Former soldier salutes Muir's help to find family a home
AN EX-ARMY serviceman has saluted Muir after the housing association helped him find a home for his family.
Lance Corporal, Dereck Smith, who served with the British Armed Forces for 11 years, was discharged on medical grounds in December last year, leaving him looking for somewhere to live as he began a new chapter.
The father-of-three, who saw active duty during tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, also spent more than seven years based in Germany as well as time in Kuwait and Canada during his career.
Now he can spend more time with wife of six years, Deborah, and their two daughters and one son at their home near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
Describing family as “the most important thing”, Dereck explained how Muir Group Housing Association helped find him a home as he embarks on a new type of life.
“Finding a home with Muir was a very good experience,” said Dereck, an Acting Corporal at the time of his departure from the services.
“I had advice before I left the army and put my name on the register before I left.
“I got a lot of help from the council and Muir was able to provide me with a smooth transition.”
Having lived in Service Family Accommodation since his discharge, which provides former servicemen with a place to live until they find a permanent home, Dereck was pleased to have set the ball rolling with Muir.
Following his experience, he is encouraging other former servicemen who may be looking for a home to contact Muir too.
“All the paperwork went in and I had an interview with Muir; it was a swift process,” 37-year-old Dereck said.
“I dealt with Jane who organised things to suit my timetable which made everything a lot easier and eased any pressure.
“The property was in good shape and Jane gave me really good feedback on the things I needed to do for things to move forward.
“I thought it was fantastic that she followed things up after we moved in to see how we were doing…brilliant.
“I would definitely encourage other ex-servicemen to look into what Muir can do for them,” he added.
Following Muir’s help, Dereck feels he has the platform to embark on a new journey with his family.
“Staying away from family is very hard,” he said. “I missed everything about family life.
“There is life after the army but you need to have the courage to believe you can still make it.
“To come out was a good decision considering my medical condition, which would have prevented me doing some of things I had been able to enjoy as a soldier.
“But being in the armed forces was a fantastic thing to shape me and I had a wonderful time.
“Now there is a brilliant challenge ahead of me and life is good.
“Family is everything. Now we have a home where we can enjoy more time together.”
Muir Tenancy Services Officer, Jane Campbell (pictured right) says she was delighted to have helped Dereck and his family to find a home where they are happy.
“It is wonderful to be able to help people find somewhere to live,” she said.
“Dereck’s is a great story and it shows other former servicemen how Muir can help if they are worried about how they will find somewhere to live once they leave the forces.
“Muir is here to help anyone who is looking for a home.”
To enquire about the possibility of finding a home with Muir, contact us on 0300 123 122, or email info@muir.org.uk