Veterans Aid’s Blog

22/12/11

Less than a week to go – the media are running the usual 'homeless at Christmas' stories and the numbers of 'veterans on the streets' are being ramped up by the hour. In the space of two days we saw them jump from '10,000 Homeless Heroes' to a possible 80,000 (ThePeople - http://www.people.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2011/12/18/10-000-ex-soldiers... )

Why do they do it? The last thing people leaving the Armed Forces need is to be set up for failure by people who paint a picture of prospects bleak beyond measure.

For sure there are veterans who encounterproblems and get into trouble. Some were scallywags when they served and will continue to be in civilian life. Others are individuals who fall foul of the rocky landscape of life that we all negotiate in 21st century Britain. One homeless veteran is one too many . . . but let's get it into perspective! With the rare exceptions of combat-related PTSD military service does not cause post-discharge dysfunction! Life is challenging, but military service equips people with good coping skills and we know by the results we get that timely or minimal intervention can get many people up and running to capacity again without a backward glance.

The focus at VA is, as ever, on the positives and 2011 has seen many lives turned around. Indeed this was recognised when we received the prestigious Institute for Turnaround Award. Our diverse staff includes several former clients, now bouncing with energy and inspiring others; the sky appears to be the limit. Jon, who 'celebrated' Xmas in Pentonville two years ago addressed a congregation of nearly 800 at The Guards Chapel Carol Service this month - where HRH Prince Philip was again the guest of honour. Jon reminded everyone how unique Veterans Aid was in its ability to say to those seeking help ‘I have stood in your shoes – I understand’. Since then he's been nominated for a learning award and is racking up qualifications at a rate of knots.

Supporter Philippa Windridge, who we have to thank for putting together and orchestrating the Guards Chapel Service, ensured that the year ended on a wonderfully high note. This sell-out event drew supporters and friends, new and old, young and ‘less young’ to the programme of music, celebration, reflection and blessing. Actress Tamsin Greig and comedian Alexander Armstrong lent some additional star quality to the evening.

After the service a collection raised £4,333 for the charity – money is still coming in but we know that last year’s total of £12,000 has already been exceeded.

Philippa's commitment to VA effectively made the Service happen and ensured its success. In her own address to thecongregation she thanked all who had taken part, particularly those who made the wonderful venue available. In a setting replete with reminders of military sacrifice she said “There is no chapel more fitting for our cause tonight.”

She also thanked those who had attended the Service, “I was concerned that a second year running could be a little ambitious so am particularly grateful to those of you who have been loyal enough to come again – and to bring your friends with you! ”

Veterans, serving personnel and civilians joined The Guards Chapel Choir, The Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Choir of Westminster School in an evening of modern and traditional carols and musical arrangements.

Ahead of the event CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy explained to the BFBS crew covering it just what a difference it made to Veterans Aid to know that so many young people now supported the charity.

“Most of those who leave the Services will never need our help, but life in Britain today is hard for everyone and for those who do end up in crisis we will always be there. It means a lot to know that we have such wonderful supporters to spread the word.”

Over at the hostel Christmas cheer was literally 'delivered' by volunteers from the Princes Trust who arrived bearing trees, trimming and fairly lights to put a smile on the face of its residents. Once again they will enjoy a 'family Christmas' made possible by the kindness of supporters. Those who donate presents, provide food or simply send money make it possible for us to provide every resident with gifts, fine fare and the kind of atmosphere that distinguishes an institution from a home.

Our hostel's growing artistic community enable us to add a 'home grown' VA card this year to those donated by the Army and Navy Club ( http://www.veterans-aid.net/shop/christmas.html )

We look back on a year working with The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Susie Burbridge, the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Chelsea Pensioners Marjorie Cole and Dorothy Hughes, Waltham Forest Safer Transport Unit and the Metropolitan Police, the Grosvenor Hotel, Victoria Business Improvement District (VBID), the Queen Mother's Clothing Guild, TTV, photographer Tom Stoddart (for the Variety Club's Hidden Gems fundraiser that featured our own Ian Hamlett) Cpl Andy Reid and the band Northfield whose single in iTunes continues to make money for us.

Christmas always generates acts of personal kindness and here are just a few of the many we'd like to say 'Thank You' to: Corporal Kate Aziz, from CAS’s outer office who, with Jenny, Sara and Leeanne, collected three car loads of clothes, toiletries and useful items from MOD personnel and delivered them to the hostel; Caroline Yates, CEO of The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green, who donated a large (taxi-full) consignment of rugby shirts and bath-gel to the hostel Rozanne Shipman, from the VBID who organized a collection of items and vouchers from VBID members; Lettie Edwards-Moss, from VITOL, whose office have donated a large sum (£4,500) toprovide the boys at the hostel with a memorable Christmas and New Year; Christine and Nancy from DELTEK, IT business in Victoria, who are wrapping up and delivering a present to each of our NBH residents by name . . . and supporters too numerous to mention.

Sadly we say goodbye to out wonderful Welsh intern Bethan Harries who leaves us to teach English in The Maldives – but we expect regular bulletins!

Hugh says, “I get very reflective at this time of the year as there is so much angst and hurt around us. My staff take the brunt of it indeed, one of my team recently took ill at his desk . . .such is the stress. The antidote is twofold. One is the very humbling and moving support we get from people like Philippa (carol concert), Susie (our Lord Mayor) and Nick and the team at BFBS. We never ask for help and yet great people like these keep standing up to be counted. How lucky are we at VA to have friends like these? The second is what our boys and girls say. This was anonymously pushed under the door of Pat’s office this morning (she was very moved to read it):

“Thank you 4 the chocolates, thank you 4 the treats, thank you 4 all the things u never got on the streets. Never felt so strong from being so weak, so glad to belong in a house so sweet, life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know which you’re going to get. Thought that was b*******, until I became a mess, whollop of reality and now getting back in step it won’t be easy but I’m sure everybody will agree this is the best place to be, with such warm personalities with such responsibly, it’s hard to believe, but a big salute to all the staff that I can call my family.”

Veterans Aid looks ahead to a year starting with a 1,583-mile fundraising cycle ride from Spain to Hereford, by Queen's Royal Lancer Captain Ed Plunkett, Taunton RUFC’s Coaching and Charity Match in February and another fabulous City Dinner Night managed and co-ordinated by the indefatigable Charles Sincock – more about all in the New Year.

Meanwhile, Veterans Aid wishes a Happy Christmas and New Year to all our serving, civilian and media friends – especially those at BFBS! - Glyn

17/11/11

It’s out! The new Veterans Aid film Stand By Me is on the website and YouTube – see it at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5OJ2x8YgBE

It’s always fun making films about what we do because we don’t use actors – just our own staff, clients, supporters and friends. These latter include BFBS/SSVC reporters who have done so much to bring us to the attention of the serving community. This time however, we did enlist some celebrity help in the form of Sir Terry Wogan who kindly gave us half an hour of his time at the BBC ‘Radio 2 studio to stage an introduction!

