Ordinary People. Extraordinary Efforts. Spring 2017

WE’RE READYOffering support for those struggling

with their mental health

THIS ISSUE: P12 Your messages of support | P28 Dates for your diary

Help for Heroes is a charity registered in England and Wales (1120920) and Scotland (SC044984), and a limited company registered in England (6363256).

Dear supporter,

“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

If one thing has struck me in my first few months at Help for Heroes, it has been the impact that so many people together can have. This Helen Keller quote really sums that up for me.

One of the most important things I’ve done since joining last November is spending time meeting as many of our supporters and beneficiaries as possible. It has been fascinating listening to what motivates you to support Help for Heroes. Getting out and about has really helped me understand why you support the Charity so passionately! This issue is packed with those stories.

You’ll hear from Matt Cope on page 8, where he explains the direct impact that your support has had on his life. It’s an incredibly powerful story, as are those from many more of our beneficiaries featured in this issue who we have been able to help thanks to you.

I am seeing a drive nationally to offer better mental health support for Armed Forces members past and present. On page 16 you can learn how we are providing this support, helping beneficiaries such as Daniel Grobler who appears on our cover.

I hope you find these stories as inspirational as they are for me. Make sure you turn to page 28 for more exciting ideas on how to keep doing your bit.

Thank you for continuing to make a difference to so many lives.

Best wishes,

Melanie WatersCEO, Help for Heroes

If you would like to unsubscribe or change how you hear from us in the future, please write to us at the address opposite, email contact@helpforheroes.org.uk or phone our Supporter Relationships Team on 01980 846459.

2 helpforheroes.org.uk

Welcome to Heroes

Latest news 4Hear about the great ways our supporters and beneficiaries have been raising awareness

Finding a new direction 8Matt Cope reflects on how the support he received has been instrumental in his recovery

Message received, 12 loud and clear Read about recent messages from the public that have been flooding in for our Heroes

Stronger together 14Improving the network of support available

Let’s talk about 16 mental health Find out what we’re doing to help those living with the hidden wounds of service

Meet Mel 20Our new CEO speaks about her first few months in the role

Step inside 22 Phoenix House Learn about the recovery services we offer in the North

Hitting the high streets 26Debenhams introduces an exclusive range of Help for Heroes T-shirts

Our promise to you 27Looking after your generous donations is a job we take very seriously

Dates for the diary 28Look at what’s coming up to find out how many ways you can show your support

The Last Post 31 Cameron Frater posts a letter to the past, with positive encouragement for dealing with the ‘dark side’

14

4 28

We want to hear from you!Write to us with your stories of showing support for our Heroes. Share them on our social media pages, or post them to: Help for Heroes, 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3RB

/HelpforHeroesOfficial @HelpforHeroes @HelpforHeroes HelpforHeroesTV

helpforheroes.org.uk 3

Contents

£56,000 and countingAn event in Ware, Hertfordshire, has passed its latest fundraising milestone. First set up in 2011 by Karin Golbourn, the mother of wounded former Royal Engineer Billy, her ‘Ladies Charity Event’ sees guests enjoy live entertainment, dinner and a raffle with some fabulous prizes. With all proceeds going to Help for Heroes, the total has now exceeded £56,000.

The eighth Ladies Charity Event takes place later this year and Karin (pictured above, centre) says she can’t wait: “Help for Heroes came and gave Billy a grant to help start up a cleaning business. The amount of support shown sums up the amazing people in this country. It’s a joy to put on this event and help our lads.”

Thank you Karin and good luck this year!

A birthday doubly worth celebrating 2017 has already proven to be a memorable year for Stan Wall. Not only was it his 90th birthday in January, his fundraising for Help for Heroes has seen him raise more than £26,000.

Evergreen Stan’s challenges have included the Thurrock Cycle Marathon and he says he’s up for more this year. Congratulations Stan, you’re an inspiration!

