IMPACTREPORT
2018-20192018-2019
www.stepforwardhomes.co.uk
Independent accommodation services are provided by Step Forward Homes, a not-for-profit housing company, which utilises social investment finance to purchase new build accommodation for both a�ordable rental (20% below market price) and sale / part-ownership, with priority made to current and former Armed Forces and Emergency Service Personnel.
Step Forward Homes passionately believe that the primary client group deserve to be given the highest priority in securing high-quality affordable homes in outstanding places to live and enjoy.
We know that housing along with health, education and employment are key barriers which prevent ex-service personnel to resettle successfully. Our employees and teams have live military experience and understand the issues faced when leaving the armed forces.
We support vulnerable veterans and blue light workers with a range of specialist services including:
Access to good, quality health services which tackle mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, physical health and general wellbeing.
Fully integrated resettlement service which works with homeless veterans, people in temporary or poor quality accommodation and supports them into permanent, independent accommodation.
Opportunities for employability from volunteering to work placements up to and including paid permanent employment.
Accommodation available within a supported and distinctive community
hub at Leon House, providing 23 luxury en-suite rooms, various communal areas and training rooms.
The LIBOR Funded Project
Funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds, a resettlement pathway project was developed by One Ark, a social investment charity which develops innovative projects and collaborations to attract and generate investment to target community needs.
Delivered by Invisible Wounds, the aim of the project is to support 280 homeless veterans and former emergency service personnel into a�ordable, high quality accommodation over a 3 year period between April 2018 and March 2021.
In order to move the target group into accommodation, the project includes provision to address the significant barriers faced, including physical & mental health, employment & skills and financial wellbeing.
Project Targets
Provide long-term rental accommodation for 280 veterans and former emergency personnel
Provide coaching, mentoring, support and counselling for 280 of the target group
Provide resettlement education and practical skills for 120 of the target group
Provide floating tenancy support to 120 of the target group
Provide £112,000 worth of furnishing support to new tenants within the target group
70 Veterans and former emergency personnel supported with advice, guidance, mentoring or
counselling
66 veterans and former emergency personnel
moved into long-term, high quality rental homes through
Step Forward Homes
17 homeless veterans accessed resettlement education and financial
support
8 veterans supported with their health &
wellbeing and referred on to additional support
12 Veterans supported into employment
17 veterans supported with training and skills
5 Veterans supported into volunteering or
mentoring roles
£30,671 provided in furnishing support to tenants
within the target group
100% of new tenants maintained their current
tenancy
Year 1 Achievements
Amit KoulHighlanders, 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
After serving in the Armed Forces for 8 years, Amit transitioned with no support and little contact from his family, living in India. Amit soon became homeless, had difficulty finding employment and was therefore referred to Invisible Wounds, who with Leon House provided him with accommodation and a full support package. This included employability, health and wellbeing, benefit advice and resettlement education.
Room at Leon House
Employability Training
Family Support
Home Office Support
Gym Membership
CV Creation
Diet & Exercise
Resettlement Education
Benefits Support
Job Application Support
Sleep & Relaxation
StepForward Home
GP Registration
Budgeting Advice
Anxiety and Wellbeing
Ongoing Support
Amit says “I served in Armed Forces for 8 years and when I left I struggled
to find work. With no family in the UK, I didn’t have a place to stay and couldn’t
rent anywhere without proof of employment.”
“Invisible Wounds offered me a wealth of advice and support, provided me with a place to live and assisted with my CV and interview techniques. The facilities at Leon House are very good and there are always friendly staff I can talk to. They have helped me through some really tough situations and have helped me to build my confidence. I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done to help me get back on my feet. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I hadn’t had their support.”
Alex Kemp & Andy ReidThird Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment
In 2009, Corporal Andy Reid was on patrol in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED causing severe life changing injuries. One of the soldiers, rushing to his side was Alex Kemp. Alex had administered First Aid and potentially saved Andy’s life.
In 2018 Andy, now an Ambassador for Invisible Wounds noticed that there was something not right with Alex, after reading his posts on social media. Andy decided to reach out to Alex and o�er him support. He quickly established that Alex had become homeless after a breakdown in his relationship, which had led to him being estranged from his daughter. Alex was also su�ering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and had hit rock bottom, attempting to take his own life.
