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

info@stepforwardhomes.co.uk

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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