Launchpad charity is awarded silver under the Defence Employer Recognition scheme

Veterans’ charity, Launchpad has been awarded the silver award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

In February 2021 Launchpad was awarded the bronze award

This means it has successfully demonstrated its ongoing commitment and support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.

Launchpad provides accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to support homeless veterans who have fallen on hard times. And have found it difficult to  transition from military to civilian life.

How Launchpad has achieved silver recognition

The team has:

– Employed 14 Defence people including reservists and veterans.

– Enabled reservists to apply for up to 15 days special leave of absence to attend training and courses with the reserve forces.

– Continued to support resident veterans living in all three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle and Durham. This includes help with housing, health and wellbeing plus employment opportunities as part of their transition to move on and live independently.

– Engaged with other military charities, the Armed Forces and an extensive network of corporate partners to promote and support veterans and reservists.

Nicola Higham, Deputy Manager at Launchpad’s Speke House in Liverpool shared:

Through my five years’ service at the Army Reserves, I have been fully supported by Launchpad and can adjust my working hours if necessary. Each year, I’m granted 15 days paid leave entitlement for my annual camp. Without the support of Launchpad, I would not be able to offer my service in the capacity that I do.

David Shaw, CEO and Founder of Launchpad, commented:

This is fantastic news and we are delighted to receive this silver award in recognition for our commitment and support to the Armed Forces and the veterans we have supported since we were founded in 2013. Veterans and reservists are a fundamental part of our expanding workforce and I’m proud this has been recognised.