Running for David

Former Army Officer Fiona Chalmers is running the Stirling Scottish Marathon in memory of her former colleague and friend. David, who tragically died during the London Marathon last year, was running in support of Help for Heroes.

His family has continued to raise money for us, creating the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. To date we have awarded more than £150,000 of individual grants from the money raised in David’s memory.

Speaking ahead of the marathon in May, Fiona said: “I want to keep David’s memory alive and raise money for a cause close to my heart.”

If you’d like to learn more about Fiona and show support for her challenge, head to justgiving.com/fundraising/Faitch1751

4 helpforheroes.org.uk

Showing your supportOur fantastic fundraisers continue to bowl us over with the efforts they go to in order to show support. We’ve rounded up a selection of their stories, plus taken a look at what some of our beneficiaries have been up to

Trekking champions A team of 30 Help for Heroes fundraisers and beneficiaries have completed a five-day trek of a lifetime through the Burmese jungle, raising more than £80,000. They braved hilly climbs and dense bamboo-covered routes as their journey took them through the Shan Hills, past stunning rural villages and on to Inle Lake.

Trekker Nick Reader said: “I most enjoyed hearing the ex-services guys’ inspiring stories and how they have been supported by Help for Heroes. Finding out how the money raised is used made the trek even more worthwhile. I will be doing more fundraising without a doubt!”

To sign up for your unforgettable challenge with Help for Heroes, click here

5helpforheroes.org.uk

Latest news

Bodgers help Veterans branch out Somerset green woodworkers Polelathe Turners & Greenwood Workers, known as Bodgers, are sharing their expertise with wounded Veterans.

The Bodgers turn discarded timber into bespoke furniture and décor, donating a percentage of profits to Help for Heroes. Dick Berry, the woodworking manager, and colleague Mel, the woodworking technician, are now also using their skills to introduce Veterans to woodworking as part of their recovery.

“It calms you, gets you focused, and improves self-esteem and confidence, as well as gaining physical skills,” said Mel.

Rising to the challengeFundraiser Megan Carter will be taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks in August this year in memory of her father. David Carter suffered a spinal injury while serving in the Army, leading to him developing osteoporosis.

Sadly Megan’s father passed away last December. She hopes that Help for Heroes can support others like him to enjoy life again.

“I chose this challenge because it was something my dad loved to do. I thought it would be nice to support a charity he gave to and that helps people like him.”

To find out more about Megan’s challenge and give your support, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Megan-Carter-2

Going the extra mileTen-year-old Ethan Metcalfe took on his toughest challenge yet for Help for Heroes; his very own triathlon!

Having fundraised for the Charity since he was just seven years old, Ethan recruited Band of Brothers member Lee Patmore as his training buddy and hopes to raise even more money for our Heroes.

“My great grandpa was in WW2. He came through it ok, but some aren’t so lucky. I think they should get lots of help so they can live their normal lives again,” said Ethan.

Head to justgiving.com/fundraising/Eths-Triathlon2017 to support Ethan’s challenge.

6 helpforheroes.org.uk

Imag

e: H

eral

dIt all adds upOur corporate partners continue to show their commitment to the cause with incredible support. This issue, we’d like to say a big thank you to all staff and customers of Border Force, GE and Moto.

If you are interested in partnering with Help for Heroes or choosing us as your Charity of the Year, search for ‘corporate partners’ at helpforheroes.org.uk

A new start Former Rifleman Corbin Mackin has credited Help for Heroes with playing a major role in him fronting a new leisure business.

Corbin came to the Charity for support when he was struggling to cope after losing his older brother, Royal Marine Travis, in an explosion in Afghanistan.

After turning a corner in his recovery, Corbin competed on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK. This led to him being asked by property developer Burrington Estates to be Park Manager at Adrenalin, an urban activity centre.

Corbin now says he wants to give back to Help for Heroes in any way he can.“If it wasn’t for Help for Heroes I wouldn’t be here. With Adrenalin up

and running, I have so many fundraising ideas and I’d love to provide opportunities for those who use the Plymouth Recovery Centre to get involved in what we offer at the park.”