The film was launched to coincide with the November 6 Big Bus Pull though Westminster which stopped Sunday shoppers and tourist in their tracks – no Chelsea pensioners were harmed during the making of this film!

Supplied by Stagecoach and branded by sponsors the bus was trailed by a vehicle from the London Big Bus Company to complete the one-mile route.

The 60+ passengers included The Bill actor Graham Cole and two of The Royal Hospital’s three female Chelsea pensioners, Marjorie Cole and Dorothy Hughes - who hopped off to ‘help pull the bus’ half way down Victoria Street.

“I haven’t had so much fun for ages” said Marjorie.

HMS Westminster’s Lt Cdr Richard Carthew and colleagues represented the RN element and soldiers (Regular and TA) stood shoulder to shoulder with police officers to complete the haul.

Sgt Dave Johns of the Waltham Forest Police Safer Transport Team, who helped organise the event and heave the bus, described it as “physically quite demanding,” but added “we wanted to bring attention to Veterans Aid because it’s a great cause."

Folk duo Northfield (Tim Widdup and James Fitzgerald) have pledged all profits from their latest single, Make it Happen, to the charity and band member ‘PC’ Fitzgerald also helped pull the bus. The song is available on iTunes and every download generates a 50p donation to VA. So start buying folks! It not only helps us but it’s a great song!

After the bus pull Hugh reflected "It's truly stunning and very humbling. Our work with homeless veterans and those in crisis is helped by an excellent working relationship with the Metropolitan Police and the ethos of people who wear, or have worn, a uniform standing by one another is what we are all about.”

It’s no coincidence that the latest VA/TTV film is called Stand By Me, again featuring the musical talents of Northfield and a series of light-hearted cameos the Lord Mayor of Westminster, a variety of supporters and VA’s own people.

The lyrics of Stand By Me resonate with who we are and what we do. The film was made as a tribute to some of the people who make our work possible and we are delighted to have a ‘bespoke’ version of this wonderful song, by Northfield. So much of what is written about the veterans’ world is gloomy and we want people to know that it needn’t be. Veterans Aid is a place of hope where military humour and support are much in evidence.

The bus pull was organised to raise awareness as well as funding and would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Diamond Build, Insight Systems, Victoria Business Improvement District and Marlow Ropes. VA’s neighbour, The Grosvenor Hotel, provided a venue to screen Stand By Me and outstanding hospitality to all who took part in the event. Thanks are due also to the St John Ambulance staff who supported the event.

Soon after that we found ourselves in the limelight again at the Theatre Royal Haymarket where we were one of three charities benefiting from the Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Gala Night.

Supporters who bought tickets for the Royal Circle were able to watch a superb play ( Trevor Nunn’s production of The Lion in Winter starring Joanna Lumley and Robert Lindsey ), enjoy champagne at the interval and receive free entry into a raffle for some stunning prizes donated by generous supporters.

A further event at The Ritz Hotel, attended by the Lord Mayor and comedian Ruby Wax raised even more money to be divided between Veterans Aid, Kidscape and The Mayhew Animal Home. Brilliant!

The following day was 11/11 and of course Remembrance Sunday followed. A day of reflection for all of us in the veterans’ world. Everyone honours the fallen. Veterans Aid deals with those who are falling – but no less part of the military family. Christmas is just around the corner and for those in poverty, crisis or facing homeless it is not a good time. As ever, our door is open.
And as I write, we are dealing with the wife of a Foreign and Commonwealth soldier who is living on handouts. VA fights on . . .

19/10/11

It's Big Salute time again and we’re all wondering where the year went. Looking back quite a lot of our activity has been shared with Service audiences via BFBS, and our latest film – a DVD based on the Ben E. King classic Stand By Me - will reflect that. Where BFBS is concerned it’s usually a case of ‘them filming us’ but we’ve turned the tables this year and the Veterans Aid/TTV crew took their cameras to Chalfont Grove to capture ways in which the team there have helped spread the word about who we are and what we do.

It’s a thankyou to everyone who has helped to make our work possible – a great piece of entertainment and a novel way of delivering the message that Veterans Aid is there for all ex-Servicemen and women, when and wherever they served, regardless of how long.

We chose Stand By Me because it resonates with what we all do; serving personnel, the UK’s 5million-strong veteran community, Veterans Aid and BFBS/SSVC - just ‘being there’ for one another, in good times and bad. Most of those who come to Veterans Aid are going through bad times, but we’re a very upbeat organisation and hopefully by letting people know that we exist we can spend more time on preventing crises than dealing with them.

Other players in Stand By Me include the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Sir Terry Wogan, staff of facilities company MITIE, Britain’s greenest cleaning company CITRICA, the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild . . . and a host of others who have provided training, given us publicity or raised vital funds for us.

Staff from our hostel and Victoria Drop-In Centre join veterans who have come to VA for help to tell their stories, pledge their support and enable us to show as well as tell what our 79-year old charity is all about.

Two significant fundraising events prompted the decision to make Stand By Me – driven by the Police and by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Susie Burbridge. The former are staging a Big Bus Pull through London on 6th November, the latter has adopted us as one of her three chosen charities for her year of office which means we will benefit from proceeds of Mayor’s Gala ticket sales (*Royal Circle only) at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (TRH) on 10th November.

These tickets for the opening night of The Lion in Winter, starring Joanna Lumley, are limited edition and at £125will entitle their purchasers to free champagne and entry into a special raffle. There is still time to buy them from the TRH box office or online but you MUST specify Lord Mayor’s Gala tickets – others will not count.

The Big Bus Pull on the 6th will start from near the Cenotaph, at 1030. The 20 men and women ‘standing by’ one another are either serving soldiers, sailors and airmen or police. On the day their ‘uniforms’ will be Veterans Aid T-shirts though and when they arrive at The Grosvenor Hotel – ‘standing by’ with free refreshments – they will join VIP guests, supporters and media to talk about why they took our small charity under their wing.

We work very closely with the Metropolitan Police ‘wake and shake’ squad (who always check whether the capital’s rough sleeper have a military connection). Waltham Forest Police Safer Transport Team did a fundraising borough-wide run for us earlier this year – and then decided to come back for more!

Full details of both are on our website (www.veterans-aid.net) – top left hand corner of the Home Page.

The year’s visitors to our New Belvedere House include two Mayors – Susie Burbridge and Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman, the directors of top interior design company Oliver Burns, Citrica and many others - but few were as popular as the BFBS ice-cream van which put a smile on the faces of all the residents lucky enough to be at home when it arrived.

Several re-joined the queue for a second or third cone and the weather held long enough for it to attract the attention of several passers-by who came over to ask what was going on and who lived at New Belvedere House. Our lads are clearly good neighbours because few realised it was home to 57 ex-Servicemen.

