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Destitute veterans

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Morning. Just a little eye opener this morning. Yesterday whilst at work I was sent to check on the welfare of a guy who had threatened suicide over the phone. I arrived and was met by a guy in his late 30's, he was in a housing association bungalow which he had been given a month earlier, it was sparse, bare floor boards, no cooker, no furniture, he had a sofa and a wooden bed frame with no mattress, that was it.

I sat with this guy for a good while, he is an ex soldier with 2 tours of Iraq under his belt, then he was a Royal Navy diver and after that a diver on the rigs. All well and good until PTSD started to creep in and take its toll. He had seen his mates blown up, shot, he had to pick limbs and body parts up and had witnessed children being killed. Without waffling too much this guy finds himself destitute having given good service to his country. It's wrong, plain and simple.

I checked his kitchen, he had an onion in the fridge and that was it, the freezer was empty bar the ice. He hadn't eaten for 2 days and was sleeping on bare floor boards or in the woods. It upset me no end. I went to the local food bank and got him a few days worth of supplies, food, toiletries etc. When I took them back to him he cried and his mood lifted instantly.

Later on I contacted my sister, told her about him and his history, he had served in the regiment we had grown up with as kids, she set to work on Facebook, today I will have a van load of furniture to take to this guy, he has a choice of three new beds, bedding, pillows, a duvet, a cooker, washing machine which I will plumb in for him, various other bits and bobs and there has been no end of people offering to cook for him. The response brought a tear to my eye.

My point is, why are these servicemen being left in this position. He told me he has been living off £190 a month and the dwp keep fobbing him off hence his threat to commit suicide. I have put him in touch with a local veterans group who I know are really good. Surely there should be after are for these guys, I know things are improving and things like combat stress do good work but these people are proud, they see asking for help as a weakness and many don't get the help they need. I think annual visits by a welfare team of all ex servicemen would be ideal rather than waiting for them to be found by the likes of me, in many cases that is when they have taken their own life.

This guy will be ok now, he has been found but there are many like him who have not.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't know his location, however we have a veterans breakfast club in our area. We meet on Sunday mornings and sign post where necessary.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It is all too common

just brought a tear to my eye.

they recon a third of all rough sleepers are ex military

very very sad.

Glad you could help him,

you will find if he gets himself together he will help others.

An d I thank you for helping this Man

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By *rby38Man
over a year ago

Stoke row

That's tough, especially as a serving man. There are many like him and whilst I find it particularly appalling that a veteran doesn't get the support he needs. It shouldn't be exclusive all deserve support ptsd especially isn't unique to just military or service men it can affect many people.

I think I had/have it, used to think i was pathetic particularly when I consider what others have gone through.... the mind is an odd thing.

So have a lot of time for people with mental health issues it's not an easy thing to cope with or be open about.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Human nature never cease to amaze me ...the way certain elements of society are treated is beyond belief

The kindness shown to less fortunate by others makes me believe in humanity all over again ...

Thank you for sharing this and yes bringing a tear to my eye and a smile at the same time

Love and respect and best wishes to all vets and all those facing tough times right now

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That's such a lovely thing you have done for this man. Sounds like you and your sister have helped him out no end. Hats off to both of you.

In the old days I guess community spirit was better and perhaps he wouldnt be in this mess he's in, however now a days it seems most ex military end up on streets with PTSD and given next to no help from anyone.

I'm glad people like you exist

Its refreshing that people like you and your sister exist in the society we live in, where everyone out for themselves

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Thanks guys. I'm getting texts by the minutes with various offers, this guy is gonna end up with a nicer house than me so he'll be alright in the end. The power of Facebook eh, I'm not on it which is why I contacted my sister. Human kindness is alive and well.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Morning. Just a little eye opener this morning. Yesterday whilst at work I was sent to check on the welfare of a guy who had threatened suicide over the phone. I arrived and was met by a guy in his late 30's, he was in a housing association bungalow which he had been given a month earlier, it was sparse, bare floor boards, no cooker, no furniture, he had a sofa and a wooden bed frame with no mattress, that was it.

I sat with this guy for a good while, he is an ex soldier with 2 tours of Iraq under his belt, then he was a Royal Navy diver and after that a diver on the rigs. All well and good until PTSD started to creep in and take its toll. He had seen his mates blown up, shot, he had to pick limbs and body parts up and had witnessed children being killed. Without waffling too much this guy finds himself destitute having given good service to his country. It's wrong, plain and simple.

