Hardwick House
Overview
About the Organization
Hardwick House is a supported housing project run by Riverside, a major UK housing association and care provider focused on affordable homes, homelessness support, and related services. Riverside delivers specialist care and supported housing nationwide, including services for veterans facing homelessness, through initiatives like Hardwick House.
Overview of Hardwick House
Hardwick House, located in Teesside (Middlesbrough area), UK, provides supported accommodation and wrap-around support for single military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It comprises 20 self-contained flats offering safe, secure, temporary housing for up to 18 months while residents work towards long-term independent living.
The scheme is part of Riverside’s veterans support offer, which is designed specifically for former Armed Forces members who may struggle to access mainstream homelessness services due to unique needs and experiences. Hardwick House works alongside other Riverside veteran supported housing services under the Op FORTITUDE pathway.
Services & Programs (Job-Seeker Relevant)
Hardwick House isn’t just accommodation — it integrates support services that help residents become independent, employable, and socially connected:
- Structured Support Plans: Tailored support focused on successful transition from military to civilian life.
- Independent Living Skills: Practical training to manage a tenancy and daily life.
- Health & Well-Being: Support linked to physical and mental health needs.
- Training & Education Readiness: Help preparing for employment, including training course signposting.
- Income & Welfare Advice: Assistance with benefits, maximising income, and housing options.
- Employment Gateway: Support and links to work readiness, job opportunities and specialist services.
- Engagement & Networks: Activities that build confidence, self-respect and informal support networks.
Staff are available 24/7, year-round, and many have lived experience, helping them engage residents effectively. Hardwick house also works in partnership with veterans charities and organisations (e.g., SSAFA, Royal British Legion, Walking with the Wounded, RFEA) to broaden support.
Who They Support
- Single ex-Service veterans of the UK Armed Forces.
- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of rough sleeping.
- Residents regardless of length of service or reason for discharge.
- Veterans needing support with housing, health, employment preparation, and independent living skills.
Regional Coverage
Hardwick House specifically serves the Teesside region of North East England, centred in Middlesbrough. This location addresses local veteran homelessness and provides a stable base while residents prepare to move into permanent housing anywhere in the UK.
Role in the Employment & Support Landscape
Hardwick House sits at the intersection of supported housing, veteran support, and employment readiness. It’s not a traditional job centre or recruitment agency; rather, it prepares veteran residents for employment through life skills development, training readiness, and connections to relevant programmes. This type of service fills a gap where mainstream homelessness or employment services may not engage effectively with the specific challenges faced by veterans.
Riverside’s veteran-specific model overcomes barriers such as mistrust of services, lack of local connection, and complex personal needs, making Hardwick House a critical stepping stone into stable living and employment for ex-Service personnel.
Summary
Hardwick House (Riverside) in Teesside provides supported housing and holistic support to single veterans facing homelessness, with practical programmes that build independent living skills, employment readiness, wellbeing, and social networks. Residents receive personalised assistance while living in secure, self-contained flats for up to 18 months. The service is tailored to veteran needs and links effectively into wider training and employment pathways.
