Strategic Plan: “FarmGuard” Veterans Initiative

Background - Veteran Homelessness in the UK (2024–2025)

Key Figures

• 2,270 veterans were recorded as homeless in England in 2023/24.

• In London, 5% of rough sleepers had an armed forces background, according to the CHAIN database.

• The MoD only 170 veterans under the Duty to Refer scheme in 2023/24, out of 211,490 total referrals.

Hidden Homelessness

• Many veterans are “invisible” in official statistics, sofa surfing or staying in insecure housing rather than rough sleeping.

• The Royal British Legion estimates that 3–6% of the UK’s homeless population have served in the armed forces.

Underlying Causes

• Mental health challenges, especially PTSD, are common among homeless veterans.

• Sudden discharge from service, due to injury or disciplinary issues, can leave individuals without a support network or stable housing.

• The cost of living crisis and shortfalls in housing benefit exacerbate the risk of homelessness

Mission Statement - To empower homeless veterans by providing secure accommodation on farms in exchange for a meaningful role in rural protection, fostering community resilience and personal rehabilitation.

1. Program Structure

A. Core Model

• Veterans live rent-free in mobile homes or caravans stationed on farm/estates.

• In return, they provide a visible security presence, report suspicious activity, and assist with light duties (e.g. gate checks, perimeter patrols).

• Farms benefit from reduced rural crime, while veterans gain shelter, purpose, and community.

B. Participant Criteria

• Veterans with low support needs and basic mobility.

• Prior service verified via MoD or veteran charities.

• Optional: PTSD-aware training and trauma-informed support.

2. Costing and Funding

Item Estimated Cost (per veteran/year)

Mobile home or caravan (purchase) or (donation) £TBC

Site setup (utilities, access) £ TBC Donations

Security training & equipment £500

Total (Year 1) £TBC

Funding Sources

• DEFRA rural resilience grants

• Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

• NFU Mutual sponsorship

• Corporate CSR (e.g. security firms, caravan manufacturers)

• Crowdfunding and local fundraising

3. Farming Community Contribution

• Landowners provide pitches for mobile homes, unused corners, near barns, etc.

• Basic utilities access (water, electricity, waste) or shared facilities.

• Mentorship & inclusion, farmers offer informal guidance, invite veterans to events.

• Security collaboration, veterans report incidents, support livestock protection etc.

4. Veteran Support and Empowerment

• Partner charities (e.g. RBL, SSAFA, Combat Stress) offer case management & advice.

• Skill-building: veterans can assist with fencing, basic repairs, or wildlife monitoring.

• Peer networks: regional hubs connect veterans for team and shared learning.

• Recognition: branded PPE, community awards, wider campaigns to highlight impact.

5. Governance and Oversight

• “FarmGuard UK” to vet placements, manage referrals, and monitor outcomes.

• Safeguarding protocols: regular checks, emergency contacts, escalation procedures.

• Data impact metrics on crime reduction, veteran wellbeing, and farm satisfaction.

6. Pilot and Scale-Up

Phase 1: Pilot (Year 1)

• 10 farms across Devon, Shropshire, and Essex.

• 15 veterans placed.

• Evaluation via NFU, MoD, and local councils.

Phase 2: Expansion (Years 2–3)

• 100 farms nationwide.

• Integration with rural crime partnerships and housing strategies.