What is the Vetrans Outreach Support Service and what do we do?

 

 

 

 

When did you join South Tyneside Homes 

Hi my name’s Lee Moore and I’m the Armed Forces  Support  Officer for South Tyneside Homes and I joined the company July 2020.  

What are the overall objectives of the post?

My role as the Armed Forces Support Officer compliments the ongoing support given to the serving and veteran armed forces community in South Tyneside, strengthening the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant and ensuring that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly. I am single point of contact for all armed forces related enquiries into South Tyneside Homes and coordinates services in accordance with the objectives of the Covenant.

What are the key task within my role?

I assess and ensure access to the relevant support services are in place and maintain ongoing commitment and consultation with serving Armed Forces, families and veterans.  To stablish and maintain effective engagement and partnerships with other organisations working with the Armed Forces Community. Work with and support those leaving the forces, veterans, serving reservists and their families to provide advice and signposting around housing, welfare benefits, employment, health and other matters that may arise. I am responsible for mapping current and future requirements for service provision, supporting the veteran’s pathway, working closely with those housed in our dedicated supported accommodation and enhancing our existing signposting services.   Work with partners to maintain the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Standard award.

I act as the single point of contact (SPOC) for South Tyneside Homes, outside agencies and council departments regarding armed forces support issues. Play and active role in the Armed Forces Forum and act as the single point of contact (SPOC) for South Tyneside Homes, outside agencies and council departments regarding armed forces support issues.

How do your support veterans who leave the Armed Forces – what are the steps.

When you get your discharge date, at this point, contact the local authority in the area you would like to have your forever home. When leaving the forces you don’t need a local connection, inform the local authority that you are leaving the Armed forces and once they have received the relevant paper work, you will be placed on a priority banding and supported through the housing process, you will be supported to gain employment, sign posted to mental health services, advice and guidance with benefit pensions and the support will continue post resettlement process.

 

What support is available in South Tyneside for the Armed Forces Community. 

NAAFI Break – ran by veterans, Joe Mills and Kirsty and there team, all volunteers, great service, with their drop in it creates a supported environment for ex-service personnel

Advice on practical support, employment, mental health, housing, money and welfare, drugs and alcohol abuse.

 

Explain a bit about your services past and how this helps with your role.

 

When I left the forces a number of years ago after serving 10 years in the Royal Pioneer corp, I found it tough, all the uncertainty, wondering what I’m going to do with my life, wondering if there was a job out there that cater for my disabilities. I didn’t have any keys skill, paying rent and bills, cooking for 1 and having that feeling of purpose.I was given SSAFA’s contact number and spoke to them for assistance, they were fantastic, and my case worker who had served was so understanding, he supported me through my resettlement and in to work.

Having an ex service personal in these types of roles is key, having that barrier lifted to the point of trust is amazing. The banter starts and they feel a little at ease with them self, knowing that someone understands and can relate.   

 

More Infornation on this amazing service can be found on our South Tyneside Homes Website