People actually doin’ stuff works though:
Homeless veterans have built their own houses under a charity scheme run by a special forces veteran.
Six previously homeless veterans have completed a self-build scheme of 19 affordable dwellings in Leominster, Herefordshire, and will be enjoying Christmas in their new homes.
Each veteran has secured a new house for themselves and their families through a partnership between the charity, Alabaré, Hereford Council and Stonewater, a housing association.
The remaining houses will be used by the local authority.
The first keys were handed over on December 17 to Dwain Lugg, a former soldier in the Rifles.
Mr Lugg, 30, who served for five years before leaving the army in 2012, said he lost his home when his marriage broke down.
He told the Telegraph that despite the current restrictions, his first Christmas with his sons Jacob, eight, and Matthew, two, will be “amazing”.
“Until now I’ve had no safe place to take them. No security.
“I’ve gained a home, which is more valuable than anything.
“To me this Christmas is going to be the best Christmas I could imagine.”
The building project has facilitated Mr Lugg’s qualification as a Site Supervisor. Through the charity Alabaré he also has a diploma in Construction Technology and has reskilled in plastering, tiling and painting.
For years I’ve vaguely thought about a TV programme. Easy enough to do as I’ve absolutely no idea at all of the details of either building or programme making. Take veterans like this. Train them up in building skills by actually going building. Presumably by building stuff – conversions for missing limbs, oldieying houses for aged veterans etc – for other veterans. Film it all. Cut to make fun programme.
Pay for the building work with the fees from the TV station.
Glad to see that someone else has actually thought properly about this sort of thing and is managing to get ‘er done.