Adam experienced periods of homelessness and struggled with his mental health before finding stability through Launchpad, which the ABF helps fund. With further support from our charity, including grants for essential household items, he is now rebuilding his life and moving forward with confidence.
Adam developed a passion for the Army while at secondary school, where he joined the Army Cadets. He says, “I just loved being in the cadets. So, I always wanted to serve in the Army. It was a childhood dream.”
After spending time homeless in his late teens, Adam joined the Army in 1996, aged 20, later rejoining in 2002. During his service, he trained as a Combat Medical Technician before transferring to the Royal Logistic Corps as a Movement Controller, responsible for the movement of troops, vehicles and equipment. He deployed to Iraq during his service.
Adam says, “I loved my tour, I worked hard. There were often mortar attack alarms going off at night time. That was quite a daunting experience. But that’s when my basic training kicked in; critical seconds to take cover. I was quite proud of my service in Iraq.”
After returning from Iraq, Adam’s mental health deteriorated and he was medically discharged. In the years that followed, he struggled with alcohol dependency and anxiety. He says, “I was in a bad way with my mental health and anxiety, I could either live or die as an alcoholic, so gave myself a five-year recovery plan.”
Following the breakdown of a relationship, Adam faced homelessness again and was signposted to Launchpad by another veteran. He says, “I was really struggling, trying to keep sober, trying to balance my life and facing homelessness. I was right down and out, going nowhere. I just picked up the phone to Launchpad and that was the start of having a home.”
In 2024, Adam moved into Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Durham. He says, “Coming to Launchpad has been the one time in my life where I’ve had the stability, safety and roof over my head to get my life together. I started crying when I saw the accommodation because the flats are so beautiful.”
Adam later transferred to Avondale House in Newcastle, where he continued his recovery. On arrival, he received a welcome pack, funded by the ABF. He says, “I know it sounds a small thing, but seeing this pack, I was overwhelmed. I was given a kettle, toiletries, cutlery and some bedding. I also have a kitchen in my flat.”
During his time at Launchpad, Adam has engaged fully with the support available, including counselling, training and employment support. He says, “The staff are interested in me, my progress. I am now quite a proactive person and starting to think more and see my own values, which has given me confidence. I have been taught about paying bills, had cookery lessons, so am looking after myself and have more self-worth. My lifestyle in the past was chaotic; I didn’t care about myself and was an alcoholic.”
Adam’s proactive approach has paid off. He has qualified as a personal trainer and a GP referral trainer, and is now preparing to move into his own flat in Newcastle with ongoing support.
He says, “I never would have had a flat without the support of Launchpad. The staff understood my mental health needs and helped me feel hopeful for the future. I am now able to stand with dignity and self-respect, and look forward to challenges of life and getting a job. The transition has been quicker than I thought it would be from where I was.”
Reflecting on his journey, Adam adds, “Launchpad really does change your life but it’s two-way traffic, you must really engage and start believing in yourself. Even if you are not believing in yourself, the staff believe in you and become your friends.
“My thanks to the ABF for the assistance I have received on my journey to recovery. Both the essential repairs to my home and receiving your welcome gave me comfort, knowing there was charity support when needed.”