We are pleased to award a £20,000 grant to The Bridge for Heroes, to fund its health and wellbeing support for Army veterans and their families.
The Norfolk-based charity’s “Project Connect” helps veterans and families connect with each other to promote mental and physical wellbeing and reduce social isolation, and share advice about finances, independent living, housing and employment. Of the veterans and families receiving help from the charity, 64 per cent are from the Army family.
Beneficiaries of the charity’s assistance have praised its work. One Army veteran, who served with distinction in the Royal Catering Corps, said:
“The Bridge for Heroes was there for me, and without its support I wouldn’t be here! Literally a life saver.”
The veteran first came to The Bridge for Heroes when his life deteriorated. Sadly, he lost his job, marriage and home and was in poor physical health. The charity helped him obtain medical treatment and worked with partner agencies to arrange new housing and home furnishings. The charity continues to support him while his health remains fragile.
Helen Taylor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) The Bridge for Heroes said:
“This is not an isolated case. We have seen dozens more like him; soldiers, sailors and airmen. Together with the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity we continue to work on a daily basis to make the lives of our veterans more bearable by giving them the tailored support they need when they are down, and the comradeship and esprit de corps when they thrive!”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added:
“Helping veterans to improve their health and wellbeing, and lead happy and fulfilling lives, is a priority for our charity. It’s important that charities like The Bridge for Heroes exist in our local communities, so that veterans who are anxious and worried about life’s challenges know where help is available and how they can connect with other members of the Army family.”
Read about The Bridge for Heroes on its website: https://www.thebridgeforheroes.org/