I checked his kitchen, he had an onion in the fridge and that was it, the freezer was empty bar the ice. He hadn't eaten for 2 days and was sleeping on bare floor boards or in the woods. It upset me no end. I went to the local food bank and got him a few days worth of supplies, food, toiletries etc. When I took them back to him he cried and his mood lifted instantly.

Later on I contacted my sister, told her about him and his history, he had served in the regiment we had grown up with as kids, she set to work on Facebook, today I will have a van load of furniture to take to this guy, he has a choice of three new beds, bedding, pillows, a duvet, a cooker, washing machine which I will plumb in for him, various other bits and bobs and there has been no end of people offering to cook for him. The response brought a tear to my eye.

My point is, why are these servicemen being left in this position. He told me he has been living off £190 a month and the dwp keep fobbing him off hence his threat to commit suicide. I have put him in touch with a local veterans group who I know are really good. Surely there should be after are for these guys, I know things are improving and things like combat stress do good work but these people are proud, they see asking for help as a weakness and many don't get the help they need. I think annual visits by a welfare team of all ex servicemen would be ideal rather than waiting for them to be found by the likes of me, in many cases that is when they have taken their own life.

This guy will be ok now, he has been found but there are many like him who have not. "

First of all i take my hat of to what you, your sister and the community have done for this guy

You have gone above and beyond your job title to help this guy out

There should be more people in this world like you

But what makes me so mad is that there is not enough help for these guys when they leave the forces

There is not enough counselling for these guys, no help to get hem jobs etc

You see so so many of them living rough on the streets

So many taking their own lives because they cannot cope with reality after the awful things they have witnessed

It is just awful

These people joined the forces to protect our country, our queen and us and when they are down on their luck they are given nothing for risking their lives for us

This angers me so much

The government the authorities need to invest time, money and effort into this

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Update, I now have a car full of stuff for this guy, I've got towels, pillows, duvet, two sets of bedding, curtains, hand made no less, kitchen utensils, toaster, a mirror, a canvas print, a nest of tables and my mate has his van full of bigger stuff, washing machine, several beds he can choose from, chest of drawers, crockery, pots and pans......the list is endless.

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By *ngel n tedCouple
over a year ago

maidstone

You should put him in contact with the royal british legion, they'll be able to help him.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Don't forget SSAFA

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By *elloIntrigueMan
over a year ago

North West UK

Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain. "

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need.

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By *elloIntrigueMan
over a year ago

North West UK


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need. "

I'm not disagreeing with you. I think it's disgusting anyone finds themselves in this position.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Fortunately I was never in that sort of position when I left the RAF. However, I did struggle mentally for years and wasn't offered any help until about 4 years ago. I'm far from better but in a much better place than I was.

I support a number of charities that carry out work similar to yours and I thank you for this, it's helped a number of my mates over the years.

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By *annGentMan
over a year ago

With a cracking view

Total respect for what you, your sister, your mate and others have done to help this guy out.

This shouldn't be happening to anyone in this day and age, let alone those who've served in the forces.

Might be of help to him, I've donated to the charities Combat Stress and Fishing for Heroes before now.

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By *lkDomWhtSubBiCpleCouple
over a year ago

Somewhere / Everywhere /Kinksville

Love this story. Well done OP, it's so nice to hear someone doing something selflessly for a change.

Though I do think this guy needs medical help too from what you say. X

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By *lkDomWhtSubBiCpleCouple
over a year ago

Somewhere / Everywhere /Kinksville


"Fortunately I was never in that sort of position when I left the RAF. However, I did struggle mentally for years and wasn't offered any help until about 4 years ago. I'm far from better but in a much better place than I was.

I support a number of charities that carry out work similar to yours and I thank you for this, it's helped a number of my mates over the years."

Yes support for mental health is what I mean. How did you access this?

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

I see on a daily basis many times a day what the government cutbacks have done regarding looking after the homeless and people with mental health issues.

Most of the money seems to be spent on trying to rehabilitate ex offenders and drug addicts most of which have no interest in rehabilitation.

Mainly due to the fact that they know they will have to stand on their own two feet eventually.so re offended so they can go back to jail ,fed housed free dental care medical and no bills.

Meanwhile the resources available to the ones that actually want and need to be helped are not there.

