Princess Anne visits charity for homeless veterans
BBCThe Princess Royal has been in Liverpool visiting a housing complex for homeless veterans.
Princess Anne visited Launchpad Limited Veterans Accommodation at Speke House which has flats for 50 veterans.
She met residents and staff and discovered more about what the charity Launchpad does and also unveiled a plaque.
One of the veterans, named Wayne, said he had faced many mental health struggles after leaving the forces and moving into Speke House had given him hope.
"It's a been a great help," he said.
"Just the little things, a lot of people take for granted. If it wasn't for this place, I'd still be on the streets."
Local veteran James, who experienced PTSD after leaving the forces fell into drug addiction. He said moving into Speke House had helped turn his life around.
"It has helped me get me back on track and get off the drugs," he said.
"All the counsellors here, the staff as well, they're always there for you and [there's always] someone to talk to.
"That's what I needed at the time. I had no one, no family to talk to or nothing.
"They brought me in and felt like a family. I had a good bond with them all and I ended up getting my job back."
Princess Anne, who is Patron of the charity Racing Welfare, also attended Aintree Racecourse for the Aintree Grand National Charity Luncheon.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.