Rory hosts homeless veterans in Parliament
Rory hosted an event in Parliament on 9th May to focus on the work of re-housing ex-service personnel in vacant housing stock by national organisation Riverside, which also operates in Penrith and the Border. The event was an opportunity to highlight the valuable work of the organisation across the country, which has been referenced in the Ministry of Defence’s recent paper The Armed Forces Covenant: Today and Tomorrow as an example of cross-department working that benefits veterans.
Rory said: “It’s great to be able to highlight this important initiative. Anecdotal evidence and research shows that these schemes have been very effective in supporting our ex-service personnel and helping them to find homes and long term employment. Clearly, much more needs to be done, but Riverside’s Beacon, at Catterick Garrison, and their Mike Jackson Home are great exemplars that prove that our veterans can quickly and effectively return to independent living. Demand is growing nationally, so I am hopeful that this scheme can be rolled out and adopted by other housing organisations across the country.”
Riverside has secured three years of funding for the Beacon running until 2014 and the project has already achieved dramatic results. The majority of the funding is ‘Supporting People’ funding and is topped up by North Yorkshire Council. The Ministry of Defence contribute 25% towards these costs.
A Riverside spokesperson said: “For this to continue we need MPs to help to secure long term funding for this innovative and very effective scheme by highlighting the importance of these schemes.”
Riverside ECHG is a quality national provider of services for ex servicemen and women providing homes and support to encourage independent living. Riverside ECHG has the combined expertise to off a complete package for vulnerable ex service men and women who need help to find accommodation, deal with mental health issues and gain new skills.
For more information please visit http://www.riverside.org.uk/