Our most recent visitor – also filmed by BFBS – was Daphne Clark from the Royal Group of the Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild, a great organisation that provides us with quality, new clothing for our residents and those who come to us in need. They met a number of residents one of whom was preparing to set up his own business in the near future.

Watch this space for updates!

20/08/11

On Wednesday August 16th Terry Jones’ funeral took place at Manor Park Cemetery. He was 53 and had served in the Army, TA and Merchant Navy. He’d spent time on a hospital ship in the thick of the Falklands Conflict and been involved in planning secret installations whose plans still bear his
faded signature somewhere today.

But Terry isn’t just defined by his time in the Armed Forces or by the title ‘veteran’ – he lived many other lives. He was an actor, singer, dancer, pub landlord, traveller . . . and latterly an alcoholic. All these labels
describe the man who came to Veterans Aid three years ago with seemingly insurmountable problems.

After years of denial Terry hit rock bottom through his drinking and famously pinned his fate on the toss of a coin before seeking help. He once told me “I said, if it’s heads I’ll go to Veterans Aid, if it’s tails I’ll
keep on drinking and end it all.”

Happily, it was heads. Terry moved into VA’s New Belvedere House hostel. When he felt ready for rehab he moved on and when he came out VA found and furnished a flat for him. Terry came to work for the charity at its Victoria HQ, quickly tuning into the problems of men like himself who were exploring
tentative first steps towards help.

“That was one of the best times of my life,” Terry reflected one day. “I really felt I was giving something back, and I understood how some of those guys felt because I had been there myself.”

Sadly Terry became unwell and was eventually diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. During the last few weeks of his life he had a constant stream of visitors; family members, with whom he’d been reunited after many years separation, new friends, old friends rediscovered and colleagues from Veterans Aid. His sister Sheila paid an emotional tribute to the charity at a funeral chapel packed with people . . . some of whom had travelled from overseas to say goodbye.

“Veterans Aid gave me my little brother back” she said simply. “I can’t thank you enough”.

Terry Jones left an unusual legacy though. During the early stages of his illness he took part in a film recording his extraordinary life; as a child actor playing the Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver’, as a member of the West End cast of ‘Hair’, as a student with Phil Collins at the Barbara Speak Stage School – and as an East End lad who once found a body floating in a bin bag down by the Prospect at Whitby. One day it will feature on the Veterans Aid website where Terry already lives on in the current film
‘Addictions’ and the earlier reconstruction of Kipling’s ‘Last of the Light Brigade’.

***

‘Addictions’ – is now live on our Homepage, a short film about the drink, drug and other problems some veterans present with and the uniquely successful interventions that VA offers. The men who feature in it are former soldiers who speak frankly about how they became addicted and fought back. Not one blames military service for his predicament but all acknowledge that being a veteran gave them access to unique help.

VA Substance Abuse expert Phil Rogers observes that ‘Addiction has done the diversity course’ – it is no respecter of age, class, rank, gender or creed; but he holds out hope to everyone who has the courage to take the first steps to beating it.

*Watch ‘Beating Addiction on: http://www.veterans-aid.net/*

***

Summer, as Hugh observes every year, brings drinking weather. But it also brings good news and for the third year running VA staff and residents from VA’s New Belvedere House made the journey from Stepney to Epiney-sur-Orge, both suburbs of buzzing European cities, but very different. This year
Veterans Aid Intern Bethan Harris went with them.

She writes: “Chateau de Sillery which became ‘home’ for two weeks seemed a world away from East London – with its ample grounds, woods, countless lakes, gardens and even a boules court. It had a rural serenity which is hard to find in the hectic daily life of a Londoner. It didn’t take long to settle into the
new pace of life – daily work on the grounds was punctuated by exquisite lunch at one of the sister residences. Our hosts made sure that we were well looked after and we wanted for nothing. They had even constructed an outdoor shelter – complete with BBQ, tables and chairs for us to relax at the end of
the working day.

”On the occasional free day people dispersed to explore the surrounding area - some visited Versailles, others went to Monet’s house in Giverny, and of course Paris was only a stone’s throw away. Some also saw it as an opportunity to practice their artistic talents and spent time painting and drawing in the gardens.

”One of the most striking things about the exchange came to me on top of the Eiffel Tower – looking out over the vastness of Paris. Standing next to one of the guys, I mused over the improbability of the situation. Who’d have predicted on his arrival at Buckingham Palace Road in a desperate state that
only three months later he’d be standing on top of one of the most iconic buildings in the world, working and living in a French chateau for two weeks. That concept encompasses exactly why the trip was so worthwhile – and demonstrates how Veterans Aid has the ability to change things in a radical
fashion.

”As our time in Chateau de Sillery drew to a close thoughts turned back to London. What was clear however was that everyone had gained something from the trip – be it a little French, a few extra pounds(!), a desire to do some more painting, a greater sense of humour, or even a renewed sense of
hope about the future. On arrival back in London, New Belvedere House was abuzz with stories about the visit, with some residents already looking ahead to attend year!”

***

Meanwhile, looking across the Atlantic, Veterans Aid is also making its mark. Hugh has just become an affiliate member of the committee that advises the Canadian Veterans Ombudsman.

Guy Parent, who is the second holder of the office, was appointed in 2010, for a five-year term, after a career of almost 50 years of serving Canadians in military and civil functions.

Hugh, who is the only non-Canadian on the committee, said “I’m honoured and delighted to have been invited to join this group.”

The advisory committee was established to provide advice to the Canadian Ombudsman on relevant veterans issues. Its role is to assist in promoting the well-being of all ex-Service personnel by identifying emerging issues of importance to the veteran community and providing advice to the Ombudsman on
how best to give veterans a voice.

The Advisory Committee consists of the Chair, six military veterans’ representatives, one Royal Canadian Mounted Police veteran, and three professional advisors in fields of relevance to the work of the Office. The affiliate members, like Hugh, provide advice to the Ombudsman on a
specialist needs-basis.

*There are 90,000 men and women, including reservists, currently serving in the Canadian military and over 750,000 veterans. There are more than 5 million Veterans in the UK.

28/06/11

Glyn Strong writes . . . I’m writing this with mixed feeling because Veterans Aid has much to celebrate – but I’m mindful that just 48-hours ago I was sitting with a friend who has terminal cancer.

A former soldier and merchant seaman he came to us as a homeless alcoholic in denial. With support and a great deal of courage he completed rehab, beat his addiction and eventually became a VA support worker.

He is a man who has lived an extraordinary life and been many things – all of which helped him relate wisely and compassionately to veterans with similar problems.

When his illness was diagnosed and the bad news delivered he said ‘Veterans Aid gave me my life back. If I hadn’t stopped drinking I would have been a dead man three years ago. Today I have friends, I’ve been able to help other people and re-establish links with my family.”

He wanted to leave something behind and, with his encouragement; we started to make a film about his life. We are also making a film about addiction and the ways in which it can be dealt with. This extraordinary man features in both of them and later this year they will be shared with everyone.

