Support our veterans
Taunton and Wellington’s MP, Gideon Amos, is backing calls for better support for veterans after service.
He attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament, where the veterans’ charity Help for Heroes launched the People’s Promise and urged policymakers to put veterans at the heart of the UK’s defence strategy amid growing global instability.
Help for Heroes believes that supporting veterans is a fundamental part of national resilience and defence preparedness.
At the reception, the charity unveiled a four-point plan to tackle “the broken and unfair systems that continue to let some veterans down after service”.
The reception formed part of Help for Heroes' activity to mark Armed Forces Week and brought together MPs, veterans and supporters from across the UK.
Gideon said: “Coming from a military family and having served recently as an instructor with the Army Cadet Force, I’m proud to support our Armed Forces and to stand with Help for Heroes in backing their promise to veterans.
“It was good to hear from the charity and some of its ambassadors.
“I’ve added my support to the People’s Promise to veterans and will be talking to colleagues about what we can do to bring about lasting change.
“I am also working with veterans locally to back NHS outreach workers who support the veteran community here in Somerset.
“It’s vital that the current NHS reorganisation ends up with nothing less than this service being sustained and maintained at its current level.”
Help for Heroes said veterans, particularly those who have injuries or illnesses caused by service, face an inconsistent system with several barriers to support that are unjust.
“The medical discharge process for veterans must improve access to healthcare.
“The UK has made a promise to veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant that no one should be disadvantaged because of their service.
“While the commitment exists, delivery in practice remains inconsistent. Too many veterans are financially disadvantaged because of their service, or do not see their pain or the severity of their conditions appropriately recognised.
“The People’s Promise to veterans calls on the government, public services, employers and wider society to show their support for the men and women who protect us by ensuring support is consistent, no matter who you are or where you live.”
Rob Marston is the Services Director for the charity and served himself for 10 years.
He said: “As the world becomes more unstable, we are asking more and more of our Armed Forces.
“But we cannot continue to do that while failing to provide the same sense of security to those who leave service.
“Most veterans go on to build fulfilling lives after service, but too many are still being let down by inconsistent systems, delays in care, financial insecurity and barriers to support.
“The People’s Promise is about turning good intentions into action. These reforms are realistic, achievable, and urgently needed. Veterans should not be disadvantaged because of their service.”
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service.
The charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs.
It has already supported tens of thousands - and says it won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
The charity supports veterans and their families from any branch of the UK military, regulars and reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.
- To add your voice to the People’s Promise go to https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/take-action/campaigning-for-change/peoples-promise-to-veterans/
- To get support visit helpforheroes.org.uk or call 0300 303 9888
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