Most relying on volunteers and charities for help.

Chapeau to the op your a top bloke.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done op the world needs more people like you. It is disgusting how people who work and strive for our safety and the nation's safety are treated with such disregard. Kind people like you give me faith in human nature.

Blessings to you op. And may you have a good day. Xx

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By *iss_tressWoman
over a year ago

London


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need. "

Do you think because you do a certain job you deserve special treatment?

I've mentioned my son in law many times, ex royal navy, ex royal marine...love him to bits, I have no axe to grind. I've also spoken about the mental health problems of my youngest, she was sectioned at 15, but I dislike the assumption that some people have that certain sections of society are more worthy than others of help.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need.

Do you think because you do a certain job you deserve special treatment?

I've mentioned my son in law many times, ex royal navy, ex royal marine...love him to bits, I have no axe to grind. I've also spoken about the mental health problems of my youngest, she was sectioned at 15, but I dislike the assumption that some people have that certain sections of society are more worthy than others of help.

"

In all honesty yes I do. For the simple reason that if these people didn't do the jobs they do then they wouldn't be suffering with the mental problems that they have, ptsd and the like. They are put into situations by our governments that can seriously damage a persons mental wellbeing in years to come so our government should be there to catch them when they fall.

Of course the right help should be there for anybody who needs it, this post is about one man that I dealt with at work and he happens to be an ex serviceman. Believe me tho, there are many elements of society that arn't quite as deserving and whose problems are self inflicted. A ptsd sufferer has not inflicted his problems upon himself, that has been done for him and then he has been forgotten about.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

First of all Thank you. I know its bad as when I got out the army after 22 years I could not get any help as I was getting a small pension, I often feel one of the worst things I ever did was serving if I had done jack, the government would of looked after me better!

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By *lkDomWhtSubBiCpleCouple
over a year ago

Somewhere / Everywhere /Kinksville


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need.

Do you think because you do a certain job you deserve special treatment?

I've mentioned my son in law many times, ex royal navy, ex royal marine...love him to bits, I have no axe to grind. I've also spoken about the mental health problems of my youngest, she was sectioned at 15, but I dislike the assumption that some people have that certain sections of society are more worthy than others of help.

In all honesty yes I do. For the simple reason that if these people didn't do the jobs they do then they wouldn't be suffering with the mental problems that they have, ptsd and the like. They are put into situations by our governments that can seriously damage a persons mental wellbeing in years to come so our government should be there to catch them when they fall.

Of course the right help should be there for anybody who needs it, this post is about one man that I dealt with at work and he happens to be an ex serviceman. Believe me tho, there are many elements of society that arn't quite as deserving and whose problems are self inflicted. A ptsd sufferer has not inflicted his problems upon himself, that has been done for him and then he has been forgotten about. "

So at the very least deserves to be looked after as well as people with addictions and criminals. I think this argument has become tangled somewhere. Hard working, law abiding people deserve to be treated as well as others that aren't ....

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"That's tough, especially as a serving man. There are many like him and whilst I find it particularly appalling that a veteran doesn't get the support he needs. It shouldn't be exclusive all deserve support ptsd especially isn't unique to just military or service men it can affect many people.

I think I had/have it, used to think i was pathetic particularly when I consider what others have gone through.... the mind is an odd thing.

So have a lot of time for people with mental health issues it's not an easy thing to cope with or be open about."

I agree with you totally.

I was ;moved by the post and applaud all that the O.P. has done but as you say it shouldn't just happen for ex military. There are many many people in that mans position. Inability to cope for whatever reason and what ever caused mental and emotional stability requires support in any human being. It shouldn't be job dependant.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross


"Full marks to you OP. It's terrible, but it's not just ex forces people that can find themselves in this position.

That there is such a reliance on foodbanks up and down the country these days is abhorrent in a society like we have in Britain.

I didn't suggest it was just ex forces. It disgusts me though that our war veterans find themselves in such a position in their hours of need.

Do you think because you do a certain job you deserve special treatment?

I've mentioned my son in law many times, ex royal navy, ex royal marine...love him to bits, I have no axe to grind. I've also spoken about the mental health problems of my youngest, she was sectioned at 15, but I dislike the assumption that some people have that certain sections of society are more worthy than others of help.

"

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

P.S.

