Urgent help needed for veteran service in Norfolk
The MP for Norwich South has stepped in to try and secure the future of the at-risk project.
Clive Lewis is seeking urgent support for the Outside the Wire (OTW) project which supports veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or substance misuse issues.
The project covers Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex and is run by The Matthew Project.
Its regular funders have been hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis and OTW has been left tens of thousands of pounds down.
In a statement on their website, The Matthew Project said: "At a time when our support is more vital than ever, Outside the Wire is facing funding difficulties, brought on by Covid-19, and may need to wind down some services.
"We are currently working with over 100 veterans and family members across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, primarily through remote support (video calls, phone calls, and messaging), but also carrying out face-to-face welfare checks for particularly vulnerable individuals. We are also delivering care packages across the region.
"With your help, we can continue providing vital one-to-one support during this crucial time, helping our armed forces beneficiaries when they need it most."
Many of the charity's service users are suffering with PTSD or substance misuse, which the Matthew Project said has been made worse due to the pandemic and associated lockdown.
Clive Lewis added: "I know personally the impact a tour of duty or leaving the services after a long stint can have on someone's wellbeing and mental health. I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today without the specialist help I received when I got back from Afghanistan. And of course, all of this has a knock-on effect for veterans' loved ones too.
"I have a track record of supporting local organisations such as OTW which work with veterans. It is vital for many Norfolk veterans and families that OTW gets the funding it needs to continue here. That's why I'm supporting OTW's attempts to try and secure the future of its Norfolk service."
If you are able to support the Outside the Wire project, donate here.