Liverpool Veterans Charity Opens New Hub in Wirral to Meet Demand

A Liverpool charity that has helped hundreds of former servicemen and women rebuild their lives is expanding into Wirral following an increase in demand for veteran support. The Block Armed Forces Foundation, established in 2020, is opening a new support centre at:- 583 Borough Road, Birkenhead, CH42 0HD, bringing its services closer to veterans living on the other side of the Mersey. The new centre, The Block on The Wirral, opened on:- Friday, 9 October 2026 and will initially provide a walk-in service on:- Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Veterans will be able to access support including mental health and addiction services, housing assistance and signposting to specialist organisations; or simply connect with fellow veterans, supporting 1 another and networking.


An Organisation That Saves Lives... The expansion comes after veterans from Wirral have regularly travelled to The Block's established centre on:- Walton Road in Liverpool to seek help. Since being established in 2020, The Block has become a lifeline for former members of the Armed Forces struggling with the transition to civilian life. The charity supports veterans facing:- homelessness, poor mental health, addiction, financial difficulties, isolation and other complex challenges. More than 200 veterans who were homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness have been helped into safe accommodation since the organisation opened. But its approach goes beyond simply finding someone a roof over their head, combining accommodation and housing advice with:- welfare assistance, mental health support, employment guidance and referrals to specialist services. Previous cases have seen the organisation help veterans access addiction rehabilitation, secure accommodation and obtain specialist mental health and financial support. The impact has led to profound testimonials from veterans who say the organisation has helped turn their lives around; and, in some cases, saved them during moments of severe crisis.


Ran By Veterans For Veterans And Mostly Self Funded... Much of The Block's work has been achieved with extremely limited resources and the organisation has historically relied heavily on donations, volunteers and the personal commitment of those involved. Director Colin Eastaway, who served on the front line in Afghanistan and Iraq, dedicates countless hours whilst Case Manager Craig Donoghue and other staff and volunteers go far beyond any job description or contracted hours.

Colin Eastaway said veterans are already making the journey across the Mersey each week to access the organisation's support in Liverpool. He said:- "Every week veterans travel from the Wirral to Walton Road to meet with staff at The Block Armed Forces Foundation support centre. Mental health, homelessness, loneliness and addiction is responsible for harming more of our veterans than war itself. Our veterans deserve more."


A Growing Demand... The decision to expand into Wirral is particularly significant given the size of the borough's veteran community and the increase in veterans seeking support. According to Census 2021 data, Wirral's veteran population was 13,302, comprising 13,103 people living in households and 199 living in communal establishments. That sizeable community is 1 of the reasons the organisation believes veterans should be able to access dedicated assistance locally rather than having to travel into Liverpool whenever they need face to face help. Colin said:- "According to the Office for National Statistics, Wirral on Merseyside has the highest population of veterans in the Liverpool City Region. It's only right that those veterans receive the support they deserve."

An Open Door Policy For Veterans... The new Borough Road centre is intended to provide an accessible 1st point of contact for veterans who may be struggling. Initially opening for walk-ins three afternoons each week, the service will help former Armed Forces personnel with issues including:- housing, addiction and mental health, as well as connecting them with other specialist organisations where appropriate. The Block's existing Liverpool operation works with veteran-specific and specialist services including OP COURAGE, PTSD Resolution and Tom Harrison House. For someone facing homelessness, addiction or a mental health crisis, simply knowing where to turn can make an enormous difference; and the Birkenhead centre aims to provide that place on the Wirral. Even if veterans just wish to connect with others there, it's a meeting point and a place to combat loneliness and isolation.

Help Support The Cause... The expansion also means The Block needs further support. The charity is appealing to wellbeing professionals who may be able to donate some of their time and expertise to veterans. Individuals and businesses are also being encouraged to support the organisation through donations, fundraising, sponsorship and other forms of assistance. A new Crowdfunder has been set up and businesses who donate £200 can benefit from a free PR package from La Vida Liverpool. 

Colin said:- "Despite the fact that we've helped so many veterans and have profound testimonials, we still receive very little funding. If it wasn't for our staff, volunteers and the support of individuals and businesses, we simply wouldn't be here. If you can volunteer time and professional services, or if you're an individual or business who can donate funds, it would be hugely appreciated and means that we can help as many veterans in Wirral as possible."

With demand continuing to grow, those contributions could help The Block reach more former servicemen and women at the point when they need support most. 6 years after the organisation was founded, its message remains straightforward: those who served their country should not have to face homelessness, addiction, loneliness or a mental health crisis alone.

The Block on The Wirral / 583 Borough Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH42 0HD

To help support the block“s work call:- 01512814837, or you can send them a donation via:- Crowdfunder. 

For more info about The Block visit their website.