Homeless veteran’s charity Launchpad has appointed Chris Longstaff as its new Deputy Manager at Avondale House in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Veteran Chris joins the charity after taking some time out of his working career and is responsible for providing cover while the manager is not on site but also oversees the running and financial aspects of the house, liaises with many of the partners that engage with Launchpad and works closely with the residents to develop their personal development plans.
Chris joined the Army in 2008 and served 6 years in the Royal Artillery. He left service in 2014 and worked as an HGV driver for 8 months before joining BT Openreach where he joined as an apprentice engineer and worked his way up to regional manager. He enjoyed a successful 10-year career at the company before deciding to have a short career break.
As a veteran, Chris understands the difficulties the resident veterans have when leaving service and for those who have fallen on hard times but he is looking forward to supporting the residents living at Avondale House to secure employment and to move on to a successful independent life.
Launchpad opened Avondale House on the Byker estate in Newcastle upon Tyne in 2013 providing 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats and communal areas for former serving personnel and their partners. The charity has three houses in the North of England in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham, providing accommodation for up to 98 homeless veterans who come from all over the UK.
Commenting on his new role, Chris said:
“Helping people has always been at my core and in this wonderful new role I now find myself, what better way to make that a reality. I am so excited to get started and support the residents.”
Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Avondale House and Hollyacre House, said:
“I’d like to welcome Chris to the team and his enthusiasm and determination for the role is clear to everyone. He will be a great asset and I look forward to working with him.”
Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone. Last year, Launchpad accommodated 171 homeless veterans during the year – an increase from 135 just 18 months ago.
