Michael was homeless and, in his words, at rock bottom, when he became a resident at Launchpad’s Avondale House. In 2025, the ABF awarded a £75,000 grant to Launchpad, a long-term partner, to fund its vital work supporting homeless Army veterans.
Michael always wanted to join the Army and follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. He joined the Royal Corps of Signals in 2007 and served for nine years. In 2009, during a tour of Afghanistan, he sadly lost a friend in an IED strike. This was a particularly difficult time for him and, since then, Michael has suffered with PTSD.
After leaving the Army, Michael secured work in engineering and enjoyed working on power sub-stations for ten years.
But life changed when his relationship broke down and he lost his job. Michael was at an extremely low point and, five weeks prior to moving into Avondale House, run by Launchpad, which the ABF funds, he was sectioned due to an attempt to take his own life.
Michael moved into Avondale House in December 2023 and was allocated a flat; a space he could call home, which provided him with stability. He received a welcome pack of small items including tooth brush, bedding, towels from the ABF and, in 2024, a heating grant of £300.
Michael says, “I was at rock bottom, and desperately needed help. I was homeless and, although I had started to address some of my issues, I needed help from Launchpad to get me back on track.”
Michael had anxiety and anger issues, many debts, and required support to continue to abstain from alcohol addiction. While he was at Launchpad, he engaged with mental health support services, debt counselling, and undertook several activities including boxing, gardening, and go-karting.
Michael says, “My life has improved massively, with support from staff and residents. Launchpad has helped me to get my identity back. I feel more hopeful about the future. Launchpad gave me the right help at a time when I needed it most, and helped build a support network for any ongoing issues I may face. The help from Launchpad has been second to none.”
Michael stayed at Avondale House for around 15 months. He always was focussed on obtaining full-time, reliable work, and his own home. He completed employment training courses, including a rail engineering course, and now has a full-time role in the construction industry.
It was crucial for Michael to move into his own accommodation without building up rent arrears and, in March 2025, he successfully moved into a private rented property. Launchpad still is there for him if support is required.
Michael says, “If I hadn’t come to Launchpad, I would have ended up dead. Now, I have things to look forward to.”
The ABF made a grant of £75,000 to Launchpad in 2025, contributing towards the core operating costs required to provide accommodation and wraparound support for Army veterans across its three houses, in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham. Since being established in 2013, Launchpad has helped over 700 homeless veterans rebuild their lives; and over 90% of veterans supported are from the Army.