Veterans Facing Isolation and Loneliness

A former Royal Navy nurse Julie Thain-Smith is calling on the public to show veterans facing isolation and loneliness that they have not been forgotten. 

Last Christmas, thousands of people sent messages of hope to isolated veterans, as part of a campaign by Help for Heroes. For some it was the only card they received that year and for others it was a powerful reminder of their service and the support that is still out there. These small acts of kindness encouraged some veterans to reach out for life-changing support.

This year, the Charity has seen requests for support surging by 54 per cent and is looking to encourage more members of the public to reach even more veterans with messages of support and encouragement. 

Julie Thain-Smith is now Head of Clinical Services at Help for Heroes: “During military service, service men and women have a strong support network and a close-knit community, but transitioning to civilian life can destroy that. 

“Coupled with physical and mental health issues, which can prevent them from socialising, Christmas can become a time filled with dread rather than a celebration.”

Sussex is home to more than 26,700 veterans and Julie believes that there are more who could be helped by Help for Heroes.

She explained: “I know from last year that receiving messages from Help for Heroes supporters made a massive difference to some people and showed there are people out there who care. By sending a message to a veteran, anyone in the U.K. can offer a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling with physical and mental challenges every day. It also encouraged veterans to come forward and get support.”

Anyone who wants to get involved can simply post a message on the on-line message wall at www.helpforheroes.org.uk