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Walking with the Wounded

Nick Knowles presents an appeal on behalf of Walking with the Wounded, a charity which helps vulnerable veterans integrate back into society and sustain their independence.

9 minutes

Walking with the Wounded

Walking with the Wounded
Leaving the Armed Forces can be a challenge. The transition into civilian life is a major life event, resulting in perceived barriers such as loss of employment, loss of identity, loss of responsibilities, loss of social support and friendship. Walking With The Wounded is a registered charity focused on supporting disadvantaged ex-military service men and women into civilian employment as well as supporting their wider family. These men and women have great skills and talents and we want to ensure they are realised.

All our programmes are provided in partnership with government services, local employers and charities to help veterans who have 'fallen between the cracks' or veterans at risk of homelessness ensuring a fully rounded service.

By providing access to training, employment advisors and well-being support we are able to help veterans and their families rebuild their lives, regain their independence and reintegrate into society.

Walking with The Wounded鈥檚 core purpose is to support 'at risk' veterans so they are a valued member of society and sustain their independence post military service, providing long-term security for themselves and their families.听 We have created a number of access points to identify veterans and their range of needs, including those that are in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing, those in Police Custody, those with mental health issues as well as those requiring employment support.

With your support we can continue to address persistent social problems and make lasting improvements in veterans鈥 lives; breaking the cycle of poor outcomes by focusing on the causes of the problems rather than the symptoms.

Nick Knowles

Nick Knowles

I鈥檓 supporting this Lifeline appeal for Walking With The Wounded because I have witnessed first-hand the unique skillset of those who have served and believe they deserve the support to live fulfilling, meaningful lives.

Too many men and women, who have put themselves in harm鈥檚 way, defending our borders and our way of life, then struggle from leaving the military. Without the structure and support of life in the forces, some become victims of circumstance, sucked into a downward spiral and ending up homeless, socially isolated or in some cases caught up in the criminal justice system. But there is an easy way to stop these selfless men and women ending up in this sort of terrible situation and instead reintegrate into society. It鈥檚 simple - employment.

A job gives an ex-serviceman or woman the purpose they need, and the future they deserve. Veterans are proud people who don鈥檛 want to live off the State and charities. Employment support is available from Walking With The Wounded which has professional Employment Advisers who can help with support.听

The charity also supports those struggling with mental health difficulties, providing 1-2-1 private therapy in a national network of 250 therapists for ex-service personnel within less than 10 days of them consenting to join the programme, and within 10 miles of their home. Walking With The Wounded is doing so much to change the future for ex-servicemen and women and their families who have struggled in their transition outside of the military. Your support can help make those who have served us live the lives they deserve.

David

David
David enlisted into 2 Signal Regiment, Army, in 1989 but after serving five years, he suffered serious physical injuries whilst on operational duty, which enforced him being medically discharged from the Army. Many years after discharge his mental and social condition deteriorated to such a degree that his behaviour was chaotic and erratic. David was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD.

David was offered a place at Mike Jackson House, Aldershot 鈥 a specialist veterans accommodation centre for homeless veterans. It was here David met Alex, a Walking With The Wounded Employment Adviser.听 Alex and Dave worked closely together, meeting a couple of times a week where Dave lived at Mike Jackson House. Sometimes this would just be a coffee and catch up and some gentle encouragement, and other times it would be really work focused and practical, such as CV writing, interview techniques or 1:1 IT practice, so Dave could use a computer when he was ready to return to the workforce.

After 3 years in supported accommodation, Dave moved out of Mike Jackson House and in to independent living, but continued to see Alex on a weekly basis. At the point where Dave felt ready to step in to paid employment, he was assisted by her in applying for a role supporting those with learning difficulties, and was successful in the first job he applied for! His voluntary experience clearly assisted in his success, and proved to be a perfect stepping stone. Dave has been in the role ever since. He now lives with his new partner.

Chris

Chris
For several years Chris served as an infantry soldier, however but just a few weeks ago Chris came into contact with Walking With The Wounded because he had separated from his wife and was homeless. Chris had used the last of the money he had to stay in a hostel, but that had now run out. He arrived at our Manchester hub and was immediately given a full assessment of needs, and was given a room in our training house on Canada Street.听听 Having now secured accommodation, Chris was allowed to see his children which went a long way to his well-being. He was assessed as having borderline PTSD after tours of both Afghanistan and Iraq, and WWTW are currently helping him to secure the best support with this. Since moving into the training house, Chris has been offered full time employment, and permanent accommodation is being sourced. Chris鈥 journey continues but in a very short space of time Chris will be a long way forward from when he first appeared at our Manchester hub just a few short weeks ago.

Matt

Matt
Matt joined the Royal Navy in 2009 as an aircraft engineer after spending his early twenties with the Territorial Army. In July 2015 he was medically discharged after a lengthy battle with anxiety and depression, following a leg and hip injury which left him in constant pain.
Matt found himself unable to work and support his family and felt he would never receive the care he needed in civilian street. That鈥檚 where Walking With The Wounded came in. While he was on a Pathfinder Experience, a course designed to help veterans navigate civilian life, an individual recognised Matt was struggling mentally so put him in touch with Walking With The Wounded, who supported him through their mental health programme, 鈥楬ead Start鈥 with one to one therapy. Matt admits that 鈥渢he sad reality is that if I hadn鈥檛 got help when I did, I don鈥檛 think I鈥檇 be here now. The care was phenomenal. I have gone from not being able to cope with everyday life to the point where I have started my own business.鈥澨 The path to recovery was hard but with the aid of Walking With The Wounded I now feel I can lead a fulfilling life with a new career and the ability to be present as a father and a husband.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Nick Knowles
Series Producer Hardeep Giani
Executive Producer Sandy Smith
Director Matthew Pitts-Tucker

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