Wolverhampton veterans get funding boost as uncertainty looms over future of home

The city council and the Royal British Legion have come forward to help the men find alternative accommodation. A veterans' charity in Salisbury has also offered support.

The crowd-funding scheme, set up two days ago, has already raised hundreds of pounds. Started by friends of one of the veterans, it aims to raise £5,000 to help the men make the transition into civilian life.

It comes after Stonham Homegroup at Roland Elcock House, East Park, announced funding for the project had run out and it was closing.

It meant that 12 ex-servicemen, some of whom served in the Gulf War and have mental health issues and physical problems, have been left with no homes or access to vital support services. Four of the veterans from the Barnfield Road site are yet to find a new place to live.

Pat Mc Fadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, and Councillor Anwen Muston, who represents East Park, have applauded the crowd-funding move.

Councillor Muston said: "It's a good idea because they need help. We've got Help For Heroes and other veterans' charities but I can't see what any of them are doing in Wolverhampton to help these guys whose needs are not being met. It's scandalous what is happening to them."

But Mr McFadden warned that the former soldiers need accommodation that supports their health issues.

"Many of them are deeply traumatised by their experience of serving in the armed services, and they need a proper package of support which begins with accommodation but must include much more," he said.

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: "I can confirm the RBL have been involved in the project from establishment and are now in the process of assisting veterans and offering support."

The city council said it took its responsibilities to veterans 'extremely seriously' and was working with Wolverhampton Homes to 'do everything we can to support the individuals affected by the closure.'

Council spokesman Paul Brown added: "They are being helped to move into alternative accommodation, and direct support will be available for up to 18 months after they have left Roland Elcock House as both their safety and housing is our paramount concern."

Alabaré, a national charity which provides accommodation and support for veterans in need, has been in touch with Stonham Homegroup to offer help, and has invited any of the residents struggling to find an alternative place to live to get in touch.

Charity director Rev Martin Field said: "We do not have any plans to open a home in the Wolverhampton area but are committed, to making sure that no veteran should be left homeless."

*The crowd funding page can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fleur-patten?utm_id=107&utm_term=4krzqdAKW