Once, We Were Soldiers

Quote from Andy Spiers - Founder/Chairman of Once, We Were Soldiers

'You may not know that at least 10% of Britain's homeless is made up of ex-forces. These ex-forces personnel put their lives on the line not only for the people of our country but also for the people of those countries where they were fighting on the frontline. Only to be left with nothing when leaving their forces career!

To me that doesn't seem right......Don't they deserve better?

I personally was 1 of that 10% upon leaving the Army, myself, my ex-wife and our small baby had to live in cramped conditions at my in-laws for around 2 months. Luckily I did get support after leaving the Army in 2001 with severe mental health problems, but it wasn't easy! I had to fight to get what I have today and still I believe it's very little.

Homeless veterans are not so lucky, they have no fight left in them! Many have turned to drugs and alcohol to help them forget the killing and the friends they have lost. Many have mental health issues and most have no family to help them.

We believe our government have turned their back on these veterans and we need to give them the help they rightfully deserve'