotherapy services, intensive training and employment support, greater access to community activities and focussed support to help the veterans transition to live independently.
Jill Murray, Chief Executive of Launchpad, said: “This is wonderful news and is testimony to the hard work and dedication of our Trustees and staff. To achieve gold within 12 months of receiving silver is incredible. Not only does it demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, it also highlights that our workplace policies and procedures support all members of the Defence community.
“We have two reservists within our team and we proactively promote their support to the Armed Forces including invitations to veterans, other veteran charities and reservists to visit the houses and look at ways we can work together proactively to support vulnerable veterans. We have also worked with the Career Transition Partnership to actively encourage and promote positions/roles within the charity.”
The scheme aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to strengthen support for armed forces communities, including putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law and a commitment to create a new Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life and be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.
Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People, said: “Our Armed Forces community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service. This scheme aligns with this government’s determination to renew the nation’s contract with our Armed Forces.
“I would like to thank the nearly 200 organisations that have been recognised with a gold award this year. Their continued support ensures that our Armed Forces community are given opportunities needed to flourish.”
Launchpad provides accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to support homeless veterans who have fallen on hard times and have found the transition from military to civilian life difficult.
The charity manages three houses in the North of England in Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time.