Local charity meets with Veterans’ Minister to offer support of Government plans for homeless veterans

Pictured (left to right) are: ViL Founder Darren Wright, ViL Trustee Andy Ellis, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, ViL Head of Trustees Major Ian Battersby and Leigh MP James Grundy

A Manchester veterans’ charity was delighted to attend 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 they were pleased to meet with the Rt Hon Mr Mercer MP to discuss Operation Fortitude.

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 Mr 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.

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