I won’t name him yet – but I want to pay tribute to him in a forum where that much-misused word ‘hero’ is understood and where perhaps the battle he fought and won is recognised.

Recognition can mean many things – it’s important to VA because if people know about us they will come to us for help or to give us support; but recently we were able to celebrate a different kind of recognition, in the form of Hugh’s OBE.

It was a personal honour for him – but it was also a shared acknowledgement of just how far Veterans Aid has emerged from the shadows.

Congratulations poured in from academics in the USA, the Canadian Veterans Ombudsman’s office, sister charities in the UK, BFBS and the House of Commons.

Hugh said “The work we do at VA is very frontline and stressful for all of the staff so in a sense, this award is for everyone. We are very much the accident and emergency unit for veterans in crisis and one of our greatest strengths is the way we work as a team.”

(Those who know our CEO also know how richly deserved this OBE is – not just for his ground-breaking academic work but for his tireless commitment to Veterans Aid; to the students, journalists and politicians who seek his views; to his staff; but most of all to the ex-Servicemen and women who seek, and receive, his personal help. His kindness, pragmatism and humour are every bit as important to us as his considerable expertise)

However – I must move on. Not only to spare Hugh’s blushes but to reference some of the other great things that have happened to our charity recently. The kindness of friends is always heart-warming, but the kindness of strangers is doubly so – although people who discover VA rarely stay strangers for long!

Jack Buckley, Business Development Manager at Citrica, has pledged to do a four day bike ride from London to Paris for us in August cycling on average 90 miles per day through small towns, villages and countryside, the new Lord Mayor of Westminster Susie Burbridge has ‘adopted’ us and Waltham Forest Police are organising a Routemaster bus pull for us in November, from The Cenotaph to The Grosvenor Hotel.

All in their different ways have become emotionally hard-wired into the charity’s life in recent weeks and we’re equally humbled and delighted by their efforts on our behalf.
Social networking is something of a luxury for VA with its ‘all hands on deck’ modus operandi but our Facebook community is growing at a rate of knots and we are ‘on the case’ towards making it more flexible and interactive. Meanwhile our films continuing to ‘show’ what we have so little time to ‘tell’.

The most recent was screened at the House of Commons to launch the Report of the Inquiry into Former Armed Service Personnel in Prison, by the Howard League for Penal Reform and can now be seen on the Home Page of the VA website ( www.veterans-aid.net). It followed a press conference at the Army and Navy Club at which Howard League Chair Sir John Nutting QC briefed media representatives on the inquiry’s findings.

As ever the following day’s headlines made us wonder what planet some of the journalists had been on when they produced their ‘reports’ – especially as the report delivered some extremely good news – i.e. that veterans are under-represented in the prison system.

It was indeed a ‘Myth-Busting Inquiry’ and Veterans Aid fielded a former soldier who had served a short prison sentence to talk about his own experiences. (Something of an ordeal and our thanks again to him for agreeing to ‘meet the press’ and speak with such honesty).

At every point both the independent inquiry and the testimony of the ex-Fusilier who spoke, supported what VA has been saying for years – that there is no evidence of a causal link between military service and subsequent offending. If you’re curious about how this story was reported, check out the links at the end of this piece – then watch the film!

http://bfbs.com/news/navy/report-military-veterans-prison-48935.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8592087/Combat-stress-doe...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/prisons-expect-influx-of-war-...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jun/22/inquiry-link-military-veterans-...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jun/22/legal-aid-cuts-will-...

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/06/23/report-on-why-so...
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/crime/article3071933.ece

12/05/11

And still the Big Salute is putting us on the map! Six Veterans Aid collectors rattling their distinctive blue buckets were lost in the 60,000+ crowd at Twickenham on May 7th when the Army pulled off a 44/10 win over its RN rivals. It was a stunning day out – for us as beneficiaries as well as sports fans.

Having the support of BFBS is wonderful for Veterans Aid; not just for the money raised each year by the Big Salute, but also for being a route into the serving community. Last time Glyn was at Camp Bastion no-one had heard of us: when she returns in July/August I hope to find that’s changed! It’s not that we want people to need us – and most ex-Service personnel don’t! – but it’s easier to solve problems when they begin than deal with them when they reach critical mass.

Staying with the sporting theme we must also thank WO Jack Frost and his colleagues from the Royal Logistic Corps Rugby Team for making us beneficiaries of their Charity Rugby Match against Taunton RFC last month. We understand that this will be an annual event!

Twenty-six personnel travelled from the RLC HQ to Hyde Park, the home of TRFC, to help coach the team’s youth squad, then compete in the fundraising match.

The RLC Coaching squad, headed by Capt Glyn Barraclough RLC, provided 80 youth players ranging from 7-16, for a fantastic successful coaching session that ran from 1030 – 1630hrs and also 20 Cadet Training Team who also assisted in some team building exercises. The Rugby Squad was headed by Maj Arry Renton RLC helped by SSgt Ritson who brought down a squad of 27 development players who all gave up part of their Easter leave to take part.

Entrance was free but donations at the gate - and throughout the event - raised £1,416 to be split between Veterans Aid and the 40 CDO RM Families Trust. Brilliant!

To say thank you personally two of the veterans who’ve benefited from VA’s help will be going to the TRFC Annual Dinner to talk about our work; one now works for us and is able to offer a unique perspective on the difficulties of recognizing that help is needed and knowing how to get it.

We continue to meet media stereotyping of ‘institutionalised’ military victims, unable to cope with ‘real life’ – so much so that we did some number crunching of our own. Sixty-two percent of the veterans who come to us in crisis have had less than five years service – and 30 percent less than two. The figures drop as the length of service, and resilience, increases; but no-one is immune. Some of the ‘unlikeliest’ people come to VA with problems ranging from acute addiction to loss of a false leg.

The first shoot for our latest film starts this month, focusing on some of the life changing successes achieved by our addictions specialist. We hope it will be an inspiration to everyone who believes that there is no way back from alcohol, drug or gambling dependency – and a tribute to some of the people who have trusted us to keep them safe while they get ‘straight’.

VA has no waiting list for rehab treatment; when people are ready for it, we buy a place at the most suitable centre. We stay in touch throughout the process and we’re there at the end as well.

I guess this blog also has to take in the London Marathon where those running ‘for us’ were cheered on as they passed within half a mile of our hostel. Seeing our familiar blue and red ‘shelter’ emblem on their kit was wonderful.

It now also appears in badge form and on the website of Britain’s Greenest Commercial Cleaning Company, Citrica ( http://www.citrica.co.uk/va.html )

MD Danny Buckley has taken us to his heart and we’re delighted to be associated with such a prestigious and ubiquitous organisation. Danny said, "Citrica’s success is based on independence, expertise and respect for the community of which it is a part. That community includes around 5 million ex-servicemen and women. Veterans Aid is an organisation that has been quietly extending the hand of friendship and practical support to that community for nearly 80 years – immediately, effectively and on the basis of what is needed rather than what is available. This charity is saving lives and Citrica is proud to support it."

