As a result of the success of Op FORTITUDE since it was first launched in 2023, Riverside has been awarded a further £480,000 from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) administered through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) to continue funding the work we do in this area, including our specialist supported housing for veterans.

So far through our work with Op FORTITUDE, we have supported over 360 veterans into supported accommodation and 543 veterans into short term temporary or emergency accommodation.

This funding will not only allow us to continue our service, but also to improve it. We will double the number of full-time case working staff we employ, enabling us to work closely with veterans with complex support needs who are currently struggling to find support or suitable accommodation.

Riverside’s Director of Operations and Group Veteran Lead, Lee Buss-Blair said: “Op FORTITUDE and the network of veteran supported housing plays a vital role in supporting veterans experiencing homelessness to get the support they need to be able to go on and make the contributions to society that we know veterans are capable of achieving. We welcome the award of the continuation of the funding for Op FORTITUDE. It allows us to build on the successes to date, continue to develop the network of accommodation, and support more veterans to achieve their potential.

“We look forward to working with government to ensure Op FORTITUDE actively contributes to the success of Valour, and placing veteran homelessness on the path to long term, sustainable, funding.”

Op FORTITUDE transforming lives

S served in the Coldstream Guards (Army) for 8 years and did two operational tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. After terminating his service S felt abandoned. He has PTSD and suffered both physical and emotional damage during his two tours.

S moved into specialist supported housing for veterans, The Beacon, in November 2023 after being referred via Op FORTITUDE. Specialist Support Workers began working with S while he was struggling with his Mental Health and aspired to get back into education. As a result, S submitted applications to several universities and achieved multiple interviews, eventually being accepted onto a course at his chosen university.

As well as starting university, S participated in several activities at The Beacon, including hiking, paddleboarding and wellbeing walks. He was able to build up a network of peers and mentors to provide guidance and encouragement.

Ultimately, S was able to transition successfully into suitable accommodation, independently managing his tenancy. He is doing well at university and has started work as a nurse on bank shifts. S hopes to gain full time employment as a psychiatric nurse after university. His mental health has improved significantly, and he has built a good support system. S enjoys walking and is planning on doing the Atacama crossing in Chile to raise money for Walking With The Wounded. He is celebrating 9 years sober.