Greater Manchester charity meets Veterans’ Minister in support of Government plans for homeless veterans

L-R: Founder Darren Wright, Trustee Andy Ellis, Johnny Mercer MP, Head of Trustees Major Ian Battersby, Leigh MP James Grundy

Representatives from a local veterans’ charity went to Whitehall last week for a meeting with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP.

The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has recently launched Operation Fortitude, the UK’s first dedicated homeless pathway that will end veterans’ homelessness in the UK by the end of 2023.

Veterans into Logistics, a charity from Greater Manchester, works to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry and met with the Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP to discuss Operation Fortitude.
 

Read more: Gold Armed Forces Covenant Award presented to Heywood Veterans’ charityPublished: 13 November 2022

The charity’s founder and former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner Darren Wright said: “Thank you to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, for meeting with us to hear about the work we are doing to train and mentor veterans into new careers as HGV drivers.

“We are passionate about recognising and utilising the skills possessed by ex-military personnel and upskilling them into new logistics careers, regardless of their background, circumstances, or reasons for leaving the Forces.

“It was insightful to speak with Johnny and hear how Operation Fortitude will be life-saving for homeless veterans. As ex-military ourselves, we are keen to support these vulnerable veterans on the next stage of their life journey and into secure and stable employment with our partners, who celebrate the skills, dedication, hard work and loyalty they bring from their military careers.”

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer said: "I am committed to helping our veterans and making sure they have the support they need as they transition to civilian life.

“It was a privilege to meet with the team from Veterans into Logistics, who are doing fantastic work in supporting our veterans to find alternative employment as they leave the military on their journey to a successful civilian life."

During this important week for Veterans into Logistics, the charity was also announced as Tarmac’s new charity partner at the launch of NextGen Logistics.