We are absolutely delighted to announce the launch of our new veteran’s service, ‘Victory House’!
We have been working hard to convert our old office building into 8 bed accommodation for ex-service personnel who have sadly become homeless. This has been an aim and a passion of ours for some time, following the recognition that there is a rise in ex-service personnel using our services. It is also known that veterans who have become homeless spend much longer ‘sleeping rough’ compared to other homeless individuals, and quite often carry more complex needs such as PTSD, social isolation and institutionalisation. We therefore wanted to create a service to better support these individuals, and provide them with the dedicated service that they deserve to move forwards and recover from their trauma.
With the support of funding from the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the great work of Splash Community Projects, we are now able to provide this valuable service. There has also been a great deal of support from members of the public and local companies, who have enabled us to put this fantastic project into place. After 6 months of hard work, the property now takes its form as accommodation and is ready for 8 clients to move in and start their journey towards independence.
‘Victory House’ will not only provide secure, safe and welcoming accommodation for veterans, but will also offer a specialised support service to assist with the rehabilitation and recovery of its residents.
We aim to house 12 individuals per year in Victory House, increasing the local service provision for ex-service personnel. Four of the rooms within Victory House will be DDA compliant, making them accessible for wheelchair use.
Justin Roxburgh, Chief Executive at Arc wishes to thank the Royal British Legion for supporting this worthy cause, along with all those who have donated or contributed towards the project in some way.
Daz Northover (Operations Manager at Arc), a veteran himself, will be managing the project. He comments: “This is a very exciting time for Arc! This project is purpose built to fit the needs of veterans that have given their all to our country. It will provide much needed support to people too proud to ask for it. They will have an opportunity to battle there demons and issues in a safe environment, but will be pushed to engage and mentor back into the service to help create the transition for future veterans.”
Arc are delighted to have already filled one of the rooms within their property. Keith, who joined the Royal Engineers at just 16 years old and has suffered for many years with PTSD feels that this is the start towards a much more positive life for him.
“Being offered a place in Victory House has given me so much confidence in people. My life is on the up and I am hoping that others will benefit from the help and support that this project offers. I am addressing my issues and becoming a better person. Without Arc's help and encouragement, I would probably still be the person I was, in a really bad place.”
Referrals to the service are now welcomed and Arc looks forward to working further with the RBL and other organisations, to provide the best support possible for our armed forces community. If you would like further information, please get in touch with Rosie at Arc on [email protected] or 01823 271326