'An investment in hope': Veterans group gets £500k boost to accommodation for homeless former members of the forces
A veterans’ group is to use a grant of half a million pounds to massively expand Northern Ireland’s first accommodation centre for homeless ex-members of the armed forces.
Around three and a half years ago, charity Beyond The Battlefield opened Harbour House in Portavogie, a seaside village on the Co Down coast close to Strangford Lough.
The facility provides safe, comfortable rooms for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, no matter where they’re based across Northern Ireland.
Alongside accommodation, the charity’s team provides specialist support to help veterans navigate housing systems, access entitlements, and rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
Now the body will benefit from a £500,000 boost to its coffers from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which will be used to build several additional ensuite bedrooms, including accessible accommodation, alongside improved wellbeing and communal facilities for veterans rebuilding their lives.
The development will significantly increase the charity’s ability to provide emergency accommodation, as well as recovery support and finding pathways towards independent living for veterans in need.
Said the charity’s chairman, Robert McCartney: “This is a landmark moment for Beyond The Battlefield and for the veterans we proudly support every day.
“The project represents far more than a building development. It is an investment in hope, recovery, dignity and the future of veterans who may otherwise face homelessness, isolation or crisis.
“Through this funding, we will be able to significantly expand Harbour House, creating additional ensuite accommodation and improved facilities that will allow more veterans to access safe, supportive and specialist help when they need it most.
“We are deeply grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for recognising both the need for this project and the impact it will have across Northern Ireland. This investment will leave a lasting legacy for veterans and their families for many years to come.”
Anna Wright, chief executive of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said the cash boost is “more than an investment in buildings” as it’s also “an investment in people, communities and long term change”.
“By supporting organisations to create and improve spaces, we are helping to build sustainable, high quality environments that will serve veterans for years to come,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that services are not only delivered today, but are strengthened and able to grow into the future.”
News of the investment was warmly welcomed by the area’s MP, Jim Shannon.
“Veterans across Northern Ireland have made immense sacrifices in service to our country and it is vital that they receive the support, dignity and stability they deserve when facing difficult circumstances,” he said.
“This £500,000 award from will help expand vital accommodation and wellbeing services for veterans at risk of homelessness, while also strengthening long term pathways towards recovery, independence and renewed purpose.
“Beyond the Battlefield has built an outstanding reputation for compassionate, practical and veteran-centred support. This funding recognises the life-changing work being delivered in Portavogie and across Northern Ireland.”
Based in Newtownards and Portavogie, the charity focuses on face-to-face counselling for PTSD and trauma, delivered by qualified professionals, but also engages in research, policy work and campaigning to improve the lot of veterans.