With friends like Citrica and the Guards Museum (hosting another curry lunch for us on May 18th) our goal of being able to afford a fit for purpose national centre draws a step nearer.

Thanks guys!

15/04/11

Veterans Aid is still on a high from the £10,000 injection of cash from this year’s Big Salute – so once again ‘Thanks BFBS and all your listeners’.

The cheque was handed over on air where I got the chance to explain how it will be spent. As an illustration, the cost of accommodating one person in our New Belvedere House hostel for a year is £5,000 – this money translates as ‘two lives for 12 months’ – and a chance for veterans who might otherwise have been on the streets having safety, support and a chance to get their lives back on track.

Happily most of those who come to us do just that - and we’ve had some great support from Ruskin College, MITIE, Land Registry, the Royal Warrant Holders Association, The Guards Museum and the Gardening Leave project. Collectively these organisations have provided education, employment training, work experience as well as general and bespoke funding.

This year there has been a noticeable rise in the number of calls to Veterans Aid from serving personnel; a disturbing trend in many ways but at least an indication that our existence is more widely known among the military community. During my last visit to Helmand I found that hardly anyone had heard of us – next time I go, I suspect that will have changed.

Cuts are biting and people who would once have transited to civilian life without a thought are now wondering what awaits them. Hugh and others from the charity have been busy giving talks to RLC WO’s and new RSM’s to make them aware of what help is available for any of their personnel who may be facing a personal crisis on leaving!

Increasingly, too, we are getting the support of serving soldiers, sailors and airmen; for example, many members of the RLC have taken us to their hearts in recognition of our very ‘hands on’ operational approach (well done SSgt Mark Crawford and his guys who raised over £900 in Chippenham for us, WO Aron Heath running in the London Marathon for us and to WO “Jack” Frost who is organizing a match between the RLC Rugby Squad/Taunton RFC to raise money for us and the 40 CDO RM Families Trust).

Getting serving support is fantastic but just as brilliantly, the general public are really getting behind us; a good example of this are the good folks at Shire Heroes who are organising a fund-raising ball for Veteran's Aid and other service charities because they are totally committed to draw attention to, and recognise, the proud sacrifice and commitment of all our serving personnel. www.shireheroes.org.uk

On a more serious note, 65 percent of those seeking help from VA are between the ages of 30 and 59 but for the first time, 30 per cent of those living in our hostel are under 28! This is a big change for us! As ever few have needed help on discharge, or presented with symptoms of PTSD, but there are always exceptions – and people who slip through the net. Many of these are Foreign & Commonwealth soldiers and our barrister is dealing with several cases that give real cause for concern.

Addictions continue to feature among the problems of veterans in crisis – familiar ones like alcohol and drug dependency, less frequently we see lives ruined by compulsions for gambling or sex. Does this mean that Service live pre-disposes men and women to such things? Of course not – despite the frequent media suggestions that they are causally linked. As Hugh repeatedly reminds the string of journalists, politicians, academics and other visitors to VA, it is ‘life’ that causes personal casualties, not the length of time one has worn a uniform.

Indeed the resilience developed by many veterans probably accounts for their under-representation in prisons. They account for around 12 percent of the UK’s overall population – and just three percent of its prison community. Hugh is presently working with The Howard League on a report that illustrates this – although whether it turns out to be another ‘truth that gets in the way of a good story’ remains to be seen.

On a lighter note our CEO is now a Freeman of the City of London, entitled to drive sheep over Westminster Bridge and carry a sword to defend himself . . . but hasn’t had occasion to do either yet. (Eyen with the stab vests by my desk I wonder if perhaps the sword might be a good idea sometimes – certainly some of the dual-diagnosis or mentally ill veterans who come to our Victoria drop-in centre can be ‘difficult’ and occasionally violent. But that’s what ‘A&E’ is all about and we are equipped for a wide range of problems here.)

Hugh was also briefly in the limelight at Oxford Street’s 100 Club recently where the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues was fought. Proceeds of the 150 tickets sold and a collection on the night raised nearly £1,000 for us – full story on http://www.veterans-aid.net/news-blues.html - an amazing night and some heartwarmingly generous individual donations.

The Christmas Carol film highlighted on our website’s Home Page (www.veterans-aid.net) will soon be replaced by one focusing on the uplifting work done by Phil Rogers, our Addictions and Substance Abuse specialist. VA’s ‘no strings’ policy on donations means that we are able to act swiftly to purchase places in the UK’s best rehab/detox clinics and each month around four people graduate ‘clean’ - able to rebuild bridges with their families, return to work or embark on courses. In the military spirit of ‘man down’ the people who take part in our films do so because they want to help others – they are not paid or coerced.

In the same tradition we work with sister charities and a recent ‘matched-funding’ enterprise with ABF The Soldiers Charity resulted in an outdoor space ‘makeover’ at our hostel. Filming it was a joy and a reminder of how military humour flourishes in the unlikeliest of places. The half completed conservatory was soon adorned with a ‘Bus Stop’ sign, the raised flower bed identified as a home for a resident’s rabbit and the futuristic water feature designated a carp pond. Good natured builders Gary and Allan gave as good as they got in the banter stakes and I later found myself editing a soundtrack punctuated largely by laughter. NBH may be a ‘hostel’ – but it is one like no other, as all who spend time there observe.

STOP PRESS: Guards Museum Curry Lunch for Veterans Aid on Wednesday18th May - Tickets £20 to include glass of wine / beer.

15/02/11

It’s been quite lively since the Panorama programme ‘Wounded Heroes’ was broadcast. Veterans Aid staff are still seeing the ripple effect; media inquiries, Facebook posts, messages from ex-Service personnel and comments from members of the “public”.

We are still looking for the 1000+ homeless veterans allegedly sleeping rough within a mile of the cenotaph . . . . none of whom the producer of the programme was able to locate either despite three attempts.

Col Tim Collins’ night in a Brighton shop doorway (with a veteran no longer homeless and a brightly coloured new sleeping bag) sent a message many are still trying to decode. VA declined to be part of this “media confection” (the producer’s description) but we were glad to be featured at the top of the list of agencies offering help to those in crisis.

Coverage of ‘homelessness issues’ seems to be based on figures plucked out of the air. All we know at VA is that numbers are manageable and small. Of the 57 ex-Servicemen presently living in our hostel, none claim to be suffering from PTSD – and the ‘casualties’ of current operations are certainly not beating a path to our door. If this changes, as Afghanistan winds down, only time will tell.

