In 2022, after 4 years of continuous support, we made the decision to make Hull 4 Heroes our charity for life and pledge our support ongoing. The story of founder Paul Matson, still inspires many today and we are proud to call all the team our friends.
After serving in the British Military for many years, once back home Hull4Heroes founder Paul Matson found himself adrift from mainstream society and struggling to adapt back into civilian life. After a period of suffering he ended up homeless until he found help, and with the support of the people around him managed to turn things around, get back to his family, and set-up a successful building business.
Paul’s experiences were the reason he jumped at the chance to be involved in DIY SOS Big Build in Manchester, where tradespeople, including ex-military, worked together to create a ‘Veteran’s Street’. On his return to Hull, he had the vision of creating a similar project here to help local veterans. He posted his thoughts on Facebook and was staggered at the feedback and the offers of help from the public and local businesses.
Fast forward four years and Hull4Heroes has grown from strength to strength, with a like-minded committee whose aim is to provide a structured support mechanism for our veterans. In addition, Hull4Heroes have recently had planning approved for the world’s first Veteran’s Village. A self-sustaining community providing transitional housing, training and support for ex-service personnel and their families. It will be a unique place to provide and empower those individuals that may require some extra help when adjusting to civilian life. The Veterans Village is being built on a 22-acre site of land, with one side embracing natural woodland and the other a residential village. It will also include a horticultural facility and visitors centre with a shop and café. It will be everything needed for those coming out of the forces and transitioning into civilian life.
