The project will be piloting one of the recommendations from the Roadmap to End Veteran Homelessness study, which suggested that providing dedicated housing advice could help prevent personnel becoming homeless once they leave the Armed Forces.

The project will trial the provision of a specialist housing adviser with previous experience of the Armed Forces on-site at Catterick for a period of 12 months. The new role will offer face-to-face advice and support to Service personnel transitioning out of the Armed Forces and their families, including civilian housing options, help with documentation, and referring to existing services where appropriate.

Embedding an advice worker with experience of the housing issues ex-Service personnel sometimes face as they transition from military to civilian life will help them and their families better navigate the transition process, clearly understand their options and increase their chance of finding secure accommodation after leaving the Armed Forces.

The project will share the experience and data accumulated throughout its duration at a national level, with the aim of starting a longer-term cultural change in the way local authorities and registered housing providers deliver services to the Armed Forces Community.

Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said,

“We are proud to be part of this important initiative, which will offer practical, face-to-face support for Service personnel as they prepare to leave the Armed Forces. Transitioning to civilian life can be complex, and housing is a critical part of that journey. By embedding expert advice at the point of discharge, we can help prevent housing challenges before they arise and ensure that Veterans have the support they need to settle confidently into civilian life. This new role not only strengthens the safety net for our Armed Forces community, but will also help shape a more coordinated, informed approach to supporting Veterans nationally.”

Deputy Commander Joint Military Command North (Army), Lt Col David Marshall, said,

“Headquarters North are pleased to trial this novel social housing pilot in conjunction with the Armed Forces Outreach Service and Catterick Garrison. AFOS has over a decade’s worth of experience in assisting Service Leavers, Reservists, spouses, and veterans to navigate the social housing system across the North East. Offering services like this are vital in achieving our vision to make the military community in the North the best it can be, and we welcome engagement from charities and local initiatives from across the North”.

Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust said,

“The vast majority of ex-Service personnel leave the military and secure appropriate housing.  However, we know that the early stages of moving into civilian accommodation can sometimes be challenging. This project will trial the potential benefits of direct support at the UK’s largest military garrison, and provide a case study in implementing the findings of our funded ‘Roadmap to end Veteran Homelessness’ report. We are proud to support this project, which aims to support our vision of successful transition for all members of the Armed Forces community.”