Latest news with #HelpforHeroes
Rhyl Journal
11-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Salute our Forces: why Armed Forces Week matters more than ever
Support Armed Forces Week (Image: MOD) However, the sacrifices our sailors, soldiers and aviators continue to make on our behalf preserve the security and safety that we enjoy today yet often take for granted. Our Armed Forces are the backbone of our country. 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 to find out more. (1) MOD. 'Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 1 April 2025.' 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)
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Salute our Forces: why Armed Forces Week matters more than ever
Support Armed Forces Week (Image: MOD) However, the sacrifices our sailors, soldiers and aviators continue to make on our behalf preserve the security and safety that we enjoy today yet often take for granted. Our Armed Forces are the backbone of our country. 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 to find out more. (1) MOD. 'Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 1 April 2025.' 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)
The National
11-06-2025
- General
- The National
Salute our Forces: why Armed Forces Week matters more than ever
Support Armed Forces Week (Image: MOD) However, the sacrifices our sailors, soldiers and aviators continue to make on our behalf preserve the security and safety that we enjoy today yet often take for granted. Our Armed Forces are the backbone of our country. 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 to find out more. (1) MOD. 'Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics: 1 April 2025.' 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)
Glasgow Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow veteran's life changed thanks to Help for Heroes
Darren Forsythe, a former Royal Navy submariner from Glasgow, says that his life has been transformed thanks to support from veterans' charity Help for Heroes. Darren, 48, signed up for the Royal Navy at the age of 23 and spent four years on a nuclear submarine as a marine engineer mechanic. Read more: Former Rangers star attends screening of 'remarkable' football documentary Though he forged friendships that would last a lifetime, Darren also developed a mental health condition that ultimately led to a medical discharge from the service. He said: "My condition means that I can get very low and have some dark thoughts. "It's really affected my relationships and my ability to work." But after connecting with Help for Heroes, Darren says the impact has been life-changing. He said: "Getting support from Help for Heroes has changed my life – the change is like the difference between night and day." Through the charity, Darren was introduced to the Community Sports Series, a programme designed to help veterans rediscover motivation and community through adaptive sports. Darren Forsythe (Image: Supplied) It was here that Darren found a passion for wheelchair rugby and archery, even giving rock climbing a go – despite living with rheumatoid arthritis. The next Community Sports Series event will take place at the National Disability Sports Training Centre in Inverclyde on May 31. This two-day gathering invites veterans and their families to try a variety of adaptive sports and connect with others who have served. Recent figures have revealed that there are currently 6,868 veterans living in Glasgow City. Read more: Success of Battlefield's new cycle route to Glasgow city centre revealed Darren hopes to encourage more of them to seek support. He said: "I know there are other men and women who have served in the armed forces in the local area who have their own challenges. "Some are struggling with physical injuries, some have mental health problems, or are finding it difficult to adapt to civilian life. "I want to urge them to reach out and get help." "When I first contacted Help for Heroes, someone got in touch pretty much straight away, and it's been amazing. "Whenever I've felt like I can't do anything, their approach has been 'don't worry, we'll find a way round it'. "And it's helped to give me more motivation. 'I was never really a sporty person, but through wheelchair rugby and archery, I've discovered a competitive streak and a really positive outlet, and I'm now a member of an archery club. 'My wife says that when I come back from one of their Sports Series weekends that I'm bouncing. "My illness has had a real impact on her as well. "What Help for Heroes have done for me is priceless, and is helping me to cope with a condition that I'm going to be living with for the rest of my life." Anyone looking for support from the veterans charity is encouraged to visit the Help for Heroes website or call 0300 303 9888.
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire Army veteran appeals for locals to help provide support for ex-servicemen
Veterans' charity Help for Heroes is trying to bring more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities. An Army veteran, from South Lanarkshire, is appealing for local people to volunteer to provide vital support for the men and women who have served their country. Veterans' charity Help for Heroes is trying to bring more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities. David Dent, age 58, lives in Carluke and served for in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps during the 1990s and was a specialist in intensive care and military trauma, carrying out emergency care on the battlefield. He received a blast injury received in Bosnia in 1994, which resulted in a medical discharge in 2000. As a result, he experiences chronic pain and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and uses a wheelchair daily. With support from Help for Heroes, he overcame his disability to become the first seated athlete to set a world record under the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association – a distance of 23ft and 6 inches in the shot put. In addition to being a para-athlete, he is now an advocate for disabled veterans, a university lecturer, a company director, and a consultant for the Scottish Government. David said: 'Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it. It's really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served. 'As well as providing clinical, mental health and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the Charity works with groups to support veterans and their families to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities. 'These activities can be an important part of recovery and the Charity wants to expand this activity in Lanarkshire but to do this it's going to need volunteers.' Help for Heroes is currently supporting 37 veterans across Lanarkshire. The charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer activities for veterans and their families such as wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, as well as activities such as photography and creative writing. It is also hoping to hold regular drop-in cafe social sessions. On average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability. Others face complex mental trauma. Many feel cut off from society, friends, even family. David added: 'I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does. There are approximately 11,600 veterans living in Lanarkshire and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the Charity can do more for local people. 'We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events. Last year our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations. 'If you'd like to find out more about how you can volunteer, or have a passion for a sport, creative or social activity that you think you could share with veterans, then please get in touch.'
