Launchpad has received a grant boost of £10,000 from Queen Mary Roehampton Trust (QMRT).

The grant will contribute towards the costs of providing safe, secure accommodation and rehabilitation for resident veterans living in two of its houses in Liverpool and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Trustees of QMRT awarded the grant to contribute towards routine expenditure and relief work for war pensioners and those in receipt of an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme award.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death during service on or after 6th April 2005. Any injuries before this time are compensated by the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

Launchpad provides accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to help veterans stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

The charity provides accommodation for up to a total of 80 residents in Avondale House in Newcastle upon Tyne and Speke House in Liverpool. Last year, the charity supported 157 veterans across both houses and has helped 455 veterans since 2013. 80%-90% of residents who go to Launchpad are homeless on arrival.

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, said:

“We are very grateful to Queen Mary’s Roehampton Trust for making this donation, which will help our veteran residents currently residing with us and assist them with their transition.

“Last year, we supported ten war pensioners and those in receipt of an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme award. I am pleased to report that seven of those have since moved on successfully and we hope for the same outcome with this funding.”

Colonel Steve D Rowland-Jones, Clerk to the Trustees at QMRT, said:

“The Trustees meet the objects of the Trust by giving grants to charities that support ex-servicemen and women who have been injured or disabled during their service, and their dependants. Each year the Trust awards around £500,000 in such grants.

“AF&V Launchpad is one of those charities at the cutting edge of support to the veteran community and the Trustees welcomed the opportunity to award a grant.”

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