A Leicestershire-based construction company has backed a campaign to support homeless veterans in Durham.
Midland Rock, which service the construction industry, civil engineering industry and the general public with aggregates, waste removal, haulage, earthworks & contracting has pledged its support to sponsor a veterans flat at Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Sacriston.
The company, which has secured a contract in nearby Durham, has donated £1,000 to the charity which will contribute towards any refurbishment costs and upkeep of one of the 15 self-contained, one-bedroom flats within the house.
Directors of the company visited Hollyacre House last week and enjoyed a tour of the house, met staff and residents and were presented with an engraved plaque to display in their head office, demonstrating their commitment to supporting homeless veterans.
Midland Rock has extended its support to veterans by applying to sign up to the Defence Employee Recognition Scheme, stating their intent to be supportive towards defence personnel and support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families.
The company has demonstrated its commitment to supporting veterans by providing employment opportunities on existing contracts. With five veterans working on three different sites through the Amey Briggs agreement, the management are keen to extend their support to Launchpad by offering residents living at Hollyacre House, the opportunity to gain training and employment opportunities.
Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Hollyacre House, said:
“We are very grateful to Midland Rock for supporting this campaign and sponsoring a room. The average cost to turn around a void flat for a new resident to move in is £2,000 which includes the costs for any removals and disposal of old furniture and fixtures, redecoration and safety checks. This is a cost to the charity so the campaign helps us to alleviate any burden and will enable us to refocus additional funds to other areas of the house.
“Working with corporate partners such as Midland Rock enables us to continue to provide the service our residents need, and we are looking forward to exploring other activities and initiatives with them.”
Mark Mortiboy, Operations Director at Midland Rock is an Army veteran of 24 years’ service in the British Army’s Corp of Royal Engineers. He commented:
“I’m really pleased to be in a position to help our fellow Veterans and along with my connections hope to be able to make an impact on getting them into the construction industry, which is in some similar ways just like the Military camaraderie.”
Launchpad provides vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life. The charity manages three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK providing accommodation for 98 homeless veterans.
Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad (across all three houses) in 2024 alone.
