Greater Manchester's mayor has pledged that any homeless veterans in the region will be 'fast tracked' into affordable housing and 'helped immediately off the street'. Bev Craig made the commitment during a pre-Remembrance Day visit to a Wigan veterans' hub, which is held up as a 'national example' of how to deliver support to ex-service personnel.
Wigan hub praised as national example
Greater Manchester's Armed Forces Community HQ (AFCHQ), close to Wigan town centre, acts as a single point of contact for hundreds of veterans. The government-funded centre offers support services including health, housing, employment, finance, wellbeing, welfare and integration into society.
Ahead of Remembrance Day, the mayor set out plans to expand support for veterans across the city region, saying her aspiration was to 'make sure nobody who has served our country is left facing life on the streets'.
New 'gold standard' of support
The mayor announced a new 'Greater Manchester gold standard' of support for veterans. She said the pledge expands support from Greater Manchester's A Bed Every Night scheme, gives greater access to social and affordable housing, and guarantees better access to mental health, welfare advice and advocacy support.
Ms Craig said the fast-track support and housing package for veterans will build on Greater Manchester's commitments through the Armed Forces Covenant. The AFCHQ in Wigan, which the mayor visited, has helped 123 veterans into permanent homes across Greater Manchester and has seen an unmatched success rate in supporting veterans to avoid facing homelessness again.
Bev Craig said: "I want to be clear – nobody who has served our nation should ever face a life on the streets.
"Here in Greater Manchester, we have led the way in tackling rough sleeping and we know that, especially for veterans, that means more than just a roof over your head.
"It means proper wraparound support, including care from mental health specialists who understand the needs of veterans, advice and access to long-term housing that is affordable, and a simple route into services that veterans can find in their local community.
"This will be a new Greater Manchester gold standard of support for our veterans and we'll take lessons from places like Armed Forces Community HQ in Wigan who are already pioneering successful support for veterans.
"In a country as rich as ours, nobody should ever find themselves without a place to call home – especially those who have protected our freedoms in uniform. Today, we make a clear commitment to our veterans that we will serve you as you served us – every day of the year – not just on Remembrance Day."
Veteran's story highlights impact
During the visit, the mayor met Jimmy Makinson, a 79-year-old former 14th/20th Kings Hussars and Duke of Lancaster's soldier from Standish, who joined the services at 22. He found himself in his 70s, a widower, living a nomadic lifestyle and sleeping in a mobile van.
With help from the Wigan Armed Forces Community HQ, he has found a supported flat in Chorley, where he says he is 'settled and happy'. He said: "I can't give enough praise to this place, they've helped me so much.
"I lived out of a caravan and a motor home up and down the country doing security work.
"I was 77 and this was getting hard work, I made a mistake and couldn't find any more work so I packed up.
"I was classed as homeless and then I was referred to this place.
"I was bad with mental health and drink, I'd get drunk on Guinness and brandy but that was a short fix.
"One time I found myself on the bridge of the M61 near Botany Bay and I believe I was within minutes of jumping over."
Jimmy has been in his flat in Chorley for a year now after being helped to get a tenancy. He said he now feels 'secure' in his home with good neighbours and support.
