Fraser Tennant, who was medically discharged from the Armed Forces in 2023, has been living out of his vehicle since March while employed at Thermo Fisher in Swindon.
The veteran’s situation came to light after he appealed for help on social media, prompting newly elected Reform UK councillor and fellow veteran Simon Howard to get involved.
Howard said he was shocked to discover that a veteran living with MS was sleeping rough despite being in employment. He said:
“When I found out Fraser was living in his car with MS, I thought this cannot continue. We have to do something about it.
“There are people trying to help, charities, councils and organisations, but Fraser needs help now.”
Fraser’s difficulties began after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on Valentine’s Day 2023.
The diagnosis brought an end to what he describes as his dream career in the military and resulted in a medical discharge later that year.
He then faced a series of challenges, including relationship difficulties, debt accumulated during Covid and adapting to life outside the Armed Forces.
Although securing a role at Thermo Fisher provided a fresh start, it also meant losing access to accommodation linked to his previous employment.
Since March, he has spent nights in lay-bys, car parks and occasionally at his workplace, where security staff have sometimes allowed him to stay overnight. He said:
“I’m trying to be as proactive and efficient as I can in this new job, but it’s very difficult.
“Having to learn a new role while fighting MS and dealing with very little sleep in a car is extremely difficult.”
Fraser said one of his biggest frustrations has been finding that some support schemes aimed at homeless veterans are unable to help because he is employed.
He claims he has even been advised that he would be better off leaving work and claiming benefits in order to qualify for certain housing support. He said:
“I’ve always worked.
“I’ve had a job ever since I was a teenager. I’ve always tried to pay my way.
“I don’t like taking things for granted and I had to bury my pride quite deeply to ask for help.”
After paying debts and covering fuel and food costs, Fraser estimates he has around £400 remaining each month.
Without access to cooking facilities, he relies heavily on ready meals, convenience food and takeaways.
Most nights are spent sleeping in the driver’s seat of his car. He said:
“The reality is that I just need four walls, a bed and a bathroom.
“That would give me the stability to start sorting out my finances, my health and the rest of my life.”
The situation has also had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.
Fraser is currently receiving therapy through his employer and says the past six months have been among the hardest of his life.
Despite the challenges, he continues to work full-time and regularly attends the gym, which he says has become a lifeline. He said:
“For me, the gym is one place where I have complete control.
“It’s just you and the weight. Everything else leaves you for a while.
“It’s helped me keep going.”
He believes maintaining muscle strength and a regular routine has helped him manage both the physical and mental effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
Howard, who served 24 years in the military, believes Fraser’s case highlights wider issues facing veterans transitioning into civilian life. He said:
“There has to be a better system.
“Even if it’s temporary accommodation while longer-term housing is found.
“When somebody has served their country, whether for four years or 24 years, there should be support there when they need it.”
A number of organisations are now involved in trying to find a solution, including Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Alabaré, Op Fortitude and Thermo Fisher, which has been supporting Fraser through its occupational health team.
Councillor Matthew Courtliff said Swindon Borough Council is actively working to help. He said:
“As soon as I found out about Fraser’s case, I made an immediate referral to the Head of Homelessness and we are actively looking to provide the support Fraser needs.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line for our country’s safety and security, which is why our housing policy welcomes and supports housing for veterans. And as someone with veteran family members, I’m committed to ensuring veterans get the housing their service deserves.
“I’ve worked with Cllr Howard to get the necessary information required so that our teams can provide the support that Fraser needs. I will continue to offer support personally and I am happy to meet with Fraser to make sure we are doing everything we can for him.”
Meanwhile, Fraser remains focused on getting through each day. He said:
“If somebody is struggling with depression or difficult times, I’d tell them to reach out and talk to someone.
“As hard as things are, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
For now, that journey still ends each night in the driver’s seat of his car.
Every day is a new beginning