Mercer: Government scheme to end veteran homelessness is hugely successful

Veterans Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer has said that more than 500 of "the most vulnerable veterans in the country" have been taken off the streets and placed into settled accommodation, thanks to Op Fortitude, a Government scheme aimed at ending homelessness among the veteran community.

It comes as veterans' charity Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) warned that 6,000 former service personnel are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK today.

Mr Mercer refuted the suggestion so many veterans were living on the streets, but agreed there are people at risk of homelessness and said the Government was "doing everything we can to tackle that".

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"Get in touch with Op Fortitude" is the direct message Mr Mercer has for any former member of the Armed Forces who is facing homelessness.

Since Op Fortitude launched in July 2023, the minister says more than 500 veterans have been placed into settled housing and provided with wrap-around support thanks to the scheme, which aims to end homelessness among the veteran community in the UK.

But service charity RBLI, which is currently running a month-long campaign drawing attention to the issue of veteran homelessness, says there are currently 6,000 former service personnel facing the prospect of life on the streets.

Speaking to Forces News, Paula Ray, RBLI's head of Community and Events Fundraising, said it was "disappointing" so many veterans are dealing with homelessness, or the threat of it, in the UK.

She said: "It's all about getting the word out there. The campaign we are doing right now, the Great Tommy Sleepout, is all about raising awareness so that people know there's help out there.

"There's also the fact that veterans are very proud people, and understandably so. They've served our country and some of them feel they shouldn't have to be asking for help."

She added: "So, it's about letting them know that it's okay to ask for help, and that help is out there."

Mr Mercer said that narratives around veterans need to be clear, advising that, in some cases, those facing the prospect of homelessness may often have additional issues involving addiction and debt.

"We can't go around advertising what brilliant employees veterans are and, at the same time, say there's 6,000 of them sleeping on the street when there's not," the minister said.

"We've got to be clear and straightforward with people. There is a challenge there and we've set up a programme that has been successful, but we're always looking to do more and looking after more people."

The minister, a former member of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, took the opportunity to make a plea to any veterans living on the streets or facing the prospect of homelessness to get in touch with Op Fortitude.

He said: "Anyone who's sleeping rough, Google Op Fortitude or find someone to Google it for you. Go to a library or find any access to the internet. You can ring the phone line. I know who you'll go through to.

"We are at 500 capacity but I've bought 910 supported housing placements. There is a bed, there is an opportunity, and there is wrap-around support available for you.

He added: "You can get better. You can turn your life around."

Help can be found from Op Fortitude here or by phoning 0800 952 0774.