No matter what your politics (pacifist or a supporter of our Armed Forces), it pays to know that many veterans often end up living in poverty and sometimes homeless. Most are elderly or disabled (or both) and frequently have mental health problems, often scarred by wars they have witnessed. Here are a few simple ideas to help this often-forgotten sector of society.
Register for Benefits (and possible compensation)
Ensure veterans are receiving benefits, including disabled benefits (which often entitles them to allowances to upgrade to better wheelchairs, especially important for amputees). Many don’t have access to the Internet, so step in to help.
You can claim for compensation if you were made disabled (or have mental health issues) while serving in the Armed Forces (including reserve forces). Paid as a lump sum or regular payments, you can also claim if you were victim of a violent crime while serving abroad, under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Many ex-veterans have dogs (sometimes adopted from abroad). So if they are now elderly or disabled, join dog-walking volunteering schemes to help give pooches a nice outing, so they can stay with human guardians.
Free Help from Charities for Veterans
Op Courage is a free NHS service for people who need mental health support. To qualify, you must be resident in England (and served in the UK Armed Forces for a full day), be registered with a GP and provide your military service number. You can use this service if you are still serving, but have a confirmed discharge date.
- Combat Stress offers mental health support to veterans and ex-veterans in-person or online, with a 24-hour helpline for veterans and families. They help people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety, anger and alcohol/substance misuse.
- Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund offers financial help for members and ex-members of the RAF, plus help for carers and disabled-friendly holidays.
- Help for Heroes has a phone helpline to offer financial and housing support (or just a listening ear), if recovering from mental health issues or disability.
- Blind Veterans UK offers bespoke help to make the most of remaining vision, mobility training, learning independent living skills and staying connected.
- Veterans’ Gateway offers 24/7 support for housing, finances and mental health (by phone, chat, text or email) and can make referrals.
- SSAFA (the Armed Forces Charity) offers free help for all of the above, plus support for families with relatives in custody or on probation, an overseas community health services and Nepali language services for members of the Brigade of Gurkhas and families.
Choose Metal Pin Poppies Instead
The plastic red poppy with green stem is now replaced by a paper version, partly made with recycled coffee cups. Far better than plastic, but even better is a metal poppy pin.
Some people buy metal pin ‘white poppies’ (to support peace organisations). Worn since the 30s, this is not a political statement, simply a way to ask governments to not always choose war as the first resort).
Others choose to wear purple poppies in remembrance of animals killed in wars, with profits helping service animal retirement charities. You can find both alternatives in peace cafes and local churches.
Did you know that poppies are toxic to animal friends? Learn more on creating pet-friendly gardens.
