Veterans’ charity Launchpad has received a £170,000 grant from the Veterans’ Foundation to support the next stage of its organisational transformation and ongoing work with homeless veterans across the UK.
The funding will be used to cover the salaries of four key staff as the charity delivers its new strategy and business plan – part of an ambitious Agenda for Change launched in August 2024 under the leadership of Chief Executive Jill Murray.
Launchpad, which operates supported housing schemes in Newcastle, Durham, and Liverpool, provides 98 self-contained flats for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Last year alone, the organisation received or was referred 361 veterans in need of support. It expects to provide sustained help to a further 135 veterans across its three sites until March 2026.
The Veterans’ Foundation grant will support Launchpad’s wider transformation efforts, which have included a governance review, the appointment of four new trustees, the implementation of a new risk and assurance framework, and the co-creation of a five-year strategy informed by the lived experiences of past and present residents.
Jill Murray, Chief Executive at Launchpad, said: “On behalf of our trustees and staff, I would like to thank the Veterans’ Foundation and those who play the Veterans’ Lottery for their continued support and this very kind grant. This funding will make a big difference to supporting homeless veterans around the UK and help us to deliver our ambitious Agenda for Change programme. The business transformation programme has and will continue to make Launchpad stronger and most importantly, it will ensure that our residents are truly at the heart of our strategy and the key objectives which we strive to achieve as a homeless veterans charity.”
The new funding follows a separate £295,000 government grant awarded to Launchpad earlier this year to continue delivering the Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme. The charity will also continue working with Op FORTITUDE, the government-backed national referral pathway for homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness.
Support provided includes combined psychotherapy for addiction and mental health, employment and training advice, access to wellbeing activities, and help with moving into and maintaining long-term accommodation.
Jane Gurney, CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, said: “It’s an honour to continue our support of Launchpad, which is a charity that changes and saves lives. The Agenda for Change programme will no doubt ensure that Launchpad will grow from strength to strength and allow the charity to open up its support network and high-quality accommodation to more homeless veterans in the UK.”
The Veterans’ Foundation raises funds through its national lottery and donations, providing grants to charities supporting serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
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