I can't shout loud enough how remarkable I feel the efforts of the O.P have been.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Fortunately I was never in that sort of position when I left the RAF. However, I did struggle mentally for years and wasn't offered any help until about 4 years ago. I'm far from better but in a much better place than I was.

I support a number of charities that carry out work similar to yours and I thank you for this, it's helped a number of my mates over the years.

Yes support for mental health is what I mean. How did you access this? "

I had a full on and very public breakdown in my current workplace. They have been very supportive in finding me the right help. My mental health nurse has been my rock for the last 4 years, without her I'm not sure what would have happened.

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By *hoenixAdAstraWoman
over a year ago

Hiding in the shadows

I cried reading this.

I'm a volunteer coordinator for H4H, and have met too many veterans like this.

It's not right, it shouldn't happen.

Thank you for your kindness & helping this chap out.

You are a superstar xx

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By *dwalu2Couple
over a year ago

Bristol

It's a national scandal, and an all too common situation.

And yet many serving and ex- service people voted for the Tories at the last election, who have massacred the UK's mental health care and social services.

Maybe one day they'll start to see the connection.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Well I've just been to this guys house with a car and van load of stuff, again he was blown away and cried like a baby, he will be sleeping on a comfy bed tonight. My mate with the van is going to offer him some work putting scaffolding up if he's up to it. It was nice making a difference and I know it's not just ex milatry that suffer but I am but one man and like I said I grew up with the same regiment this guy served in so it was close to my heart. My own son is currently serving in Iraq and I'd hate for him to be in this position in years to come.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You are a good man x

Its terrible that someone who fought for us ended up in awful circumstances.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's a national scandal, and an all too common situation.

And yet many serving and ex- service people voted for the Tories at the last election, who have massacred the UK's mental health care and social services.

Maybe one day they'll start to see the connection."

I voted tory as no other option I would of voted ukip but they had no chance and corbyn would kill the country, with his good ideas and his terrorists loving ideals

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"P.S.

I can't shout loud enough how remarkable I feel the efforts of the O.P have been.

"

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By *dwalu2Couple
over a year ago

Bristol


"It's a national scandal, and an all too common situation.

And yet many serving and ex- service people voted for the Tories at the last election, who have massacred the UK's mental health care and social services.

Maybe one day they'll start to see the connection.

I voted tory as no other option I would of voted ukip but they had no chance and corbyn would kill the country, with his good ideas and his terrorists loving ideals"

So you voted for a party who have clung to power by going into coalition with actual supporters of terrorism, rather than an imaginary supporter of terrorism?

Well done you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"It's a national scandal, and an all too common situation.

And yet many serving and ex- service people voted for the Tories at the last election, who have massacred the UK's mental health care and social services.

Maybe one day they'll start to see the connection.

I voted tory as no other option I would of voted ukip but they had no chance and corbyn would kill the country, with his good ideas and his terrorists loving ideals"

Snap, I would of voted ukip also, i think they have had their day now though. I will stick with Tory!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done OP, thats such a lifting and inspiring thing to hear this morning. I would love to help people like that when i eventually get outside

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"That's tough, especially as a serving man. There are many like him and whilst I find it particularly appalling that a veteran doesn't get the support he needs. It shouldn't be exclusive all deserve support ptsd especially isn't unique to just military or service men it can affect many people.

I think I had/have it, used to think i was pathetic particularly when I consider what others have gone through.... the mind is an odd thing.

So have a lot of time for people with mental health issues it's not an easy thing to cope with or be open about.

I agree with you totally.

I was ;moved by the post and applaud all that the O.P. has done but as you say it shouldn't just happen for ex military. There are many many people in that mans position. Inability to cope for whatever reason and what ever caused mental and emotional stability requires support in any human being. It shouldn't be job dependant. "

Indeed. The country is a mess. The benefits system a joke, and the NHS in crisis.

We are in deep shit people

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By *hoenixAdAstraWoman
over a year ago

Hiding in the shadows


"Well I've just been to this guys house with a car and van load of stuff, again he was blown away and cried like a baby, he will be sleeping on a comfy bed tonight. My mate with the van is going to offer him some work putting scaffolding up if he's up to it. It was nice making a difference and I know it's not just ex milatry that suffer but I am but one man and like I said I grew up with the same regiment this guy served in so it was close to my heart. My own son is currently serving in Iraq and I'd hate for him to be in this position in years to come. "

I'd hug you if I could

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Morning. Just a little eye opener this morning. Yesterday whilst at work I was sent to check on the welfare of a guy who had threatened suicide over the phone. I arrived and was met by a guy in his late 30's, he was in a housing association bungalow which he had been given a month earlier, it was sparse, bare floor boards, no cooker, no furniture, he had a sofa and a wooden bed frame with no mattress, that was it.

