1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
Last Christmas, thousands of people sent messages of hope to isolated veterans as part of a campaign by the armed forces charity Help for Heroes. For some it was the only card they received that year and for others it was a powerful reminder of their service and the support that continues to be there.
These small acts of kindness encouraged some veterans to seek life-changing support. This year the charity has seen requests for support increase by 54 per cent and wants to encourage more members of the public to reach even more veterans with messages of support and encouragement.
Tim Seeley, aged 58, left the army after a ten-year career as a medic and first aid instructor. Tim came into contact with Help for Heroes when he was struggling to cope with his PTSD and a back injury, which were affecting his mental health and leaving him isolated. He said he understands how some of his former colleagues will feel: “As someone who has been alone and homeless at Christmas, this is the most vulnerable human being can be and you feel completely alone and like no one has anything to worry about. could care less. “I live on my own and this can be isolating. It can send your mental health into a spiral and make you catastrophize and worry, so showing someone that you’re not alone can help enormously.”
During military service, service members have a strong support network and a tight-knit community, but the transition to civilian life can destroy that. Combined with physical and mental health issues, which can prevent them from socializing, Christmas can become a time of anxiety rather than celebration.
Worcestershire is home to around 21,262 veterans and Tim believes there are even more who could be helped by Help for Heroes. He explained: “Last Christmas I received one of Help for Heroes Christmas cards which was such an unexpected surprise. The message from a member of the public was extremely heart-warming, wonderful.”
Anyone who wants to participate can easily post a message on the online message wall. Send a message to a veteran this Christmas | Help for Heroes Last year, Christmas cards with messages of support were sent to more than 9,500 veterans.
Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families, from every branch of the British Armed Forces – regular or reservists – regardless of time of service or location, and locally embedded civilians who served under the command of the British Armed Forces. The Charity stays by the side of veterans who are struggling, providing life-changing support for as long as it is needed.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…