A helping hand for our heroes
In the past 20 years, almost 40,000 lives have been derailed by injury–and the number grows each day. Join Help for Heroes in assisting wounded veterans to stand strong
ALMOST 40,000 people have been medically discharged from the British Armed Forces in the past 20 years. Thousands fall through gaps in support, with a recent survey of 403 Help for Heroes beneficiaries revealing that 70% believe their transition to civilian life was a negative experience. Help for Heroes is fighting to fill the gaps and provide help.
Each journey is different and some will have huge obstacles to face, but every wounded veteran is entitled to a positive experience and the support they need. That’s why Help for Heroes is launching its 40,000 Strong campaign this month, calling on the Government to review the medical-discharge process and asking the nation to join its mission to help these men and women stand strong.
My work makes me feel like I am somebody again. I’m achieving something and that’s something I hadn’t felt in a long time
Many wounded veterans in need of support simply don’t know how or where to access help. On October 8, Help for Heroes unveiled its 40,000 Strong installation at Manchester’s Arndale Centre, representing the scale of need. By donating to receive your own special, boxed figure from the installation, you will be helping those whose lives have been derailed by injury.
Behind each figure in the installation is a story and Kev Gray’s is one of them. Discharged from the army in 1995, he was suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) triggered by experiences in Northern Ireland and the first Gulf War. What started as nightmares became a mental-health condition that affected every aspect of Mr Gray’s life; he was repeatedly reliving traumatic events and felt unable to face everyday situations.
When Mr Gray was medically discharged, he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Eventually, he was put in touch with a clinic that specialised in PTSD in veterans—but within a year, it had closed down. The next 17 years were a battle to receive the right treatment.
Disillusioned but determined to raise awareness so others didn’t have to struggle, Mr Gray became involved with a number of charities. One day, he made contact with Help for Heroes, joining the Band of Brothers fellowship and enrolling on courses that have helped to manage his PTSD and build self-esteem. One course in particular gave Mr Gray a new direction in life—a woodworking course that led to a passion for making rocking horses. That was four years ago. Now, he’s a member of the Guild of Rocking Horse Makers and has made eight full-sized models.
‘It’s a great thing that I’ve found,’ confides Mr Gray. ‘It keeps me busy and makes me feel like I am somebody again. I’m achieving something and that’s something I hadn’t felt in a long time.’
There are big differences between branches and regiments when it comes to the medicaldischarge process. Some veterans enter a long process of transition, during which they can access courses to help them prepare for life after service. Others leave with little notice and little time to access these courses. For some, tasks such as navigating the NHS without their medical records or writing CVS can pose significant challenges. A great number aren’t made aware of their compensation and pension allowances for months. Some haven’t started treatment before being made to leave, making the move to civilian life harder still.
Without immediate access to medical records, knowledge of future income or time to develop a plan, physical and mental health conditions can worsen. Help for Heroes is calling on the Government to commission an independent review into the medical-discharge process and, specifically, the support available. There are 40,000 stories like Kev Gray’s. Join Help for Heroes in its mission to help all our wounded veterans stand strong. Search #40Thousandstrong on social media or visit www.40thousandstrong.com