Homes for ex-service personnel

Work has started on a development for ex-Service personnel in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

Working in partnership with registered provider ECHG Housing and Support which is part of Riverside, building and maintenance firm Rok has commenced the building of a pioneering 31-unit training centre and housing project – a facility which is set to rehabilitate and retrain veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan and other global conflicts.

The centre, known as The Beacon, will include a state-of-the-art IT suite, employment area, health resource unit, training centre and allotment together with living accommodation for ex-service men and women who are most at risk of homelessness, providing them with temporary accommodation for up to 18 months.

Rok is also offering the future residents opportunities to work on the building site as the project progresses so they can gain valuable construction skills.

Veterans minister, Kevan Jones MP, who attended a turf cutting ceremony to launch the project, said: “Only a small minority of our people experience difficulties when they leave the Armed Forces, but it is vital they are given the support they need and deserve. The Beacon will provide real and tailored help to those who are at risk of homelessness and will help the transition from Service life to the civilian world.”

Martin Donnachie, Rok managing director for housing added: “On behalf of Rok, I am delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project which will help support ex-military professionals as they return home from conflict.

“Rok is proud to work in partnership with our customer ECHG and the MOD in providing this facility which we hope will pave the way for further developments of this kind around the country.”