The high-profile conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan which led to the birth of the Armed Forces charity Help For Heroes may have ended – but the need for the work done by the charity is as great as ever.

Civilian life can be very hard on ex-servicemen and women when a lengthy military career comes to an end, and especially if it has been cut short by illness or injury. Overnight, you’ve lost your job and your support network, and you may be struggling with finding work, or somewhere to live. 

Since it was founded in 2007, Help for Heroes has helped thousands of ex-military personnel and their families to deal with these and many other problems thrown up by civvie street.

‘There are a wide variety of issues. Some of it you perhaps wouldn’t think of – like how do you navigate the NHS, or prepare for a job interview? These are things that most civilians take for granted, but if you’ve just done twenty-two years in the services, where much of this kind of thing doesn’t apply, it can all feel very new and even confusing.’

Rhys Edwards, former Royal Navy electrical engineering mechanic, now the charity’s area fundraising manager for the western region.

The charity deals with people with physical injuries – such as lost legs – and also people who have hidden wounds. A big part of what the charity does is identify and help people with things like anger management, sleep deprivation, and setting and achieving goals. Much of it can be about working to help veterans to socialise and to keep fit, via sports like cycling and paddle-boarding. 

‘Obviously, since the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan ended, we’re not in the news quite as much as we once were, but the work goes on and that means corporate and community partners like Endsleigh and Ecclesiastical are more important than ever. I know I speak for all veterans when I say we’re really grateful to them for this donation and for all their support.’

‘Help for Heroes helps those who have put their lives on the line for their country, and we’re proud to be able to help them to continue the important work they do.’

Paul Garrett, Head of Strategic Relations at Endsleigh Insurance

‘We all know that the soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel sometimes struggle to adapt to life after their service ends and it’s great to be able to help them, via Endsleigh and Closer to you.’ 

Phil Edwards, Strategic Account Manager at Ecclesiastical.

Visit the charity: UK Armed Forces and military veterans charity | Help For Heroes