Veterans can wash clothes in own flats thanks to donation

Another veterans charity - Building Heroes - will be involved in installing the machines

A residential campus for military veterans returning to civilian life has been able to get new washer-dryers for each flat thanks to a £17,000 donation from the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Entrain Space, in Wilton, Wiltshire, provides independent living for more than 40 veterans at its campus, also giving training and support to find employment opportunities.

Veterans were involved in installing the machines themselves through another charity, Building Heroes, which trains in construction industry skills.

Many who live at the campus faced homelessness before arriving there.

Three organisations have come together to make it happen: Entrain Space, RBL and Building Heroes.

The new appliances mean the communal laundry room will be repurposed for support services.

Carl Brown, a British Army veteran and Entrain Space resident said: "Not having to rely on the communal laundry may seem like a small change, but it gives me a sense of independence and comfort that I haven’t had in a long time.”

Kenny Brown, veterans liaison manager, said: “Our residents can now enjoy the comfort and privacy of managing their own laundry in their own flat, which is a significant step in fostering self-sufficiency and independence.”

Building Heroes had their Salisbury cohort come along to get involved with installing the washer-dryers, with academy lead Bill Tainton saying it "provides our learners with valuable, hands-on experience under the guidance of professionals in the workplace."

Entrain Space provides independent living for more than 40 veterans at a time

Matthew Bell - founder of Entrain Space - thanked the RBL for the donation and said the appliances will help in an aspect many take for granted, " for example, laundering work clothes that fit your shift patterns."

Jonathan Everett - from the Salisbury Branch of the RBL - said the project was a "practical and impactful way" to help veterans.