Border Force smashed an original target of £50,000 and is well on its way to passing £150,000

GE has helped fund the Wellbeing Suite at Phoenix House Recovery Centre by raising almost £350,000

Since partnering with Help for Heroes in 2012, Moto in the Community Trust, the charitable arm of Moto Hospitality Ltd, has raised £1.5 million

Click below to read more great stories of how you’re showing support, and the Heroes you’re inspired by:

helpforheroes.org.uk

HelpforHeroesOfficial

@HelpforHeroes

helpforheroes.org.uk 7

Latest news

8 helpforheroes.org.uk

From Navy to nature

For Help for Heroes beneficiaries, every recovery journey is different. That’s why we offer holistic, tailored support so we can provide them with the help they need.

Meet Matt Cope. He has accessed a variety of our services to help rebuild his life, leading to a new career as a tree surgeon »

helpforheroes.org.uk 9

Recovery

“I left the military an empty shell, feeling like I wasn’t going to be able to move forward. Then Help for Heroes got me through the most difficult time of my life. Without people’s support, the grant funding and the training, I wouldn’t be here.”

Imag

e: P

hilip

Row

land

, H4H

ben

efic

iary

Did you know…?• We were awarded centre approval for City & Guilds and ILM accreditation in March 2014,

and now have a portfolio of 19 accredited courses.

• The last 12 months have seen a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries being supported by career advisors, with approximately 400 new individuals supported in the last six months alone.

Matt joined the Royal Navy in 2009 as an

Aircraft Engineer after spending his early twenties with the Territorial Army.

Playing sport for his unit, an accident resulted in nerve damage to his left leg and his hip needing to be resurfaced. He spent the best part of two years in and out of DMRC Headley Court, and had countless operations.

“I was at a point where I couldn’t walk without walking sticks and was in continuous pain,” said Matt. “All of a sudden I thought ‘Oh God, I’m going to lose my job and I’m going to be unemployable’.”

Entering a downward spiral Matt was still serving with the Royal Navy when he began to suffer panic attacks and, after contracting E. coli during a hospital stay, he developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The gradual decline in his mental health saw him in and out of psychiatric care.

“I started panicking about the work I was doing, worrying that I’d make a mistake. I couldn’t shake off the fear or sleep properly.”

Things got so bad that Matt was having daily panic attacks. On 4 July 2015 he was medically discharged from the Royal Navy.

“After being discharged I was declared unfit to work. I was on a lot of medication and in a deep pit of despair, feeling suicidal. I didn’t have a home and ended up moving in with my mother-in-law. I was incapable of looking after my children and found myself in big trouble.

10 helpforheroes.org.uk

Building a future

Our Pathfinder Experience provides wounded Service Personnel and Veterans with the tools and support to identify a future after leaving the Armed Forces, and help those who have been discharged for many years find stability and direction.

To find out more about our career support, click here

“Help for Heroes and its Band of Brothers fellowship were instrumental in my recovery. They said to me, ‘the day that you leave the Navy, we’ll be there to help.’ And they were.”

Accessing supportWhen Matt was discharged he enrolled on the Help for Heroes Pathfinder Experience, which helped give him direction. He found it not only fundamental to his recovery, but also to his survival and family life.

“Pathfinder is a different approach; it’s more holistic. Of course you need to get a job, you need to support your family and you need somewhere to live. But the point of Pathfinder is ‘yes you need all of that stuff and we’ll help with that’, but also ‘what do you want to do with your life?’ It helped me identify that.

“When I started Pathfinder I thought to myself, ‘I want to get a job where I can sit down and not move about, because I’m disabled and I can’t really do anything’. But then

I started working on the Iron Age Roundhouse project and found that actually I can do things. I’d much rather be outside in the open, working as physically as I can.”

