THE keys to an innovative housing project will be handed over today by Defence Veterans Minister Dr Lewis Moonie.

Vulnerable ex-services staff will be given the opportunity to build an independent life in Richmond.

The Galleries project has been run by the English Churches Housing Group (ECHG) to provide former services personnel with a home and opportunities.

Dr Moonie will visit the 13 self-contained flats and hand the keys to the first residents, as well as taking a tour of the project and learning about the support that will be provided.

"It is tremendous the Minister will be welcoming our first residents," said the group's project manager, Trevor Morris.

"With this project ECHG will be able to offer them the opportunity to develop the life skills and training that they will need in civilian life."

The project will work with The Single Persons Accommodation Centre for Ex-Services - Spaces - which was set up two years ago in neighbouring Catterick Garrison.

That followed Government research which suggested one in four people sleeping rough on the streets were former soldiers, sailors and airmen.

The housing service acts as an accommodation placement agency for single personnel about to leave the forces.

Susan Littlemore, of ECHG, said: "Each new resident will have a member of staff assigned to them, to work with them and develop a plan of action.

"They will consider career opportunities, skill's development, possible training and eventual employment.

"The plan will be followed and assessed over a period of six months to a year with the broad view to finding them a job and allowing them to live independently.

"The armed services can be very regimented and many people who leave don't have the basic life skills. They will learn skills, from budgeting to food nutrition, to make sure they will be 100 per cent ready to live on their own."

The development of the Galleries has been done in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and is supported by the Housing Corporation, as well as through additional fundraising support from the Church Housing Trust.