I sat with this guy for a good while, he is an ex soldier with 2 tours of Iraq under his belt, then he was a Royal Navy diver and after that a diver on the rigs. All well and good until PTSD started to creep in and take its toll. He had seen his mates blown up, shot, he had to pick limbs and body parts up and had witnessed children being killed. Without waffling too much this guy finds himself destitute having given good service to his country. It's wrong, plain and simple.

I checked his kitchen, he had an onion in the fridge and that was it, the freezer was empty bar the ice. He hadn't eaten for 2 days and was sleeping on bare floor boards or in the woods. It upset me no end. I went to the local food bank and got him a few days worth of supplies, food, toiletries etc. When I took them back to him he cried and his mood lifted instantly.

Later on I contacted my sister, told her about him and his history, he had served in the regiment we had grown up with as kids, she set to work on Facebook, today I will have a van load of furniture to take to this guy, he has a choice of three new beds, bedding, pillows, a duvet, a cooker, washing machine which I will plumb in for him, various other bits and bobs and there has been no end of people offering to cook for him. The response brought a tear to my eye.

My point is, why are these servicemen being left in this position. He told me he has been living off £190 a month and the dwp keep fobbing him off hence his threat to commit suicide. I have put him in touch with a local veterans group who I know are really good. Surely there should be after are for these guys, I know things are improving and things like combat stress do good work but these people are proud, they see asking for help as a weakness and many don't get the help they need. I think annual visits by a welfare team of all ex servicemen would be ideal rather than waiting for them to be found by the likes of me, in many cases that is when they have taken their own life.

This guy will be ok now, he has been found but there are many like him who have not. "

The government is quite happy to let the more humane parts of society look after those who have served the country and its people. Instead of doing their duty to those that protect and serve them and us.

Fuzz

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By *dwalu2Couple
over a year ago

Bristol


"Well done OP, thats such a lifting and inspiring thing to hear this morning. I would love to help people like that when i eventually get outside "

Why not help them forever by not voting Tory?

If you vote Tory, people in the situation the OP describes are in that situation because of you, and your choice at the ballot box.

It's all on you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Well done OP, thats such a lifting and inspiring thing to hear this morning. I would love to help people like that when i eventually get outside

Why not help them forever by not voting Tory?

If you vote Tory, people in the situation the OP describes are in that situation because of you, and your choice at the ballot box.

It's all on you."

Vote labour their will be a mass reduction in the forces. I used to beva labour man, my whole family stand by them also. I wont ever vote them again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Maybe we can all do our bit for the veterans who gave so much just so that people can sleep soundly in their beds at night.

If we put aside all political pissing contests, and instead of giving blame, take responsibility.

I met a lad a few years ago, I had a house that I was renting rooms out in and he came to ask if I could add his deposit to his first month rent, I asked him why and he explained that he had been discharged from the army on medical grounds, and his wife asked him to leave because she was with someone else, he had been sleeping under Hockley flyover for a couple of month and couldn't get an address without an income, and couldn't get an income without an address.

I took the risk, gave him the room, and told him to pay his first week when he received his first benefits or wages, and waived the deposit.

He now works full time, and has moved out of the single room into a really nice flat in Sutton Coldfield (I've took the piss out of his posh abode many times) just one little leg up, can change a life, if we all did what we can, it would make a massive difference

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Maybe we can all do our bit for the veterans who gave so much just so that people can sleep soundly in their beds at night.

If we put aside all political pissing contests, and instead of giving blame, take responsibility.

I met a lad a few years ago, I had a house that I was renting rooms out in and he came to ask if I could add his deposit to his first month rent, I asked him why and he explained that he had been discharged from the army on medical grounds, and his wife asked him to leave because she was with someone else, he had been sleeping under Hockley flyover for a couple of month and couldn't get an address without an income, and couldn't get an income without an address.

I took the risk, gave him the room, and told him to pay his first week when he received his first benefits or wages, and waived the deposit.

