Vulnerable veterans in Northern Ireland will receive specialist, trauma‑informed support thanks to our £20,000 grant to Start360.
Veterans facing mental health challenges, substance abuse issues and involvement with the criminal justice system often require tailored, sensitive support. In Northern Ireland, these needs are further shaped by the legacy of conflict, which can make individuals reluctant to disclose their military background or seek help.
To address this, the Army Benevolent Fund has awarded a £20,000 grant to Start360 for its Reducing Disadvantage for Veterans (RDV) service. The project delivers discreet, trauma‑informed casework to veterans across both custody and community settings.
Start360 provides one‑to‑one support to individuals facing complex and interconnected challenges, including PTSD, depression, substance use, housing instability and financial hardship. The service operates within all three Northern Ireland prisons, offering early identification of veterans, pre‑release planning and ongoing support after release. By working both inside custody and in the community, the programme helps reduce the risk of crisis, homelessness and reoffending.
A key strength of the approach is its accessibility. As Start360 is not a veterans‑only organisation, individuals can engage in a way that feels safe and discreet, helping to overcome stigma and encouraging earlier intervention. Through trusted relationships, the service connects veterans to housing, mental health and addiction support, while also strengthening links to employment and wider services through partners such as the Forces Employment Charity, which the ABF also funds.
The impact of this support can be significant. Veterans report feeling better able to manage their circumstances, rebuild relationships and take steps towards a more stable future. One service user reflected:
“Tommy was able to get Christmas presents to my kids, something I couldn’t have done on my own… it showed my kids I hadn’t given up on them and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”
Danny McQuillan, Chief Executive Officer at Start360, said:
“We are proud to partner with the Army Benevolent Fund and deeply appreciate their investment in our work. This funding will directly support individuals connected to the Armed Forces community, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“Veterans facing complex challenges need support that is both accessible and sensitive to the context of their service experience. Start360 provides a trusted and effective approach, reaching those who may otherwise struggle to engage. Our funding will help ensure that veterans in Northern Ireland can access the practical and emotional support they need to move towards stability and long‑term recovery.”
To find out more about Start360, visit their website here.