Ian experienced periods of homelessness before finding stability through Launchpad, which the Army Benevolent Fund supports through funding. With further support from our charity, including a grant for essential household items, he has now moved into his own home and is rebuilding his life.
After leaving school, Ian initially worked as a butcher in North Shields but wanted a new challenge and decided to join the Army. In 1979, he began his training at Bassingbourn Barracks before joining the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He served until 1993 as an infantry soldier, also taking on the role of regimental butcher.
During his service, Ian undertook multiple operational tours in Northern Ireland, including Belfast, South Armagh and Crossmaglen, as well as deployments to the Falklands and the First Gulf War. Reflecting on this time, Ian says, “I was young and found the tours challenging but enjoyable.”
Ian looks back on his Army career fondly. “I loved the Army. If I was asked to go back tomorrow, I would. When you are in the military, you are with a family. It’s your own, like an extended family.” He later chose to leave the Army following personal relationship difficulties and went on to work as a long-distance lorry driver, in a builder’s merchant, and later spent 11 years as a postman.
Ian first came to Launchpad in May 2019 after becoming homeless due to marital issues. He stayed for two months before moving into independent accommodation. He says, “At Launchpad, I met people from different regiments and different parts of the country. We got on well, had a good laugh together and often played pool in the communal area.”
Several years later, following another relationship breakdown, Ian once again found himself without a home. Struggling to cope and experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) linked to his operational service, he returned to Launchpad. “I couldn’t cope and knew I needed help. The staff at Avondale House are fantastic, and the counselling support really helped”, he says.
During this time, Ian was supported by Launchpad’s Independent Living Coordinator, Gayle, who helped him begin rebuilding his independence. After a short stay, Ian moved back into the community, but when this arrangement broke down, he briefly found himself living in his car and returned to Launchpad once again.
With continued support, Ian successfully secured a bungalow through North Tyneside Council. Now living independently, he says, “I’ve got a nice little bungalow. I love it.”
The Army Benevolent Fund supported Ian’s move by funding essential items including white goods, carpets and curtains. “I couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you for helping me enjoy my new home.”
Ian remains extremely positive about the support he has received. “Organisations like Launchpad and the ABF are fantastic. Without their support, I would be on the streets. I would recommend them to any veteran. I’ve been given so much help, including counselling and being put in touch with other organisations. It’s been absolutely brilliant.”
Thanks to this support, Ian is now settled in his own home and moving forward with confidence.