Andy wanted to repay Alex for saving his life 9 years ago and immediately arranged accommodation and support with Leon House and Invisible Wounds. Six months later, Alex was given the keys to a newly built property by Step Forward Homes. He had received therapy for his PTSD, passed his driving test, purchased a car, gained qualifications and began working on railway maintenance and security. He has also rebuilt his relationship with his daughters mother and has access to weekly visits.
Alex says “I was having a bad time
reliving what happens over there. I’d lost my grandma
and I wasn’t seeing my daughter. Everyone has
really looked after me and I have everyone’s numbers
so that whenever I need them, I’m never alone. I’m no longer isolated... it’s properly
changed my life!”
Mental HealthSupport
StepForwardHome
Training &Skills
FamilySupport
Employment
DrivingLicence
Creating ImpactWellbeing Value allows us to measure the success of our social interventions by how much it increases the wellbeing of our beneficiaries and our communities. We do this through using HACT Value Insight (hact.org.uk).
The overall social value generated through the project is £485,606 with a Social Return on Investment recorded as 1: 2.70, which means that for every £1 invested into the project, a social return of £2.70 is generated.
The value to veterans and emergency service personnel…
Access tailored advice, guidance & mentoring in
areas of housing & resettlement, health &
wellbeing and, employability & training
Access to safe and secure accommodation at Leon House for veterans who
are sleeping rough or ‘couch-surfing’
Support into long-term, high quality and low cost accommodation within safe areas with good
communities
Progress into sustainable employment from previously being
unemployed and/or on benefits
Provision of relevant support & counselling to address mental health
related barriers, inclusive of drug & alcohol abuse
Provision of furnishing support for those in need
of financial help when moving into a Step Forward
home
Support into volunteering or mentoring roles with
Invisible Wounds or StepForward Homes
Access to training in employment, digital and
life skills to positively progress
Support with financial matters including accessing
benefits, budgeting and grants towards licences, qualifications and training
courses
“I have worked closely now for two years with both Invisible Wounds and Step Forward Homes and their commitment and dedication in
supporting vulnerable veterans is outstanding. The facilities in Prestwich are amazing and an excellent stepping stone for the veterans in preparation to move
in to their own affordable housing. The experience and dedication of the staff within the two organisations and partners is key for a successful outcome for the
veterans and dependants if needed.”Terry Morley, Veterans Employment Programme Manager, Groundwork MSSTT
“This is a go-ahead, committed organisation, which is as innovative as it is diligent. It is committed to proving exemplary services and support to people of many walks of life, and its results are stunning. This is an organisation which truly cares, not only about the people they help but also their service providers. I cannot recommend the organisation highly enough.”
Sarah Yuen Gilliat Clinical Hypnotherapist RCH GHR Reg GQHP CNHC Reg
“It is a huge honour to be associated for such a world class facility as Leon House. My organisation is a global leader in prevention of gambling addiction but it is inevitable that some people with addiction will fall off the edge of the cliff and need fit for purpose and effective treatment and recovery. Leon House is a facility and an environment that celebrates recovery and allows all those who attend to lead meaningful and lives in the future.”
Paul Buck, CEOEPIC Risk Management
Fundraising
Employees and volunteers at Step ForwardHomes are always getting involved in various causes to raise money to support veteran initiatives.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Tough Mudder London
Mont Blanc Mountain Challenge 2020
Andy Reid, Director at Step Forward Homes
and Ambassador for Invisible Wounds has participated in a number of challenges over
the last 2 years. These challenges have raised
over £60,000 for ABF The Soldiers Charity, Military Charity Style for Soldiers
and Bike Tours for the Wounded Charity.
Contact us We understand the importance of working together to achieve a greater impact and that collective action can produce greater results.
We are always looking for partners who can…
Provide support to veterans
Invest in our projects and the work we do
Complement our current initiatives and fundraising activities
Booths Hall, Chelford Rd, Knutsford WA16 8QZ
Tel: 01565 648 284
Remember, for every £100 you invest in us, you could receive over £200 back in social value
www.stepforwardhomes.co.uk
Who we work withWe are proud to work with the following companies
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