Help is vital for people like me

Corporal Joe Walker served nearly 20 years in the Army in countries such as Germany, Canada, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Belize and Kenya before he was medically discharged in 2014. He was injured in an IED blast in Iraq in 2005 and spent two years rehabilitating before later being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Afterwards Joe, 40, served as the Queen’s Pony Major with responsibility for the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s Shetland pony mascot. On leaving the Army, Joe was unable to work and, with nowhere to live, had to declare himself homeless. He turned to Glasgow Helping Heroes and SSAFA for support and now has a roof over his head. He also does what he can to help fellow struggling veterans. Joe says: “I joined the army in 1994 – the Royal Highland Fusiliers. I got blown up in Iraq by an IED while driving a Snatch Land Rover.” Joe was flown back to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham with serious back injuries needing reconstructive surgery and months of rehabilitation. He says: “I was going backwards and forwards to Selly Oak for a couple of years. My daughter was only six months old when it happened. My partner and I split after that. I just didn’t know how to express myself. I kep saying, ‘I’m all right’. “I was medically discharged in 2014. I was a bit shocked, saddened and quite low. I felt bit betrayed. You realise you’re just a number. There was a resettlement package but it wasn’t up to much. “When I came out I was homeless with eight boxes. I sofa surfed, but you can’t keep asking favours. I slept in the park for a bit bu none of my family knew – it’s a pride thing. If your head’s not in the right place it’s hard to ask for help.” Joe ended up at a homeless hostel: “I was lucky to be offered a flat via a housing worker. I took it as soon as I saw it, despite it not having flooring or furniture. I slep on a camp bed for three months – I didn’t want to ask for anything. “I ended up going to Glasgow Helping Heroes and SSAFA which got me all sorts – a voucher for paint, a new cooker, carpets – they helped me make a home. “I don’t think the Army prepares you well for civilian life. They deduct things like rent from your wages so you don’t have to think about budgeting. “You are left to your own devices when you come out. There’s no cure for PTSD, it’s all about how you manage it.” Joe would urge anyone struggling to cope with life after the Forces to seek available support. “I think you’re brainwashed when you’re serving,” he says. “You must not sho weakness or fear. “If there are veterans out there now who are having similar problems I would say just ask for help – forget your pride.“

I don’t think the Army prepares you well for civilian life. You don’t have to think about budgeting