Finding a new directionTaking inspiration from the Roundhouse project, a replica Iron Age structure in the grounds of our Tedworth House Recovery Centre being built by Help for Heroes beneficiaries, Matt decided to become a tree surgeon. At the Recovery Centre, he met with arborists and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust,

before enrolling on a chainsaw course. He then went on our Business Experience course and started writing a business plan for his new career.

“I gave my proposal and business plan to the Help for Heroes Grants Team. It was great to receive funding for training and equipment – it felt like all the hard work I had put in was acknowledged.”

Be inspired by people like Matt. For more stories, click here

Through being part of the Roundhouse project, Matt realised how much he enjoys working outdoors

helpforheroes.org.uk 11

Recovery

In December, we shared a very moving letter from Jessica Cheesman, a founding member of the Band of Sisters whose son, Stephen Vause, was critically injured in Iraq in 2007.

Jessica wrote her letter to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’, not only for your fundraising and donations, but specifically for the personal messages of support she received from the public; strangers, who had taken the time to give her words of kindness and encouragement. They meant so much to her and her family and gave them strength through very difficult times.

Knowing you’re thereTen years on and Jessica is emphatic that these messages are still needed today. “Some people think that now the war is over, the dark days are over, but life isn’t like that. We all have good days and bad days – and some families are experiencing their darkest

days today, years later. For them, reading your messages and knowing you’re there, will mean the world.”

Thanks to your support we have been here for thousands of families, like Jessica’s, for nearly 10 years. But the need

continues to rise as more people come forward for support each day. Your astonishing response to Jessica’s letter proves that you’re still here for them and that, together, we will support them, for life.

This picture of Jessica (far right) with Stephen was shared as a postcard for messages to be sent in

12 helpforheroes.org.uk

Sending a clear message

We asked you to send in your messages of support to our wounded and their families, and the response was extraordinary

those to read the messages displayed at our Plymouth Recovery Centre. “It’s just a really nice gesture,” said Leah. “It’s good to know there are people who do care about dad and all the other guys here. It makes me feel a lot better.”

“Behind this great charity are even greater people who give up their time to support us in any way they can,” added Ralph Speare, another beneficiary touched by the volume of messages.

Several messages were addressed directly to Jessica and Stephen, who set aside an afternoon to sit and go through them all: “It was really overwhelming to see how much support is still there; we read so many kind words,” said Jessica.

“Stephen has come so far, further than any of us could have imagined, yet it can be hard to manage our expectations. His progress makes us hopeful, but we also have to be realistic. As a family we just continue to get on with what life has thrown at us; your support continues to make a difference to all of us. Thank you so much.”

Messages on displayHundreds and hundreds of messages, letters and poems flooded in by post and online. All of these messages have been displayed across our four Recovery Centres, and will be printed in books for beneficiaries and their families to read when they visit. They mean so much to our Heroes, their loved ones and our staff.

Leah Rochester (pictured below) and her father Bernard (left, top) are among

To read Jessica’s original letter and a selection of the incredible responses, click here

“Your support means the world to families like mine”Jessica Cheesman, H4H beneficiary

helpforheroes.org.uk 13

Support

We’re working with specialist charities and organisations to ensure those who come to us for help are able to access the support they need

A man’s best friendGrant funding from Help for Heroes, totalling £176,700, has allowed Canine Partners to successfully pair up wounded Service Personnel and Veterans with specially trained dogs, providing companionship and support.

Former RAF Pilot, Paddy Blair, was paired with his new best friend Melvin in 2015 thanks to this partnership.

Paddy flew Tornado F3 fighters in the RAF until he had a severe traumatic brain injury while serving.

This left him with uncontrolled epilepsy, as well as poor balance and coordination. Before Melvin, Paddy would have just a few seconds warning before a seizure. Now the Labrador alerts him beforehand through vigorous licking, allowing Paddy to get to safety and take emergency medication.

In Paddy’s words: “Life is so much better now – it is easier, less stressful and a whole lot more fun. We haven’t just bonded, we are welded together.”

