Salute our Forces: why Armed Forces Week matters more than ever
Armed Forces Week, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28, is a moment to say thank you. Not just to serving personnel, but also to veterans, reservists, cadets, and the families who stand beside them every step of the way.
Today, more than 136,000 full-time personnel serve in the UK Armed Forces, supported by nearly 32,000 reservists who step in when needed. That's over 168,000[1] dedicated individuals helping to keep our nation secure.
And there are more than 1.8 million veterans living in the UK[2]
Our Armed Forces are the backbone of our country – let's celebrate them. (Image: MOD) Life after a career in the military ends can be difficult, especially for the five people a day who have to leave because of an illness or injury[3]. Imagine losing not only your job and income, but way of life, home and support network, virtually overnight.
That's why at Help for Heroes we stand with veterans and their loved ones every day, providing life-changing support to help them rebuild their lives after service, and find the peace they deserve.
"When I started getting support from Help for Heroes, I was convinced that I didn't deserve the help at all. It's been a process that's ongoing. They've done a lot of things for me, but I think probably the most important one is they've guided me towards trying to find a sense of purpose and a sense of self-worth in who I am and what I do," says veteran Chris.
Veteran Chris received invaluable support from Help for Heroes (Image: Help for Heroes) The Charity's Service Director, Rob Marston, explains: 'Many veterans are now facing some of their most difficult challenges – living with pain, struggling with financial hardship, dealing with the impact of trauma, and navigating homes that no longer meet their needs.
'We're seeing a growing demand for our support, and we're working hard to meet it.
'Last financial year, we were able to help more people than ever before – 5,229 veterans and family members, a 31 per cent increase from the previous year[4].
'Each one of those numbers represents someone who once served our country and is now living with the consequences. This Armed Forces Week – and every week – we have a duty to stand with them, just as they once stood for us.'
There are lots of ways you can get involved and show your support this Armed Forces Day. You might be planning to join a local event, hang out the bunting, or simply share your appreciation on social media using the ready-to-use images and stickers on our website.
By celebrating Armed Forces Week in your community, you can help ensure veterans and their families feel seen, supported, and appreciated — not just today, but every day.
Visit helpforheroes.org.uk to find out more.
(1) MOD. 'Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 1 April 2025.' GOV.UK, 29 May 2025
(2) ONS. UK Armed Forces Veterans, Great Britain: England and Wales Census 2021 and Scotland's Census 2022 - Office for National Statistics. 13 June 2024)
(3) MOD, Annual Medical Discharges in the UK Regular Armed Forces. 14th July 2024)
(4) Help for Heroes, Impact Report, 2023/24)
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