AN ARMY veteran from Kidderminster is appealing for people in the county to volunteer to help provide vital support for the men and women who have served their country.
Veterans’ charity Help for Heroes wants to get more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities.
Tim Seeley, 59, served for 10 years as an army medic and a first aid instructor, including in Northern Ireland. During this time, he experienced a back injury and, as a result, lives with chronic pain. He also manages severe PTSD.
‘There when I needed it’
Tim has been supported by the Help for Heroes mental health team, its welfare service, and has taken part in sports and social activities organised by the charity.
He said: “Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it.
“It’s really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served.
“As well as providing clinical, mental health, and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the charity works with groups to support veterans and their families, to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities.
“These activities can be an important part of recovery and the charity wants to expand this activity in the Worcestershire area but, to do this, it’s going to need volunteers.”
Help for Heroes is currently supporting 26 veterans across Worcestershire.
The charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer activities for veterans and their families, such as wheelchair basketball, archery, and rowing, as well as other activities, including photography and creative writing.
And it is also hoping to expand its regular drop-in cafe social sessions.
More help is needed
On average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability. Others face complex mental trauma. Many feel cut off from society, friends and even family.
Tim added: “I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does.
“There are more than 21,200 veterans living in Worcestershire area and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the charity can do more for local people.
“We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events.
“Last year our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations.”
Tim urged anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering and those with a passion for a sport, creative or social activity they think they could share with veterans to get in touch.
Visit helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/volunteer for more information.
