Hope for Crowdfunding charity that Forces members fallen on

ARMY veterans who have fallen on hard times are being helped back into work by a crowdfunding website.

Beam has been hailed as an innovative approach to solving the nation’s growing homelessness crisis, with more than one in eight of those on the streets having served in the Forces.

The tech platform works by helping homeless people raise funds to pay for professional training in professions as diverse as plumbing and accountancy through donations from the public.

The aim is to ensure former service personnel can obtain long-term skilled and stable employment.

Launched last year the website, which claims to be the world’s first online platform of its type, works with homeless charities including Shelter, Centrepoint and St Mungo’s.

Beneficiaries, who usually live in hostels, are referred to Beam by the charities and their stories are verified with references. Each person is given a caseworker to support them back into work.

The scheme has been lauded for its transparency as donors can check on the progress of members online photo updates.

Cash for items such as tools or books can be tracked to the nearest pound.

Donations can be given to one individual or split between others.

Once in skilled work, the homeless people usually set up their own monthly donations, becoming supporters to the next generation of beneficiaries.

A total of 17 people have already secured work thanks to the scheme with a further 20 in training.

Ryan served in the mounted regiment of the Household Cavalry but suffered a setback when he returned to the UK with “nothing but the clothes on his back” after spending 18 years in the US. But thanks to £4,329 worth of via support from 509 Beam donors, Ryan has successfully trained as an HGV1 driver and is delivering groceries.

Last night Aldershot-born Ryan, 44, said: “When I was in the Household Cavalry I would take part in the ceremonial duties at the Horse Guards Parade. It’s incredible – that’s what has probably built my character today – my military background.

“It gave me structure and discipline, looking after horses.”

When he did suffer hardship he found support was there for him.

He said: “I ended up in a homeless hostel run by Veterans Aid. Luckily they got in touch with Beam. It is only because of the money they sourced via crowdfunding that I have been able to get back on my feet and into training.

“It’s life changing. Beam will change your life if you want to put the work in.

“I have just got my HGV1 licence and have started a new job. Next I hope to buy my own truck and get my own place. “I could not have done this without the wonderful people who donated, giving me the opportunity to start again. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

Terry, a former Army mechanic, who worked as part of a bomb disposal team, serving in Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Belize and Germany, struggled to adapt to civilian life.

After a business collapsed, he became depressed and turned to alcohol. But Veterans Aid helped him recover and thanks to £4,885 raised by 497 Beam donors, he is about to start working as a gas safety engineer.

Terry, 51, from Inverness said: “I got in touch with Beam. They got me training and I completed my plumbing course. I am about to finish my gas