Homeless Veterans Project
2047. Alex McAnespie
2048. Donna Armstrong
Alex McAnespie and Donna Armstrong, from Central Scotland, founded the ‘Homeless Veterans Project’ in 2019 to help veterans across the UK access vital services.
Alex served for 13 years with the Gordon Highlanders and 11 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Having seen Veterans going through difficult circumstances, including health and relationship issues, and not knowing how or where to ask for help, he wanted to find a way to support them. Alex set up the ‘Homeless Veterans Project’ together with volunteer Donna, who has strong family ties to the military, after meeting at a charity sleep-out for veterans.
Operated from Alex’s front room and manned by a small team of volunteers, the charity assists Veterans across the UK with securing tenancies and furniture, runs a 24 hour helpline, and signposts towards further support services for those struggling with mental health.
The charity helps a wide range of people, providing immediate help and then working with larger organisations to secure sustainable, long term accommodation and support. They have worked with local government and health services to secure provisions for veterans and are working to raise awareness of the charity and the support that it can provide.
Alex and Donna said:
“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive word of this award from our Prime Minister. We firmly believe that our Veterans have been and continue to be a huge asset to Great Britain both during and after service and it is our privilege and duty to provide them with the support and encouragement to regain their confidence and have a successful life after service.”
See more about ‘Homeless Veterans Project’