Ryan was homeless, sleeping on the streets or in local woodlands, before he became a resident at Launchpad’s Speke House in Liverpool. In 2025, the ABF awarded a £75,000 grant to Launchpad, to fund its vital work supporting homeless veterans. 

Ryan was 20 years old when he joined the Army, in 2013, and spent four years with the Light Dragoons, part of the Royal Armoured Corps. He enjoyed his time in the Army and deployed on NATO exercises in Kenya, including roles in protection, guarding camps, and escorting and ensuring safety of senior officers.

After leaving the Army, Ryan progressed in life, undertaking civil engineering construction with different employers. But then, sadly, his best friend of many years died, which was the trigger for his mental health spiralling. His relationship with his then partner ended and Ryan lost his job. He was struggling, suffering with depression and anxiety, and became homeless.

Ryan says, “I hit rock bottom. I was sleeping on the streets for a while, in local woodlands, and tried to commit suicide twice with overdoses. At one stage, I considered jumping from a bridge.”

During this challenging time, Ryan did not turn to alcohol or drugs. He tried to look after his hygiene and would shower where he could. He was in debt, and often did not know where his next meal would come from.

Ryan could not cope with being homeless and did not know where to turn to for help.  He eventually received help from Op NOVA, which supports veterans in need, and was allocated a caseworker. The caseworker referred Ryan to Launchpad’s Speke House in July 2023. Ryan says,

“I came with nothing and have been given loads of support. On arrival, I was given a toothbrush, toothpaste, pillow and towels by the ABF – thank you.

“I felt overwhelmed; I had my own room and own space. I felt on edge all the time, having lived on the streets, sleeping anywhere. It has taken me a while to acclimatise, have space to myself, and settle into my surroundings. I didn’t expect to be here so long.”

At Speke House, Ryan has embraced the services on offer, including mental health support and employment and training advice. This has included an eight-week civil engineering and groundworks course, which he passed with flying colours. He is now managing his health with the support of staff members, especially John, the counselling therapist. Ryan says,

“Chatting to John has helped me to see a way forward to a better life. Launchpad has given me a roof over my head; and the opportunity to get my life back and renew my civil engineering licences. My mental health has improved a lot; I have friends and am back to work.

“If I hadn’t come to Launchpad, I would have been dead by now. Speke House has made me more resilient.”

Ryan is now self-employed, working in civil engineering and groundworks. His aim is to move on from Speke House and live independently, renting his own home.

Home manager, Sam, says, “Now that Ryan is working, his confidence and self-worth have grown immeasurably and he is able to manage his finances. Ryan has begun a new phase of his life.”

On leaving Speke House, when he moves into his own home, Ryan with be supported by the ABF with a grant to assist with payment for furniture and white goods, to ensure he can settle into a comfortable and suitable environment, and continue moving forward with his life.

Since being established in 2013, Launchpad has helped over 700 homeless veterans rebuild their lives across its three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham. Over 90% of veterans supported are from the Army, and the ABF is a longstanding funder.