Homelessness within ex-Armed Forces Personnel - Riverside

Riverside ECHG: client case studies
This section highlights several real life case
studies from clients who have lived in one
of Riverside ECHG’s specialist ex-Armed
Forces schemes.
These case studies are clear illustrations of
what clients can achieve when given the right
level of support and suitable accommodation.
The confidence and life skills which the
individuals learn are valuable assets, essential
when making the steps from social exclusion
back into society.
The names of the clients have been changed
to ensure they remain anonymous.
Nigel’s story
Nigel served six years in the Army as a
Guardsman. He was discharged after receiving
injuries that brought an end to his Army
career. He found himself homeless and his
injuries meant that he found it difficult to
find employment.
Nigel contacted Riverside ECHG through their
telephone advice line and got a place in one of
their housing and training facilities. He received
one-to-one support from specialist staff and,
when he was ready, Riverside ECHG’s training
and employment partnership helped him find
a job. Nigel now has full-time work, a flat of his
own and has finally made the successful
transition back to civilian life.
When asked about his future since living at the
scheme Nigel said: “Having been unemployed
for almost five years after I was disabled out
of the Army, I now have a job and it’s made
the world of difference to me and my plans for
the future. I’m also looking forward to getting
additional qualifications for Driving Diggers
and Forklift licence. I like the outdoors so this
job will be perfect for me!”
John’s story
John was in the Air Force for a total of 16 years
and was discharged 15 years ago. Since then
he found himself homeless and had also
developed a drinking problem. He attended the
Open Day for Mike Jackson House in February
2008 where he met an old Wing Commander
who encouraged him to apply for a place at
the scheme.
Since moving into Mike Jackson House John
has made great progress towards recovery and,
although at one point he was at risk of losing
his tenancy due to his excessive drinking, his
support plan has enabled him to tackle his
issues. John has currently given up alcohol for
100 days and is feeling much better for it, both
psychologically and physically. John admits he
was drinking to forget but has now come to
terms with his past and is no longer allowing
himself to become depressed. He believes that
support workers changing his licence
agreement to stipulate that he couldn’t drink
whilst resident at Mike Jackson House was
instrumental in developing and maintaining his
commitment to stop drinking, staff also gave
him lifts to his peer support group to support
and sustain his long-term abstinence.
John has started a fishing club and was able to
access funds to buy three sets of fishing tackle
and licences. He has also built a greenhouse
and a large raised vegetable bed. John says:
“I’m on the Residents’ Committees and feel
more positive now because I’m helping make
some decisions. Along with some of the other
guys I’ve set up a fishing club and vegetable
garden. The support they’ve given me here has
made all the difference. It has given me back
the self-confidence I lost when I was homeless.”
“Having been unemployed for almost five years after I was
disabled out of the Army, I now have a job and it’s made
the world of difference to me and my plans for the future.”
20 21