The Rhondda Hub for Veterans – Housing as the Pathway Back

The Rhondda Hub for Veterans were awarded £10,000 in October 2022 under the Force for Change programme for their Housing as the Pathway Back project. This project supports Veterans within the criminal justice system by promoting healthier lifestyles and providing suitable accommodation, to bring about a successful return to civilian life in the community; a reduction in re-offending; sustainable employment opportunities; continuity and an improved quality of life.

On release from prison, it’s important for prisoners to have somewhere to live, otherwise they may be left to fend for themselves, which can be a recipe for re-offending.

Housing as the Pathway Back assesses Veteran prisoners prior to release and arranges a tenancy for them on the day of release.

They also refer the veteran to other local organisations to ensure any other needs they are facing are met and ensure they get the support they need. They offer veterans support with completing forms for benefits or other financial assistance; for driving licences, rail cards and replacement
medals. The project deals with any problems that may arise with their tenancy or their benefits and encourages them to go on training courses and to take part in sport and local activities. This support continues throughout the veteran’s tenancy.

Annys Darkwa, CEO/Founder of Rhondda Hub for Veterans explains: “In finding stable accommodation for Veterans who are ex-offenders, we are achieving two objectives — helping this often-neglected group of veterans turn their life around and helping the community by reducing re-offending.”

“We are halfway through the project and are well on the way to meeting the target for finding tenancies that we set ourselves”.