South Tyneside Council is committed to supporting ex-service personnel and recognises that having a home when they return to civilian life is central to their wellbeing. Working with partners, the Council established a project to provide dedicated ‘move-on’ accommodation for veterans and secured £17,000 in funding from the Ministry of Defence’s Covenant scheme. A block of nine one and two-bedroomed furnished flats is now available for affordable rent to servicemen and women as they leave the forces. An Outreach Worker – also ex services – helps identify prospective tenants and makes referrals as well as being able to help people access training, education, employment and funding opportunities.

 

The award winning Nelson Project is a partnership between Plymouth City Council and local and national housing partners. During the course of the project, ex-service personnel played a vital role with the construction of the 24-home site that includes 12 self-build homes for military veterans and 12 mixed use affordable homes, including supported housing. As well as providing ex-servicemen with a place to call home, the veterans completed construction training and courses that helped them develop the skills needed to engage with the project, as well as provide them with valuable job-based skills. Many have now found work in the construction industry.