At Tom Harrison House, we are continuing to see the importance of specialist, accessible support for veterans experiencing homelessness or whose circumstances are placing them at serious risk of losing their accommodation.
Through our Reducing Veteran Homelessness Project (THH-RVH), funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), Tom Harrison House works alongside our partners at The Block Armed Forces Foundation to identify and support veterans across the Liverpool City Region who are experiencing housing difficulties alongside other complex challenges.
Over recent months, we have seen increasing numbers of veterans engaging with the project. Behind every referral is an individual story, and homelessness is very rarely the only issue someone is facing.
For many of the veterans we support, housing instability exists alongside addiction, poor mental health, trauma, relationship breakdown, social isolation, financial difficulties or challenges associated with the transition from military to civilian life.
This is why THH-RVH is about much more than housing.
Addressing the Issues Behind Homelessness
Finding accommodation can be an important first step, but without addressing the underlying challenges that have contributed to homelessness or housing instability, it can be extremely difficult for someone to achieve lasting change.
Tom Harrison House specialises in supporting members of the Armed Forces community experiencing addiction and mental health difficulties.
Our approach through THH-RVH therefore combines practical support around housing and homelessness with access to specialist recovery and wellbeing interventions.
Depending on an individual’s circumstances and needs, this can include:
- Specialist addiction and mental health support
- One-to-one therapeutic support
- Peer mentoring and recovery support
- Access to residential addiction treatment where appropriate
- Temporary accommodation and supported housing pathways
- Support to develop independent living and tenancy skills
- Help engaging with housing providers and other statutory or voluntary services
- Recovery-focused activities and opportunities
- Ongoing aftercare and community support
- Support towards training, volunteering and employment
The aim is not simply to respond to the immediate crisis, but to help veterans develop the stability, confidence and support networks needed to move forward.
Working in Partnership
Partnership working is central to THH-RVH.
Our partners at The Block Armed Forces Foundation continue to play an important role in engaging veterans within communities across the Liverpool City Region.
Building trust can take time, particularly when someone has experienced homelessness, addiction, poor mental health or repeated difficulties accessing services.
The Block team’s ability to engage veterans, develop relationships and connect individuals with appropriate specialist support has helped us reach people who may otherwise have remained disconnected from services.
By combining this community engagement with the specialist addiction, mental health and recovery provision available through Tom Harrison House, we can provide veterans with a pathway from initial engagement through to treatment, recovery and greater independence.
We would like to thank the team at The Block Armed Forces Foundation for continuing to put in the hard yards alongside us.
Building Recovery, Connection and Purpose
An important part of the THH-RVH approach is helping veterans reconnect with other people and develop positive routines and support networks.
Our work therefore extends beyond formal appointments and interventions.
Throughout the project, veterans have had opportunities to participate in a wide range of recovery and wellbeing activities, including mountain biking, walking days, watersports, bowling, race track experiences and mountain challenges including Snowdon and Scafell Pike.
These activities provide much more than a day out.
They can help veterans rebuild confidence, develop relationships, experience positive challenges, reduce isolation and rediscover the sense of belonging and shared purpose that can sometimes be lost after leaving the Armed Forces.
Re-Org: A Place for Veterans to Connect
Another important part of our wider approach is Re-Org, our weekly Veteran Recovery and Wellbeing Group at Tom Harrison House.
Re-Org provides a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment where veterans can meet others with shared experiences and access support from the Tom Harrison House team.
Veterans do not need to wait until they are in crisis to attend.
Whether someone is experiencing addiction or mental health difficulties, struggling with their wellbeing, feeling isolated, or simply wants to reconnect with other veterans, they are welcome to come along.
Re-Org takes place every Tuesday from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Tom Harrison House, 4 Argyle Road, Anfield, Liverpool, L4 2RS.
Reaching Veterans Before Crisis Point
One of the most important messages we want to communicate is that support should not begin only when someone becomes street homeless.
There are often warning signs much earlier.
A veteran may be struggling to maintain their tenancy, experiencing relationship breakdown, moving between temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, leaving prison or treatment without suitable accommodation, or finding that addiction or deteriorating mental health is putting their housing at risk.
Early intervention gives us a greater opportunity to work alongside that individual before their circumstances deteriorate further.
This is why referrals from other organisations and professionals across the Liverpool City Region are so important.
We want to continue strengthening relationships with local authorities, housing providers, Armed Forces organisations, NHS and mental health services, addiction services, criminal justice agencies, charities and other community organisations that may come into contact with veterans who need support.
If you are working with someone who has served in the Armed Forces and you are concerned about their housing, addiction, mental health or general wellbeing, we encourage you to contact us.
Continuing the Work
The increasing number of veterans engaging with THH-RVH demonstrates both the need for this work and the importance of organisations working together.
Every veteran’s circumstances are different. There is no single solution to homelessness, addiction or poor mental health.
What we can provide is an opportunity to engage, be listened to and begin developing an individual pathway towards greater stability and recovery.
At Tom Harrison House, our focus remains on providing specialist support for veterans experiencing addiction and mental health challenges, while working with our partners to address the wider circumstances affecting their lives.
There is still much more to do.
By continuing to work collaboratively across the Liverpool City Region, we can identify veterans earlier, reduce barriers to accessing support and help more individuals move away from homelessness and crisis towards recovery, stability, independence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Need Support or Want to Make a Referral?
If you are a veteran who needs support, or you are working with someone who may benefit from the THH-RVH project, please contact us.
General enquiries and partnership opportunities
📧 info@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk
To make a referral
📧 admission@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk
Tom Harrison House
4 Argyle Road
Anfield
Liverpool
L4 2RS
If you know a veteran who may benefit from this support, please share this information with them. Reaching the right person at the right time can be the first step towards lasting change.
