A veteran who spent Christmases homeless and sleeping rough has been helped to rebuild his life thanks to support from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Nick, 63, from Honiton, Devon, who served in the British Army, was left without a permanent home after a medical condition forced him out of military service and he struggled to adjust to civilian life. After camping alone in woodland through winters, SSAFA stepped in to help him secure and furnish a flat — turning four bare walls into a safe, warm home.
Nick was offered a flat by the local council but couldn’t afford the bus fare to collect the keys. He made a long overdue call to SSAFA, and Devon branch caseworker, Alex, then worked closely with
Nick to help him secure the flat and furnish it.
Nick said:
“Christmas for me this year will be fantastic, because of how much support I’ve received from SSAFA. They have taken my life from 5 per cent to 95 per cent!”
Through SSAFA’s support, Nick was provided with essential household items including a bed, sofa, cooker, washing machine and other everyday necessities, helping him to regain stability and independence.“When we first walked into the property, it was clear that although Nick had somewhere to live, he didn’t yet have a home,” said Alex. “There were no carpets, no bedding, no furniture and no warmth. Together, we were able to secure funding for essential items — the basics many of us take for granted, but which make all the difference when someone is starting again.”
Nick joined the Army as a young man after growing up dreaming of military life, inspired by toy soldiers and his time in the Army Cadets. While his service gave him a strong sense of purpose and belonging, leaving the Armed Forces unexpectedly left him isolated and struggling to cope.
Today, Nick’s circumstances are transformed. He is settled in his flat and shares his home with his Husky, Eskimo — a loyal companion who represents a fresh start and renewed hope.
Volunteers like Alex support people like Nick every year. In the last year alone, SSAFA helped more than 54,000 members of the Armed Forces community — serving personnel, veterans and their families — when they needed it most.
See Nick’s full story and video here: Christmas | SSAFA
SSAFA has been supporting the Armed Forces community, including regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families, since 1885. To volunteer, fundraise, or to seek support, visit the SSAFA website and search for “SSAFA near me.”
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
