Blyth housing scheme to support Armed Forces veterans at risk of homelessness

Earlier this year the County Council secured £604,000 funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to help convert an existing council property in Blyth into eight, high quality, self-contained new flats which include ground-floor accessibility.

Supported by a further £355,653 of Council funding, the homes will be created at Nordale House on Cowpen Hall Road, which will shortly become vacant.

The new veterans’ housing scheme will ensure former Armed Forces personnel have a safe place to live, with additional support to help them rebuild independent and stable lives.

The supported scheme will provide temporary accommodation for up to 12-18 months to prepare individuals to move onto their own independent tenancies.

Northumberland County Council’s Veterans Champion Gordon Castle said: “We're delighted to have reached this next stage and have identified an ideal property for conversion.

“In Northumberland our Veterans are never forgotten. We have a range of support services available, and key to this is having the right housing and support in place to help them when they need it most."

Cowpen Ward County Councillor Rick Baker added: "As the proud father of an Armed Forces Veteran, seeing Cowpen chosen as the first place in Northumberland for this type of accommodation, is humbling.

"I’m grateful to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund for investing in our Veteran’s future, in Blyth. I look forward to the scheme’s progression."

Veterans living in Northumberland who need support with housing, employment, or wellbeing can reach out to the council’s dedicated team.