We’re proud to work with nearly 60 specialist partners, including Haig Housing Trust, Mission Motorsport and The Prince’s Trust, to ensure comprehensive support is available to wounded Service Personnel, Veterans and their loved ones.

To enable this, we’ve grant funded more than £36 million to external organisations and charities in a number of areas. These include

families, employment, mental health, physical health, welfare, housing and sport.

Head of Grants, Claire Barnes, explained: “We are passionate about working together with other organisations to complement our service delivery and maximise timely and impactful grant giving to ensure the wounded, injured and sick get the very best support.”

Your donations have enabled us to grant fund more than £36 million to help other organisations and charities provide support

14 helpforheroes.org.uk

Working in partnership

To find out more about specialist charities and organisations we’re working with, click here

Imag

e: S

tone

hous

e Ph

otog

raph

ic

Thanks to you, we were able to award Combat Stress a £1 million grant last year

A new perspective Combat Stress was awarded a £1 million grant by Help for Heroes in 2016 to fund part of the cost of operating their UK-wide network of Community Teams.

For Royal Navy Veteran Mark, community occupational therapy has provided him with a whole new outlook on life after

being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and being made redundant.

Through Combat Stress, he was offered the chance to take part in a series of community-based occupational therapy workshops. There, he and other Veterans learned about

coping strategies to develop emotional, physical and social resilience.

He said: “My perspective on life is now totally different.

“I’ve been to the treatment centre and addressed my past issues. These workshops have allowed me to look to my future.”

helpforheroes.org.uk 15

Support network

16 helpforheroes.org.uk

We have now helped more than 1,000 Veterans and Armed Forces family members with their mental health since we set up our Hidden Wounds service in September 2014.

This is a tribute to their bravery in taking that first step. Fortunately, more and more people in need of help are coming forward. We know this isn’t easy, especially with the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

It feels like there is a real determination in 2017 to finally address the inequality

As well as delivering high-quality mental health support, our aim is to empower those in need to reach out for help as and when they need it

between physical and psychological health. Along with our partners, Help for Heroes is determined to make sure members of the military community are aware of the mental health support available to them – and know how to access it.

Raising awareness As part of this, we started 2017 with a campaign featuring one of our beneficiaries, Daniel Grobler, who appears on this issue’s front cover. This campaign aimed to encourage those struggling with their mental

health to feel empowered to reach out for support. As the face of the campaign, Daniel spoke about his struggles with his mental health and how support from Help for Heroes is enabling him to get his life back.

The response to this campaign from our partners, ambassadors, volunteers, staff, supporters and those wishing to access support has been amazing. »

To find all of the videos of Daniel

and campaign content on our official Help for Heroes Facebook page, click here

helpforheroes.org.uk 17

Psychological support

Mental health matters

Prince Harry met beneficiaries including John Geden, who started his own beekeeping company thanks to the support he received

On 23 January, we were privileged to welcome

HRH Prince Harry to our Tedworth House Recovery Centre, as part of his quest to understand and improve military mental health support. Prince Harry learned about Help for Heroes Psychological Wellbeing, saw how outdoor activities such as woodworking and gardening can improve mental wellbeing, and met with beneficiaries who have received our help.

Heads TogetherThis visit was linked to the Heads Together campaign, led by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which has also gained momentum this year.

They are encouraging the public to have millions of conversations to help tackle the stigma of mental health and are releasing videos modelling these conversations, which can be found on the Heads Together social media pages.

Through Contact, a collaboration of organisations focusing on military mental health, we’re proud to be one of the eight charity partners of the Heads Together campaign. Contact brings together the MOD, the NHS, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and military charities including Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, Walking With The Wounded and Big White Wall.

Imag

es: C

hris

Jack

son,

Get

ty Im

ages

(bel

ow) a

nd W

PA P

ool,

Get

ty Im

ages

(lef

t)

18 helpforheroes.org.uk

As a united group, we are working together to improve access to, and pathways within, mental health support.