He now works full time, and has moved out of the single room into a really nice flat in Sutton Coldfield (I've took the piss out of his posh abode many times) just one little leg up, can change a life, if we all did what we can, it would make a massive difference "

Sometimes that leap of faith and help goes a long way. Hat off to ya !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a navy brat I grew up in a service community so applause for you.

Why does it happen? Unfortunately, a nation's memory is short and generally jingoistic before war, not after, especially when there's no big victory parade at the end. The Falklands was ok cos won and could wave flags. Iraq and Afghanistan? Not so much.

The people who care the most are other servicemen and their support stuctures. I was really touched at how many of my dad's old colleagues came to his funeral.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Well done mate you are a credit to yourself by doing this selfless act. As an ex serviceman myself I'll gladly buy you a pint if our paths ever cross.

This country abandons all personal that leave the forces and it had done for centuries and it won't change.

It's people like us that look after fallen brothers and sisters. There are thousands out there that won't ask for help only because as you have said it is classed as a sign of weakness by a proud man, I have been to rock bottom and back in my time and when I did finally cave in and speak to my parents the answer was stop being weak and man up, it's only people who have been there that truly understand and there are some great organisations out there now but sadly they can only help the ones they know about.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Maybe we can all do our bit for the veterans who gave so much just so that people can sleep soundly in their beds at night.

If we put aside all political pissing contests, and instead of giving blame, take responsibility.

I met a lad a few years ago, I had a house that I was renting rooms out in and he came to ask if I could add his deposit to his first month rent, I asked him why and he explained that he had been discharged from the army on medical grounds, and his wife asked him to leave because she was with someone else, he had been sleeping under Hockley flyover for a couple of month and couldn't get an address without an income, and couldn't get an income without an address.

I took the risk, gave him the room, and told him to pay his first week when he received his first benefits or wages, and waived the deposit.

He now works full time, and has moved out of the single room into a really nice flat in Sutton Coldfield (I've took the piss out of his posh abode many times) just one little leg up, can change a life, if we all did what we can, it would make a massive difference "

That's a kind act and another example if good karma in action like OP. But my issue is, it's a government's duty the do what's right for the people. For me this means looking after those who have served to protect the country and its people. Soldier's, police, medics and teachers go top of the list. Also farmers should be protected and enabled to provide and sustain their country before trading with other countries. I know this is an ideal Eutopia, but we are supposed to be the most intelligent species on this planet. Why is it kind hearted souls are left to give help to those that need it with little to no help from governments who hold all the power over the people who serve them?

Fuzz

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By *dwalu2Couple
over a year ago

Bristol


"Well done OP, thats such a lifting and inspiring thing to hear this morning. I would love to help people like that when i eventually get outside

Why not help them forever by not voting Tory?

If you vote Tory, people in the situation the OP describes are in that situation because of you, and your choice at the ballot box.

It's all on you.

Vote labour their will be a mass reduction in the forces. I used to beva labour man, my whole family stand by them also. I wont ever vote them again"

There's a mass reduction in forces under the Tories. It's happening right now.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/tories-left-britain-defenceless-huge-10376621.amp

They have also cut 40,000 from our police service, directly leading to terrorist attacks on our streets.

If you vote Tory, this is on you.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Well done mate you are a credit to yourself by doing this selfless act. As an ex serviceman myself I'll gladly buy you a pint if our paths ever cross.

This country abandons all personal that leave the forces and it had done for centuries and it won't change.

It's people like us that look after fallen brothers and sisters. There are thousands out there that won't ask for help only because as you have said it is classed as a sign of weakness by a proud man, I have been to rock bottom and back in my time and when I did finally cave in and speak to my parents the answer was stop being weak and man up, it's only people who have been there that truly understand and there are some great organisations out there now but sadly they can only help the ones they know about."

Well said pp. Awareness works. The more aware the public is about an issue the more likely the government will react to public opinion. They have no choice. We (apparently) gave them the power, if they don't do right by the masses they're out. That's how democracy is supposed to work.

The mob rules, people!

Fuzz

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By *layfullsamMan
over a year ago

Solihull


"Morning. Just a little eye opener this morning. Yesterday whilst at work I was sent to check on the welfare of a guy who had threatened suicide over the phone. I arrived and was met by a guy in his late 30's, he was in a housing association bungalow which he had been given a month earlier, it was sparse, bare floor boards, no cooker, no furniture, he had a sofa and a wooden bed frame with no mattress, that was it.