It’s sad to be hearing claims that ‘nothing is done for veterans’ when, over the last few months, we have seen so much evidence to the contrary. And public support for VA’s work has been humbling. In December the efforts of staunch young supporter Philippa Windridge resulted in HRH The Duke of Edinburgh attending our first Carol Service, at the magnificent Guards Chapel; in January we received a surprise donation from The Royal Warrant Holders Association and in February we were one of three beneficiaries of the second City Dinner Night at Henry VIII’s wonderful Whitehall Banqueting Hall. (Details of all, and those who helped to make them happen, are on www.veterans-aid.net )

Our recent presence at the RLC Annual Warrant Officers Conference in Grantham cemented an already firm friendship and pledges of yet more support gesture. As ever, endorsement from the Service community is particularly valued because they are the part of the wider military family among whom we work - ideally placed to publicise our existence to those who may one day need our help.

A positive spin-off of the Panorama programme was the interest it stimulated in Oxford where the BBC ran a pre-broadcast special on homeless veterans. It presented an opportunity to highlight our partnership with Ruskin College and the implications it has for ex-Servicemen who want to return to education or get involved in adult learning for the first time. One VA ‘graduate’ from the RRF has completed an IT course with flying colours – another, a former submariner, is poised to start a degree in creative writing.

Nearer home a significant ‘hand-up’ has come from the Land Registry whose listed Lincolns Inn Fields HQ is soon to be vacated. The staff overseeing the decant to regional offices heard about VA’s work and asked how they could help. The upshot? A donation of good furniture; tables, chairs, desks, plants, pictures, mirrors and other items that will go to those getting back on their feet again and preparing to move into a home of their own.

At a recent presentation there our film ‘Roy’s Story’ was shown – a compelling testimony by a Northern Ireland veteran whose marriage breakdown precipitated depression and crack cocaine abuse.

There were no veterans amongst the Land Registry audience who watched – but a few misty eyes as he described how his life unravelled and then got back on track.

MITIE continue to work closely with us and their Christmas goody bags are still being talked about at New Belvedere House where every resident found a ‘gift from Santa’ on his doorstep.

As this blog draws to a close some less welcome news is being announced. Many RAF trainee pilots are to be told that their dream of a flying career is no longer a possibility – and soldiers are being advised by email that their services are no longer required. This latter is shocking news to the general public. Sadly at VA we know that it has happened before, with devastating consequences for the individuals involved.

Sudden severing of familial links – whether domestic or professional – is shocking. This month we had to deal with an 18-year-old military musician whose career came to an abrupt end on the grounds that she lacked ‘musical ability’. This bewildered young girl was delivered to VA’s door by a duty driver, with two suitcases and nowhere to go – a sobering interpretation of the ‘military covenant’. Despite their years of experience, the staff were clearly disturbed by this turn of events! Should it become a trend, you blog readers will hear more from us. Watch this space!

But let’s end on a high note. We have BFBS to thank – again! As The Big Salute has been chosen as the official charity for the Army/Royal Navy rugby match at Twickenham on 7th May, VA will share the limelight. A film showcasing who we are and what we do will be broadcast at the match and to BFBS’s 50,000 worldwide audience.

Wonderful!

14/12/10
Perspectives of Christmas

If you feel like some alternative Christmas viewing with an uplifting military theme why not consider switching off the TV for 10 minutes and logging onto the Veterans Aid web movie?
Christmas means carols and for Veterans Aid this year, two firsts; a film based on the Dickens’ classic and a concert at the Guards Chapel. Both were aimed at raising funds and – perhaps more importantly - awareness.

The film (Veterans Voices 2: A Christmas Carol) will be hosted on the Home Page of our website www.veterans-aid.net from Christmas Eve. It tells the story of three formerly homeless ex-Servicemen who recall their worst Christmases, reflect on their present situation and describe the optimistic futures they are now looking forward to. Nigel was once a submariner, Jonathan a soldier and Darren an airman. The film is endorsed by former CDS, Admiral The Lord Boyce, who commends both the courage of the men who took part and Veterans Aid for helping them. The stories are unscripted, honest and salutary counterpoints to the depressing tales of homelessness and poverty that abound at this time of year.

Equally uplifting was the turnout at our first public carol concert at the magnificent Guards Chapel. This sell-out event, organised by a staunch supporter of Veterans Aid, was attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and featured readings by broadcasters Kate Adie and Alastair Stewart.
By any standards it was an uplifting and colourful festive event. But it was also a poignant one.

Many of those who braved the bitter winter chill to attend the concert had military connections – perhaps a brother, sister, boyfriend or girlfriend currently serving; maybe a son or daughter, a father or mother. Some were bereaved parents or siblings, others were children of veterans. A number were ex-Servicemen themselves – including several who had been helped by Veterans Aid.

In the four minutes it took to sing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ a collection raised nearly £4,000. After the concert, in the floodlit courtyard of this very special place, the mulled wine and mince pies soon lost their heat. People huddled in groups talking about the concert and their plans for Christmas. Some went on to dinner, others to warm homes.

Less than a mile away people with nowhere to go prepared for another night on the streets. Some of them could have been helped. Those who had served in the Armed Forces could have been cared for by Veterans Aid – if they had known that it existed and what it did. But publicity and advertising costs money - and most of what is donated to Veterans Aid goes directly to those most in need.

An organisation that understand this only too well, and whose support has sustained us throughout the year, is the Army and Navy Club (‘The Rag’). It too held a carol concert to raise money for us.

Colonel (Retd) Geoffrey Cardozo who, as VA’s official fundraiser, has the happy task of writing ‘thank-you’ letters to our generous donors and supporters, will have his hands full for some time to come. With their help our dream of moving into new and more ‘fit for purpose’ premises is a step nearer
Meanwhile, on the coalface, November was particularly painful. Why? Not because of an overwhelming upsurge in clients but because of journalists hunting for bad news stories about Veterans . . . guaranteed to sell newspapers during the remembrance period. The truth, of course, is rather inconvenient; the reality is that we don’t see soldiers coming back from ops and heading straight for the streets. Sadly, the same thing happens with monotonous predictability every year. What they fail to understand is the Veterans Aid is watching out for such problems . . . every single day! And if we thought there was a problem like that, we’d call the press in!

As December unfolds, the operations staff find themselves under great pressure taking calls from all over the country . . . last Monday was the busiest day I can recall during 15 years of association with this charity. Despite that we are coping well!
One interesting change is that we are managing to become much more involved with homelessness prevention - ably supported by our colleagues in the Ex-Service Action Group on Homelessness (ESAG). In fact, we even changed our strap-line to reflect this change into prevention; It’s now ‘Caring for Veterans in Crisis . . . NOW!’

Finally I’m also very pleased to report that the main homeless agencies have noted that homeless Veterans now only reflect just over 2% of their clients! Of course, we are far from complacent. There are still Veterans out there with problems.

