Hereford veterans turn to charity as cost of crisis deepens

Help for Heroes says its having to support veterans in Herefordshire with grants to help pay energy and food bills as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

The Armed Forces charity is increasing the funds available – to support immediate needs – in order to meet the anticipated increase in requests for help.

Nationally, the Charity has already paid out grants worth more than £12,500, in the period from April to June, and has helped support almost 100 individuals this year, who would otherwise have struggled to make ends meet. And Help for Heroes’ welfare teams have witnessed for themselves the toll this is taking on veterans and their families.

The Charity’s Claire Barnes, Head of Grants for the county, explained: “Without doubt, what we are currently seeing is just the tip of the iceberg. Many of our veterans are feeling particularly vulnerable. The impact of the changes in the economic climate means they are facing cuts to their benefits, as well as needing more energy to meet their basic needs.

“Some are dependent on specialist equipment – such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, hoists, or wheelchairs, all of which are powered by electricity. Others live with health conditions, such as spinal injury or amputations, that require careful temperature regulation, because they cannot maintain their body temperature themselves.

“We are also witnessing an increase in anxiety from veterans and families about how they will make ends meet, in a way that doesn’t compromise their basic quality of life. Those with pre-existing mental health issues may well face more anxiety in just trying to live day to day. Our funds are not endless, but we must work with our veterans and families to do all we can to reduce the anxieties they are experiencing.”

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service.