Mayor visits model Veterans hostel

Tower Hamlets Mayor Councillor Lutfur Rahman has paid an informal visit to New Belvedere House, the East End hostel run by Veterans Aid that is home to 54 ex-Servicemen. Afterwards he said: “Visiting this veteran's hostel gave me the opportunity to find out more about the vital support it offers to homeless ex-service men.  Men who we owe a great debt - deserve a facility such as this, and I was pleased to see the great work Veterans Aid is doing in Tower Hamlets.

"I am proud that the council's Supporting People Team both partially funds the hostel and has such a positive working relationship with Veterans Aid, ensuring this facility and other support mechanisms continue to help homeless veterans adjust to civilian life."

Accompanied by CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy, Mayor Rahman was shown round by Manageress Pat O’Connor and social worker Alice-Mary Servina. He met several of the residents, visited the hostel’s snooker and recreation room, patio/garden area, TV lounge and computer suite.

“The average length of stay here is about nine months,” said Dr Milroy, “but no two people are alike and it is ‘home’ to them for as long as they need it. Our priority for those veterans who are homeless is to make them feel safe and address their immediate needs. After that all manner of help is available – we have a barrister, social worker, addictions counsellor and an excellent track record of helping people back into education or employment.

 “When people move on from here they are still helped so that their new home is clean, well decorated, furnished and we are confident that they will be able to manage on their own. We have an excellent relationship with Tower Hamlets who have been very supportive in helping residents who are ready for independence,  find homes of their own.”

 Veterans Aid has operated quietly and efficiently for nearly 80 years helping veterans in crisis. It takes an average of 2,000 calls for help each year and provides around 20,000 nights of accommodation. First point of contact is usually its Victoria  HQ and drop-in centre from where some people are referred to new Belvedere House. Others have problems not related to homelessness or need only short term accommodation. It is proud to have attracted  the attention of both mayors in its area of operation; Mr Rahman in whose borough New Belvedere House is located and Lord Mayor of Westminster Susie Burbridge who has embraced it as one of her 2011 charities.

Dr Milroy added “There are  more than 5 million veterans in the UK today. Most servicemen and women make a seamless transition back to civilian life but we will always be here for the few who have problems. If you know any ex-Serviceman or woman experiencing difficulties please tell them about us.