Student's award for helping homeless veterans

Dean Wormleighton was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Veterans Awards

A West Sussex student has won an award for his work supporting homeless veterans and blue light workers to get back on their feet.

Dean Wormleighton, an education, special needs and disabilities student at the University of Chichester, was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2025 Veterans Awards.

The mature student is also CEO of Squaddie Box, a not-for-profit organisation supporting people who are experiencing homelessness or transitioning back into society.

The organisation provides secure, permanent postal addresses via locked mailboxes in public locations such as GP surgeries, transport hubs and council offices.

The first operational box in West Sussex is already supporting several veterans and provides a model which the organisation wants to expand nationally.

Mr Wormleighton said: "Having a permanent address is often the first step to regaining stability.

"It allows veterans to access healthcare, benefits, employment, and reconnect with family and community.

"We're the missing link."

Mr Wormleighton served six years in the Royal Engineers and worked in the police for a decade as a technical specialist, followed by roles at BAE Systems and running a security training company.

Now, at 53, he is pursuing a degree alongside his son, who is studying sports at the University of Chichester.

Squaddie Box is also developing support for neurodiverse veterans.

He added: "When people leave the forces, they lose the structure and routine they're used to.

"I wanted to make a difference."

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