The future of a much-loved North East charity is set to be safeguarded after work commenced on a major expansion of its Sunderland head office.
Building Design Northern (BDN) – an architectural, structural and civil engineering firm that is also the business behind landmark developments such as Sheepfolds Stables and Eastgate Point – is overseeing the extension of Veterans in Crisis’ head office on Roker Avenue, Sunderland.
As part of its annual charitable commitment, the multidisciplinary consultancy, which also provides project management services to a growing roster of clients – has supported the design of a new rear extension, contributing specialist expertise to create a fully accessible space that will enable more veterans and their families to access vital services.
Groundworks have now begun on site, marking the next stage of a project that has been several years in the making.
The extension will significantly improve accessibility throughout the building, creating a welcoming space for veterans with mobility needs while allowing Veterans in Crisis to expand the support it offers to the community.
The new extension will include improved wheelchair access, hearing loops and enhanced wayfinding for visually impaired visitors, helping to ensure the charity’s services are accessible to everyone.
The new space will also allow Veterans in Crisis to broaden the range of activities it offers, including art therapy, wellbeing sessions, book clubs and community events, alongside practical support such as provision of cooking facilities, laundry access and shower facilities.
Paul McLoughlin, Business Development Manager at Veterans in Crisis, said: “We are incredibly appreciative of everything BDN has done for us. They have gone far beyond what we could ever have expected and the support they’ve provided has been exceptional.
“As a small community interest company, funding is always a challenge, and we rely on generating our income to deliver projects like this. Having BDN contribute their expertise as part of their social value commitment has been immense for us and has helped turn what started as a simple idea into a transformational project.
“It will also allow us to expand the activities and support we offer, helping even more veterans rebuild their lives. When the project is complete, it will be a fantastic example of what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together for the benefit of the community.”
Since 2018, Veterans in Crisis has helped more than 500 homeless veterans into housing and continues to provide emergency accommodation, food bank support, counselling delivered by qualified therapists with lived military experience and a wide range of wellbeing services.
Luke Darwin, Director of Structural Engineering at BDN, said: “Supporting projects like this is something we’re incredibly passionate about. Veterans in Crisis provides life-changing support to former members of the Armed Forces and we’re proud to have been able to contribute our architectural, structural and civil engineering expertise to help make this vision a reality.
“Accessibility was at the heart of the design and it’s rewarding to know that this extension will help ensure more veterans can access the services they need in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Seeing work now underway is fantastic and we look forward to watching the project take shape.”
The project reflects BDN’s ongoing commitment to supporting charities and community organisations across the North East by sharing its professional expertise and helping deliver initiatives that create lasting social impact.
Once complete, the extension will provide Veterans in Crisis with a modern, fully accessible facility, ensuring the charity can continue supporting veterans and their families for many years to come.
