Emmaus North East is working alongside SSAFA, the armed forces charity offering life-long support to serving or previously serving members and their families.
Ryan and his puppy Locky joined Emmaus North East’s community home recently. The charity supports up to 22 people at risk of or with experience of homelessness by providing a home, support and meaningful work in social enterprises. Emmaus North East is one of the few homelessness charities in the UK with accommodation to accept people with pets.
In 2021, The Big Issue reported that 5% of rough sleepers counted in the UK were ex-armed forces.
Ruth Parker, Chief Executive Officer for Emmaus North East said: SSAFA is a charity that provides lifelong support to service people at any stage of their career. They provide holistic support at a time of need and this includes those at risk of homelessness. We were delighted to take Ryan, our first SSAFA referral into Emmaus North East and have now met with staff members and other vulnerable people to discuss our future partnership. We are excited to develop this further and look forward to continuing to work with SSAFA.’
Ryan, who previously served in the RAF, started a new job last week and is doing well in the community.
Staff and community members at Emmaus North East are thrilled to have welcomed Ryan and puppy Locky to the community, they say their mental health is benefiting from having such an adorable addition. 
To find out more about SSAFA here.