Wiltshire's Help for Heroes say a million fewer are donating to military charities

It's hoped Armed Forces Day will encourage those who need it, to find help

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 24th Jun 2023

More than a million fewer people are donating to charities that support the Armed Forces but Help for Heroes say veterans still need our help.

Today (Saturday 24th June) is Armed Forces Day in Britain and the Wiltshire-based charity say we must recognise all those that risk their lives to keep us safe.

Carol Betteridge served in the Royal Naval Nursing Service for 26 years, she told us:

“Not everybody who leaves the armed forces leaves well some leave with psychological or physical injuries.

“We must make sure that we support them through that because they have given up so much for us. We must now support them as they've left.”

She also told us that the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which took our Armed Forces out of the national headlines, has contributed to the fall in donations.

“People don't think that they need to give anything to support those veterans (since the withdrawal).

“But you know, we're supporting veterans from, you know, Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan. It takes some people 5 to 10 years to come forward and ask for that help. So what we must remember is that there's that continuing need.”

Help for Heroes, which has its HQ in Downton, appreciate the cost-of-living crisis will make it more difficult for people to support charities financially, but Carol said there are other ways to help.

“People can volunteer their time and go on to our website and look how they can volunteer and help us raise money. So just giving of their time is as important as the financial benefit.”

It’s hoped that ex-service men and women will be encouraged to seek the help they need as a result of Armed Forces Day.

Carol started her service as a nursing officer, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. She told us about her experience:

“It's obviously very harrowing seeing young men and women being injured, losing limbs, brain injuries, eyesight… it’s a really harrowing sight, but watching the team that I commanded works so well, saving lives and helping people overcome their injury and illnesses was very humbling and I'm very proud to have been able to do that.”

Free Bus Travel

Salisbury Reds are doing their bit to support veterans on Armed Forces Day, by offering FREE travel to current and former service men and women.

Salisbury Reds managing director, Andrew Wickham said: “People in this region are rightfully proud of our country’s military - as is our team here in Salisbury.

“As part of this community, we are keen to show our support for servicemen and women.

“The work our troops have done in the past, and still do now, in unimaginably hostile war zones is incredibly humbling. And we want to recognise their efforts even in this small way to help them travel to events or to see family and friends on Armed Forces Day.

“On Saturday 24 June, we welcome all those wearing their military uniform, displaying medals, or showing their military ID card on board our buses, and they may travel for free with us all day.”

Sunday Celebrations in Market Square

Salisbury itself will celebrate the Armed Forces tomorrow (Sunday 25th June) with a FREE to attend event in Salisbury Market Place and Guildhall Square.

Military displays will be made by the Royal Military Police and 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, to name a few, while military charities will be providing information on how to help and fun activities for all ages.

There will also be live music from the Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion and three-piece harmony band Cool Hand Uke.

The event begins at 10am and runs until 4pm.

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