22/10/10
Dreamweaving – From streets to ‘Groves of Academe’

Mmmm - where did September go! New(-ish) looking website in the pipeline – as ever a ‘hands-on home-managed’ window on our world, but one soon to feature an online shop. VA hasn’t gone commercial, but our small range of practical outdoor clothing has proved so popular that we’ve decided to make it available to those who can’t get into the Victoria office. (We don’t spend much on advertising so all you two-legged sandwich boards who sport a VA fleece are worth your weight in gold! Get togged up and get us out there!) The re-vamped website will also offer easier navigation and access to our You Tube, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Speaking of You Tube, the ‘Veterans Voices: Kipling’ DVD has now clocked up more than 1,400 hits from all over the world (See: http://www.youtube.com/user/ttvpictures#p/a/f/0/wcqD0XvZlV0 ) – a good augur for its Christmas successor.
This is a more ambitious and upbeat narrative, built on a well-loved Victorian festive favourite. It celebrates the successes of three of our ex-Servicemen (Soldier, Sailor and Airman) who have gone from the streets to the worlds of media/entertainment and academia. Watch this space for the film’s release date.

Academia is on the menu in other ways too – Hugh is forming a groundbreaking practical partnership with Ruskin College, Oxford (http://www.ruskin.ac.uk) to take our Veterans into higher education and is equally trailblazing a visit to Canada and to be part of its first major national forum on Veterans issues.

Jonathan, our first student, enrolls at Ruskin this week and others will follow; a dream come true for men with few qualifications and a belief that higher education and ‘Oxford’ were forever beyond their reach.

Hugh meanwhile will be one of 250 international health professionals and academics participating in the first Canadian Military and Veteran Health Research Forum in November. He is being sponsored to make the trip by the Office of the Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman. He will be the only British contributor and his status as Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London gives his contribution additional weight.

A spokesman from the Office of the Ombudsman said “There is still no research on homeless Veterans in Canada and your experience from a like-minded nation, with traditions and practices similar to Canada and a National Healthcare system (unlike the US), could provide some real insight into the problems with military transition and service delivery obstacles”

The research forum, hosted by The Royal Military College of Canada and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, provides an opportunity to share in the latest research advances in all disciplines associated with the health protection and care of Canada’s serving and released military personnel, aid workers, police, diplomats, and other Canadians exposed to dangerous and hazardous environments in the service of their country. This includes the through life effects on physical, mental and social health from such service on those who serve and their families.

The organisers describe the forum as an event featuring “High profile national and international speakers dedicated to military and Veteran health.”

There are around 90,000 men and women, including reservists, currently serving in the Canadian military and over 750,000 Veterans.

Hugh’s expertise had already been sought by the Office of the Armed Forces Ombudsman and he will be spending time working with the staff/academics and speaking to Department of Veteran Affairs, Canada, on his work.

An interview for Portugese radio and an invitation to visit Croatia to discuss Veterans issues kept us on the radar this side of the pond – the former sparked by curiosity over a rather fanciful report in a ‘well known Sunday newspaper’ recently talking about homeless Veterans – they gave five case studies. They had approached us for comment but when they found out the truth of the situation they decided not to listen. What VA was telling them was an inconvenient truth . . . there are NOT thousands of Veterans ending up on the streets and those who do end up there are not there because of military service!

Truth may have been sacrificed shamelessly in pursuit of a good (sic) story but it soon backfired as the military community rounded speedily on the organ in question via its respective Service chat sites and complaints to the newspaper’s website. There were so many complaints that the story was taken down after four hours. Wonder why they didn’t check that what the men told them just didn’t stack up! One claimed to be an 'officer sniper 'with hundreds of 'kills'! Another claimed to have been in 42 Cdo, 2 Para, 3 Para, Welsh Guards and RGJ. I’m only surprised he didn’t claim to have been SAS as well! Nevertheless the paper thought they knew better. Here he is in action…
http://www.arrse.co.uk/intelligence-cell/150351-notw-scandal-out-abandon...

(We TOLD you to check your facts ‘well known Sunday newspaper’!)

Trafalgar Day this year was marked by a fund-raising and ‘thank-you’ dinner at the Tower of London – hosted by kind permission of the Governor, General Keith Cima, and CTS who sponsored the event. This has been a special year for Veterans Aid and the dinner, in such spectacular surroundings, was our equally special way of acknowledging those who made it possible.

Tickets for another VA first – a Carol Service in the Guards Chapel on 12 December - went on sale at just £20 per person from: www.justgiving.com/VeteransAidCarolService . . . but the event is now SOLD OUT! Thanks to fundraiser Phillipa Windridge for her sterling efforts on our behalf.

But the highlight of recent weeks was the pass out of one of our boys as a top TA recruit. Earlier this year he had been found nearly dying of hypothermia on the streets of a West Country town. He was so traumatised by life on the streets that he couldn’t speak. Thanks to the magic of the VA hostel staff he has made a spectacular recovery and felt that he wanted to serve again. He has done brilliantly. We are all so very proud of him!

06/09/10

by Steph Watson – Student & VA intern.

When your words of welcome include a severe safety briefing, and the phrase “your last chance to jump ship” is mentioned more than eight times in a morning, you have to question what you’re getting into.

My internship at Veteran’s Aid is to be spent mainly with Communications Manager Glyn and my first day started with a discussion about the frequent occurrence of “agendas” in the media and even some charitable organisations - and how this was resulting in dilution of funding. It was thought provoking.

Later, I sat in on a briefing with visiting undergraduate Paige, one of the many media, photography and sociology students who seek out VA for help with dissertations, information or requests for work experience attachments. I watched CEO Hugh deal with her preconceptions - not by giving her answers, but by asking questions about former military personnel in a context that allowed her to develop informed opinions.

Glyn explained the constant challenge faced by VA of balancing media profile and integrity - but with humour and some optimism. There’s a lot of both atVA. After Paige’s visit we talked about the role of visual imagery and how powerful a tool it is. I realised that images of Veterans are always influenced by context and open to interpretation - and that people like Paige and myself have a responsibility to use them responsibly.

As a ‘fly on the wall’ I realised that Hugh’s constant ability to give honest, unattributable background briefs, rather than taking a position on every issue, has made VA a more credible source than those who lobby to become involved in every emerging media issue. The charity’s ‘silence’ clearly speaks volumes in some debates.

On the subject of preconceptions, I thought ‘intern’ was a euphemism for ‘tea and coffee maker’, but Hugh and Glyn made it clear that my practical involvement in all sorts of ways was encouraged and appreciated. There seems to be a mutual respect for one another’s professionalism and experience throughout VA which leads to really effective team work.

On Day Two I got involved in one of VA’s filming projects which quickly made me feel a like valid member of staff. (Either that or I make a truly rubbish cup of tea?)

After the shoot I was taken to TTV Pictures in Kentish Town where VA’s video footage is edited. Managing Director Torquil Boyd and his team work closely with Glyn and Hugh to see that VA’s work is translated into the accessible medium of film without gimmick or spin. Obviously, the problems associated with homelessness are many and varied, but when listening to the charity’s Administrative Officer John Smith record his ‘voice over’ for a piece I was mindful of the 1930s film “Smith” by Michael Powell - made for, and by, the founders of Veterans Aid.

