A HOMELESS facility for army veterans has been saved from financial difficulty after a charity has dug it out of administration – rescuing the home of eight veterans and four staff members.

National veterans’ charity Launchpad has successfully purchased Hollyacre Centre on Front Street, Sacriston from administrators, after Single Homeless: Action Initiative in Durham (SHAID) was placed into administration earlier this year.

Hollyacre House comprises 13 self-contained one-bedroom flats and one flat for five people – which can support veterans for up to two years at a time.

However, it is believed that this new deal for the homeless facility will only include Hollyacre House, and not involve St Peter's Court in Sacriston.

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Currently, eight veterans and four employees call the facility ‘home’, which will now be saved after the deal was confirmed last night (May 16).

This is the second veterans’ accommodation the charity has opened in the North East.

In 2013, Launchpad opened Avondale House on the Byker estate in Newcastle providing accommodation including 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats and communal areas for former serving personnel and their partners.

The Northern Echo: Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Hollyacre House and Avondale House (pictured second) with new Launchpad staff, Tina Burrell, Sharon Hudson and Christopher Jackson outside the front entrance of Hollyacre House. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Hollyacre House and Avondale House (pictured second) with new Launchpad staff, Tina Burrell, Sharon Hudson and Christopher Jackson outside the front entrance of Hollyacre House. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.

David Shaw, CEO and founder of Launchpad, said: “We are delighted to take over the operations by opening Hollyacre House and continuing to deliver vital accommodation and support to our veterans.

“When the building was closed, eight resident veterans living at the scheme were left wondering where their future lay, but we will continue to support those residents and provide the support they need to help them to successfully move on with their lives.

“We will continue to work with multiple specialist partners to help us deliver the services and support that our veterans need. We look forward to expanding our North East operations, working closely with Durham County Council and charities in the area, many of whom we are familiar with already and who have been very supportive.

“We are keen to work with the local community and businesses and have longer-term plans to restructure some of the layout of the house and improve its facilities.

The Northern Echo: Typical flat layout within Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Durham. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.Typical flat layout within Launchpad’s Hollyacre House in Durham. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.

“The house will be managed by four members of staff who worked at the house in the past and are now members of Launchpad, and we’ll be implementing policies and best practice from our two houses in Newcastle and Liverpool to ensure this facility is run effectively and efficiently. I have no doubt we will bring improvement for staff and residents very quickly.”

According to the charity, 90 per cent of the veterans who arrive at Launchpad are homeless and since 2013, over 550 veterans have been supported with 36 per cent of residents leaving in paid employment and 62 per cent successfully moving on to settled accommodation, either living independently, reunited with family or with the support they needed.

Nick Tubbs, chair of Launchpad, added: “Our Trustees fully support this expansion and acquisition of a third house and clearly, there is demand for a veterans facility like this in County Durham.

The Northern Echo: National veterans’ charity Launchpad has purchased Hollyacre Centre in Sacriston, County Durham from administrators, securing the future of eight veterans and saving four jobs. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.National veterans’ charity Launchpad has purchased Hollyacre Centre in Sacriston, County Durham from administrators, securing the future of eight veterans and saving four jobs. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.

“For most veterans, the transition from the armed forces to civilian life is smooth but often, those few who can’t resettle easily face challenges such as homelessness, poverty, mental and physical health issues, addictions, broken families, and unemployment.

“Launchpad was created specifically to help veterans overcome these challenges and to live positive and rewarding lives thereafter and Hollyacre House will continue to support veterans in need.”

The Northern Echo: The communal lounge at Launchpad’s Hollyacre House where veterans can relax with other residents. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.The communal lounge at Launchpad’s Hollyacre House where veterans can relax with other residents. Picture: LAUNCHPAD.

SHAID ceased operations in February 2022 after hitting financial difficulty, closing two veterans houses, Hollyacre Centre and St. Peter’s Court, also in Sacriston, which comprises 16 self-contained flats.

Launchpad has only purchased the Hollyacre Centre.

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