A profound sense of betrayal has gripped veterans residing in Constellation House, Bolton, as they face imminent eviction from their supported living accommodations. These brave individuals, who dedicated years to serving their nation in the armed forces, now confront the unsettling prospect of homelessness, triggering widespread concern about the welfare of those who sacrificed so much for their country.
The residents were issued Section 21 eviction notices on July 18, a direct consequence of the housing provider being denied crucial direct housing benefit for the supported living services. These “no-fault” eviction orders mandate a minimum of two months’ notice, setting a mid-September deadline for the veterans. Should they remain, a lengthy court order process would be required for legal removal, potentially extending their stay for several more months.
Among those reeling from this devastating news is Gary Thomas Doyle, affectionately known as Tommy, a veteran of fifteen years in the armed forces with two tours of Afghanistan under his belt. Surrounded by military memorabilia in his modest flat, Tommy articulated a profound feeling of rejection, stating, “We’ve been thrown out in the streets,” a sentiment echoed by many as they grapple with an uncertain future.
Many residents of Constellation House contend with complex mental health needs, including conditions like CPTSD, making the current housing crisis particularly harrowing. One female veteran poignantly remarked on the profound impact of her current living situation, stating that it was the only time she had felt hope. She expressed deep indignation at the decision, perceiving it as an “insult to everyone who’s served this country,” and highlighting the vulnerability behind their public bravado.
Joseph, another resident, described his disbelief upon receiving the eviction notice, conveying how the suddenness of the news left him “gobsmacked,” as if the reality of the situation was too shocking to process immediately. This shared experience underscores the abrupt and unsettling nature of the impending changes for all involved in this unfolding situation, particularly concerning their supported living arrangements.
James Sheldon, who served six years in Afghanistan and has lived in Constellation House since January 2022, emphasized the robust support network within the building, including dedicated mental health workers. He also highlighted that the rent, reportedly £400 a week and covered by the government, encompasses these vital mental health services. However, the unexpected eviction notices have plunged everyone into a state of “panic mode,” disrupting their sense of security and stability.
The uncertainty has led some veterans, like James, to begin preparing for the worst, including selling belongings to brace for a potential forced departure. This illustrates the profound psychological impact of the situation, as individuals who once stood on the front lines now find themselves in a precarious state of limbo, feeling abandoned by the very country they swore to protect. The question of adequate support for armed forces personnel post-service is starkly highlighted.
It is crucial to note that Constellation House recently garnered national attention amidst entirely false rumors suggesting veterans were being evicted to make way for asylum seekers. Both Qualitas Housing, the Home Office, and Bolton Council have unequivocally refuted these claims, clarifying that there are no such plans for the building, aiming to dispel misinformation surrounding the circumstances of the veterans’ housing.
In a development that offers a glimmer of hope, Bolton Council has confirmed that an appeal has been lodged against the decision to refuse funding to Qualitas for Constellation House. The council is currently reviewing the case in line with relevant legislation, suggesting that the final outcome for these vulnerable veterans may still be subject to change, underscoring the ongoing efforts to address this critical issue.