After my first day I realised that VA wasn’t about lionising veterans in society because of their operational accomplishments, as I once thought, but about helping the ‘invisible’ minority who people don’t think about; - like the young woman who served in the TA for a year but, because of domestic circumstances, was left pregnant and homeless.

I think my first week was a success and I settled in well, and if it wasn’t for the sight of me teetering up and down three flights of steep stairs in six inch killer heels, you never would have known I was new. On the train home I reflected on what I had learned. Honest answer? Wear flat shoes.

Seriously though, VA’s centre in the heart of Victoria is busy and operational, with people in crisis coming in every hour. Those who work there always have to be ready for action.

20/08/10

Is more better? Not always it seems. There is growing concern among the

military wellbeing community about the proliferation of ‘Service’ charities.

Veterans Aid is regularly invited to endorse, advise, help and be associated with them and has caused sharp intakes of breath on a number of occasions by saying no.

It isn’t that we don’t understand the need for bereaved and grieving families to create something enduring in honour of their loved ones – or the groundswell of public support for ‘our boys’ that prompts establishment of niche help groups. But the reality is that few of these have the funding, infrastructure, expertise or experience to either hit the ground running or make a positive difference.

At best they are well-meaning and benevolent; at worst they can do actual arm. Having experienced PTSD for example, doesn’t qualify someone to treat it.

A further effect is that funding is diverted from organisations that have been

quietly and effectively operating for many years, with proven track records. In

extreme cases this diversion of funding leads to erosion of support services that veterans have come to rely on.

New Centre...

Veterans Aid has always been a lean and operational charity, rapidly delivering help to those in crisis and working with trusted partners like The Soldiers Charity (formerly the Army Benevolent Fund), Combat Stress and SSAFA for than building structures in which to ‘house’ them, has put us on the radar of many nations struggling with Veterans’ problems. These short visits are invaluable - as teaching and learning experiences – but also as networking opportunities that enable us to clear more effective pathways to help.

But on a day to day basis, the last few weeks have been tough going at the HQ. A fair few hardened street drinkers/addicts have been causing problems . . . but at least it means we get to know the Belgravia Police a bit better and confirm that our front door can survive quite a bit of kicking!

Hugh hopes that we will see an end to this “drinking” weather very soon! Summer might mean white wine and café society to some, but for Veterans Aid it translates into something far less civilised.

On the upside, a party of ‘our’ veterans have just returned from France where they’ve been helping out at a charity in Paris . . . feeling upbeat and well enough to put something into helping others is a great yardstick of their own recovery and they got a lot out of it.

The highlight of the coming few weeks for Hugh is an invitation to speak at the WO’s & RSM’s conference at RMA Sandhurst!

Youth..

On the home front our King’s College intern and War Studies graduate

Bethan Harries is being joined for a short spell by Steph Watson, another young graduate whose observations on her first 24 hours with VA will follow soon!

12/07/10.

“New figures suggest that alarming numbers of former military personnel are being arrested in Britain, many for violent crimes” – The Guardian, 13 June 2010.

True or not true? Military stories always make good copy – not surprisingly as the Veterans community in the UK stands at around 5.5 million - add their friends and relatives and you have a sizeable interest group.

Invariably headlines generate follow-up calls and Veterans Aid is routinely asked to comment. The old adage about ‘not letting truth get in the way of a good story’ is as valid today as ever, and anecdotal evidence routinely makes the quantum 'leap to fact' that underlies so many of the running hares that pass for news.

Hugh is a member of the Howard League (www.howardleague.org ) team presently looking into the whole issue of ex-Service representation in the prison population. Until its researches are concluded the fact is that there are no reliable statistics about arrests or numbers of Veterans detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure. Studies by NAPO (The National Association of Probation Officers), the Ministries of Justice and Defence and Kent Police have been conducted using different criteria and, in some cases, without reference to whether those claiming to be ‘ex-Service’ actually are. Watch this space!

High summer, hot weather and a good time to be outdoors. Does that mean fewer homeless veterans make their way to our doors? Actually, no. As ever the numbers are erratic. A rare week with no newcomers, sandwiched between weeks with many. Sunshine may mean that rough sleepers don’t have to shiver on the streets, but it doesn’t address the mental health, alcohol, drug or poverty issues that drive them there.

But one outdoor venture brought smiles to the faces to all at VA – a 25k sponsored walk through the Champagne region of Epernay last month. Thanks to the Worshipful Company of Vintners, who selected us as their charity of choice for 2010, we are £60,000 better off. The money will make an immediate difference, but a less measurable outcome is the effect that taking part had on four Veterans who participated. Simon (RGJ), Jephas (RLC), Michael (RHF) and Dennis (PARA) - all faced or experienced homelessness before they came to Veterans Aid. All now have somewhere to live and a future.

"Low pay/no pay, long hours and challenges" - who would want to come and work here! We regularly ask this question as photographers, students seeking work experience and professional volunteers offer their services. This year, through Hugh's academic connection with King's College Department of War Studies, Veterans Aid made contact with Bethan, presently doing an internship with us. There must be more congenial places to wait for degree results - happily the outcome for all has been 'first class'. Well done Bethan!

Glyn Strong

Before reading this blog, I’d like to suggest that you ‘park’ all preconceived ideas about ex-Service personnel and veterans charities and read this one minute interview: http://www.veterans-aid.net/oneminute.html
It’s a snapshot of life at Veterans Aid, where no two days are the same and everyone’s ‘issues’ are unique.

If you feel it stretches credulity, you have probably never served in the Armed Forces or worked alongside them. The banter, occasionally dark humour, and pragmatic approach to doing what’s necessary permeate every aspect of life at VA. In adversity, Service personnel bond – in a way that is outside the experience of many civilians. It’s something that those who find themselves in trouble recognise within minutes of walking through our door.

Little surprises us. Much saddens us. Occasionally things enrage or frustrate us. Frequently they gladden or entertain us. Everyone who comes to VA is in the dwang . . . sometimes through their own foolishness or reckless behaviour, but most often through nothing more sinister than ‘life’ and the bad hands it can deal any of us – financially, romantically, physically or through the mental health problems that afflict more than a quarter of those living in Britain today.

Few of those we help are ‘heroes’ in the accepted sense; most have never experienced front line service – but all who make the journey from drug/alcohol addiction or semi-feral street life to what passes for normality in 21st century Britain have done something heroic.

I’m writing this in a room where two stab vests rest against a coat stand; a hip-flask and a split-soled boot share a shelf beneath a watercolour of London’s skyline. A faded print of Winston Churchill is pinned next to a reproduction of a wartime poster – “Keep Calm and Carry On”. Her Majesty The Queen and oil paintings of two Royal Navy ships look down from opposite walls.

It is here that journalists, visitors and those seeking help learn about what Veterans Aid does; these items are reference points. Behind each one is a story.