Avondale House – One Year On

Launched in August 2013, Avondale House is an initiative by the AF&V Launchpad charity, offering subsidised rental accommodation exclusively for service veterans and their partners making the transition to civilian life.

Avondale House has proved to be more than simply a place for veterans and their partners to live while looking for civilian jobs; it’s a community of friends living on the Byker Estate with a common purpose: to look after themselves, seek employment and establish their own businesses, contributing to the wider community in Newcastle.

Residents helped clean Killingworth WWII memorial prior to ceremony to remember fallen soldiers

Launchpad’s latest figures show that even after only a year, Avondale House is already reaching its goals in regard to alleviating homelessness and increasing employment opportunities:

• Previously homeless residents: 51
• Previously unemployed residents now self-employed: 1
• Residents participating in employability-improving education or training: 35
• Previously unemployed residents now in employment: 20

In addition, Avondale House residents are genuinely engaging with the initiative and their community – and demonstrating significantly improved life-skills:

• Residents taking responsibility for and mentoring other veterans: 14
• Residents participating in community-based projects: 17
• Residents showing and improved ability to manage personal finances and avoid debt: 8

Residents of Avondale House maintain the Forces’ mantra of "healthy body, healthy mind" with free fitness and wellbeing classes, open days and community events

Avondale House residents are making the most of – and contributing towards – the community, which is helping them to demonstrate improved self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience and allowing them to actively engage in planning their own futures on Civvy Street.

Find out more about Launchpad

Thanks to the partner organisations that assist us: