The Beacon provides supported accommodation for vulnerable ex-servicemen and women who have become, or are at risk of being, homeless.
Themes
- Veterans support
- Mental health
- Housing
- Employment
Locality
The Beacon, Catterick Garrison.
Aims
The Beacon, managed by Riverside Housing Group, opened in September 2011. It provides supported accommodation for up to 31 vulnerable ex-servicemen and women who have become, or at risk of being, homeless. Many of the residents have mental and physical health problems. This may be combat related, many are estranged from their families and for a significant group, there is associated alcohol or drug misuse. The support focuses on health and wellbeing, through signposting and encouraging engagement with appropriate health services, training and employment skills, housing and debt management. The veterans are encouraged to set realistic goals but supported to access resources and opportunities that may be available for them.
Details
Sean was medically discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2012 after ten years of service which included several tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. After the breakdown of his relationships with his wife and family, he found himself totally isolated.
Sean found himself homeless and living on the streets. He began to self-medicate with alcohol feeling unable to cope with his daily thoughts or his night terrors.
Sean explained, "I had a moment of clarity and meltdown at the same time. I wanted to drink the wine as quickly as I could and collapse. I needed to pick a direction - drink the wine, give in, go the whole hog and end it, or sort myself out." He called the number given to him for Spaces and The Beacon and asked for help.
Arriving at The Beacon, Sean expecting shared accommodation and communal showers, he was 'blown away' by the facilities and support available to him. For the first time in a long time he didn't need to worry about feeling safe.
Making full use of the support available he gains strength in health and character, he regularly uses the gym, the health and wellbeing centre, the bakery and the IT suite. With confidence and the first signs of self-belief, Sean felt ready to progress with his career and shared a dream... he wanted to become a drug's dog handler.
Sean enrolled onto a drug handlers course in Cardiff and passed with flying colours. Sean found Eric, a black and white spaniel. Sean is currently having on-going training with the Cumbria Police dog section and will eventually have a general purpose german shepherd donated by SDUKI (Sniffer Dogs UK and International) to better help him to develop his career further.
He still finds the smell of shoe polish and shaving foam too much to cope with but as usual he gets the job done, when needed. He accepts the fact that he has post-traumatic stress disorder and copes with the daily issues it can cause...'If I didn't have this avenue, I would have taken the other avenue wouldn't I? ...civilians go to bed at night knowing soldiers are keeping them safe, it's nice to give back and help keep us safe when we need it."
How will this case study improve health and reduce health inequalities?
The full impact of conflict in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan can often be hidden. It is beginning to be recognised that there is a significant toll on the health of many soldiers. Once they have left the army they have to adjust to civilian life, which many can find difficult. Problematic health behaviours such as, excessive drinking, drug taking, violence, relationship breakdowns may be the first indication that there is a mental health issue. Providing a safe environment in which they can live while they access the support that is specific to their needs allows them to adjust and develop their confidence. This takes resources, time and patience.
What public health outcomes does this case study relate to?
Initially, success may be identified as putting on weight, sleeping better or taking an active role in the training and volunteering opportunities within the bakery. The longer term outcomes relate to improved mental health, acquiring skills to improve employability and gaining life management skills to manage housing, debt, and relationships. The outcome we strive for is that the veteran can move on to live an independent life that has a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Contact details
Riverside ECHG
Tel: 01748 833797
Email: spaces@riverside.org.uk
Web: www.spaces.org.uk