I sat with this guy for a good while, he is an ex soldier with 2 tours of Iraq under his belt, then he was a Royal Navy diver and after that a diver on the rigs. All well and good until PTSD started to creep in and take its toll. He had seen his mates blown up, shot, he had to pick limbs and body parts up and had witnessed children being killed. Without waffling too much this guy finds himself destitute having given good service to his country. It's wrong, plain and simple.

I checked his kitchen, he had an onion in the fridge and that was it, the freezer was empty bar the ice. He hadn't eaten for 2 days and was sleeping on bare floor boards or in the woods. It upset me no end. I went to the local food bank and got him a few days worth of supplies, food, toiletries etc. When I took them back to him he cried and his mood lifted instantly.

Later on I contacted my sister, told her about him and his history, he had served in the regiment we had grown up with as kids, she set to work on Facebook, today I will have a van load of furniture to take to this guy, he has a choice of three new beds, bedding, pillows, a duvet, a cooker, washing machine which I will plumb in for him, various other bits and bobs and there has been no end of people offering to cook for him. The response brought a tear to my eye.

My point is, why are these servicemen being left in this position. He told me he has been living off £190 a month and the dwp keep fobbing him off hence his threat to commit suicide. I have put him in touch with a local veterans group who I know are really good. Surely there should be after are for these guys, I know things are improving and things like combat stress do good work but these people are proud, they see asking for help as a weakness and many don't get the help they need. I think annual visits by a welfare team of all ex servicemen would be ideal rather than waiting for them to be found by the likes of me, in many cases that is when they have taken their own life.

This guy will be ok now, he has been found but there are many like him who have not. "

Obviously I don't this guys situation and the reasons he is destitute but a good friend of mine was a navy diver and the worked on the rigs.

He was on @ £40k a year when he left the navy and in excess of £80k on the rigs.

Guess it's irrelevant but it makes you wonder what his story is and how he came to lose it all as it must have been a good life at some point

Good luck to him anyway and well done for helping

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Morning. Just a little eye opener this morning. Yesterday whilst at work I was sent to check on the welfare of a guy who had threatened suicide over the phone. I arrived and was met by a guy in his late 30's, he was in a housing association bungalow which he had been given a month earlier, it was sparse, bare floor boards, no cooker, no furniture, he had a sofa and a wooden bed frame with no mattress, that was it.

I sat with this guy for a good while, he is an ex soldier with 2 tours of Iraq under his belt, then he was a Royal Navy diver and after that a diver on the rigs. All well and good until PTSD started to creep in and take its toll. He had seen his mates blown up, shot, he had to pick limbs and body parts up and had witnessed children being killed. Without waffling too much this guy finds himself destitute having given good service to his country. It's wrong, plain and simple.

I checked his kitchen, he had an onion in the fridge and that was it, the freezer was empty bar the ice. He hadn't eaten for 2 days and was sleeping on bare floor boards or in the woods. It upset me no end. I went to the local food bank and got him a few days worth of supplies, food, toiletries etc. When I took them back to him he cried and his mood lifted instantly.

Later on I contacted my sister, told her about him and his history, he had served in the regiment we had grown up with as kids, she set to work on Facebook, today I will have a van load of furniture to take to this guy, he has a choice of three new beds, bedding, pillows, a duvet, a cooker, washing machine which I will plumb in for him, various other bits and bobs and there has been no end of people offering to cook for him. The response brought a tear to my eye.

My point is, why are these servicemen being left in this position. He told me he has been living off £190 a month and the dwp keep fobbing him off hence his threat to commit suicide. I have put him in touch with a local veterans group who I know are really good. Surely there should be after are for these guys, I know things are improving and things like combat stress do good work but these people are proud, they see asking for help as a weakness and many don't get the help they need. I think annual visits by a welfare team of all ex servicemen would be ideal rather than waiting for them to be found by the likes of me, in many cases that is when they have taken their own life.

This guy will be ok now, he has been found but there are many like him who have not.

Obviously I don't this guys situation and the reasons he is destitute but a good friend of mine was a navy diver and the worked on the rigs.

He was on @ £40k a year when he left the navy and in excess of £80k on the rigs.

Guess it's irrelevant but it makes you wonder what his story is and how he came to lose it all as it must have been a good life at some point

Good luck to him anyway and well done for helping"

Ptsd mate, simple as that really.

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