Changing Lives has been honoured a Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards for its support towards the Armed Forces community.
Two of the charity’s employees, Andy Cochrane and Christopher Twinn who are both veterans, accepted the award at a ceremony which was held last month at Ramside Hall.
“It is recognition of a lot of hard work by all of our staff and we’re extremely proud of the work we do.”
It is the second time the national charity has received the Silver Award for its work supporting veterans in the North-East to readjust back into civilian life through employment, training, health and wellbeing, and any other needs to improve their quality of life.
“We are delighted to receive the award for a second time,” said Andy.
“It is recognition of a lot of hard work by all of our staff and we’re extremely proud of the work we do.”
Changing Lives accommodation services, Brims House, located in Newcastle and Gateshead-based, Bibby House, each have five bed spaces and also offer daytime support from an on-site veterans outreach worker. Since April 2022, the charity has successfully moved 15 veterans on from their accommodation services.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Nominations for the awards were validated and then considered by a selection board which was chaired by a senior military officer.
