The Armed Forces Outreach Service: a holistic approach to veteran support
It can be challenging to address the changing needs of veterans right along their transition to civilian life. But the Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS) based in the North East of England is leading the way in supporting veterans.
AFOS is a regional partnership between Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Your Homes Newcastle, Durham County Council and Believe Housing. It provides a dedicated service to the Armed Forces community.
Led by Gateshead Council, it helps veterans get back on their feet after they leave the Forces. This includes a holistic approach which addresses all the veteran’s needs.
With a large Armed Forces community in the region, the AFOS team is made up of staff who have either served or have a connection to the Armed Forces. This helps to develop trust with veterans so the team can work with people much more quickly and effectively.
From the first point of contact, the veteran receives one dedicated member of staff through to case completion. The team support veterans with:
- securing housing
- clearing any debt associated with previous properties
- employment, training and volunteering opportunities
- getting pensions and benefits
- accessing other local authority services, like health and social care
- securing funds to furnish their homes, like white goods and carpets
In the last two years, the AFOS team has rehoused 1,558 members of the Armed Forces community. They’ve secured over £403,000 in funds to support veterans and their families as they move into civilian life.
Housing is always our starting point with veterans as we find once people are housed then other things tend to fall into place. But we’re much more than just housing. We make sure all the bits of the jigsaw fit together. We support former Armed Forces personnel right along their pathway to civilian life.
We’re also providing training and support to other organisations, the Armed Forces and service personnel. It’s vital we all work together to achieve better outcomes for veterans.
Lisa McFadyen, Armed Forces Coordinator at Gateshead Council
You can hear Lisa McFadyen talk about AFOS as part of our No Homeless Veterans training. The sessions are for frontline housing staff in local authorities, housing associations and supported housing providers. Led by Homeless Link, they will help you identify veterans and better meet their housing needs. Watch the training here.
