Help for Heroes, a charity formed 18 years ago to fill the urgent gaps in support and care for wounded soldiers returning from Iraq, has raised the alarm that not enough has been done in this time to fix the gaps in support for the UK’s veteran population – and amid rising global tensions, the nation risks sleepwalking into another crisis, unless urgent action is taken.
Mark Elliott, Chief Advocacy Ambassador at Help for Heroes said:
“In 2007, Help for Heroes were there on the ground when the Hercules carrying our wounded, sick and injured touched down on UK soil – and we’ve been there for our veterans and their families ever since. Every day, our team hears stories from those we support, and the ways they feel let down by the nation they served.
Help for Heroes doesn’t believe that’s right. Today, wounded, sick and injured Veterans and their families are still not receiving the care and support they richly deserve. The People’s Promise asks the Great British Public to stand united and fight alongside veterans to ensure they get the lifelong care they deserve.”
The People’s Promise for Veterans
Ahead of Armed Forces Day (June 28th) the charity has launched a new campaign to highlight the UK public’s admiration and respect for its veterans – showing that this a country united in its belief that all who serve should have the crucial healthcare and financial support they need to live well after service.
The People’s Promise for Veterans outlines a four-point plan to get us to that world:
- Better access to healthcare – Professionals equipped with the tools and understanding to meet veterans’ unique challenges and needs.
- Financial security – Removing unnecessary hurdles to the benefits and support they are entitled to.
- Consistent support – Before, during and after service, no-one should be disadvantaged by a failing system
- A society that fulfils its duty to veterans – Supporting veterans is a shared duty. From government to individuals, we all have a role to play and we can all do more.
To sign the promise and show your commitment to supporting our veterans, please follow the link here
To get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.