In this way, we can focus on putting the beneficiary at the centre of all of the amazing support available and ensure they know what is available and how to access it.

Too often, finding out this information can be the hardest step of all.

Driving momentum We are delighted that our focus on mental health helped more than 180 Veterans and family members feel empowered to reach out

Do you know someone who is struggling?Our Hidden Wounds team is here to help

0808 2020 144 (free from UK landlines), 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

hidden.wounds@helpforheroes.org.uk

To find out more about Hidden Wounds, click here

“Help for Heroes saved my life”Paul joined the Army straight from school and spent 13 years with the Royal Anglian Regiment. His tours of duty included the first Gulf War and two stints in Northern Ireland.

However, after returning to civilian life, Paul struggled. He had difficulty forming and maintaining relationships and missed the camaraderie of the Army. His mental health started to suffer and he attempted suicide.

Lacking trust“I thought my behaviour was normal; that I was right and no-one else was. The Army had been my dream job and my sense of loss on leaving was enormous. I couldn’t trust anyone and was emotionally alone.”

It wasn’t until he learned about Help for Heroes’ Hidden Wounds service that Paul felt able to get help.

to us for support and advice in January alone.

However, there is still a lot left to do. With your ongoing support we can help all those living with the hidden wounds of service, as and when they need it.

“Since being supported by Hidden Wounds, and through a referral from them to Veterans Outreach, I already feel that my relationship with other people is better.”

Seeing a difference“There is a long way to go, but being able to see a difference already is really encouraging. It is hard to recognise that you have a mental health problem, even harder to admit it, and harder still to ask for help but it is definitely worth the effort.

“I am not being over dramatic in saying that Help for Heroes has saved my life. Some of my friends from the military are no longer alive because they didn’t recognise that they needed help – and I could so very easily have been one of them.”

helpforheroes.org.uk 19

Psychological support

“If most people are honest, they have the greatest admiration for achievement... and many other charities don’t show their beneficiaries achieving.”

Frank, engaging and energetic, Mel contrasts strongly to most people’s image of a charity leader. When she talks, her phrases give a sense of motion: “Is there more we can do to help this group of beneficiaries?”; “In 10 years’ time, what do we want to have changed?” It’s this

constant desire to improve that attracted her to the role of leading Help for Heroes.

“What interested me in Help for Heroes wasn’t just what it had achieved as an organisation, but what it enabled its beneficiaries to achieve.

“In my last role I led a smaller military charity, The Poppy Factory, which partners with Help for Heroes so I’ve worked closely with the team. We need to show how we help other charities

Having started as the new leader of Help for Heroes in November, we talk to Mel Waters about her experiences getting to know the organisation and her thoughts for the future

20 helpforheroes.org.uk

Meet Mel

– particularly the smaller military charities that we fund – so they can continue their fantastic specialist work.”

Changing needsAsk Mel about the future and she’s clear there is a big task ahead. “The needs of those we support are changing. There is an enduring need, which means we need to provide long-term support.

“It’s important that we act just as quickly as we did when the Charity launched to make sure we can adapt for our beneficiaries.”

Mel spent her first two months at Help for Heroes on the road getting to know supporters and beneficiaries.

“I really wanted to know what the Help for Heroes experience is like, so decided to immerse myself in it.

“I gained an encyclopaedic knowledge of motorway service stations – clearly Moto ones are my favourite as they are a charity partner!

“It was important I had a warts-and-all experience; to ask what can we do to improve our fundraisers’ experience and to find out what challenges they face.

“What interested me in Help for Heroes wasn’t just what it had achieved as an organisation, but what it enabled its beneficiaries to achieve.”

Mel’s also been meeting our corporate partners, including Border Force who took a tour of Tedworth House

“I love going out fundraising. I asked one group I met to send me the dates of their collection weekend so I could help and I need to get in touch with them – I’m ready when they are!

“Our supporters are amazing and feel a huge amount of ownership towards Help for Heroes. I think that’s because we shout so loudly about our beneficiaries’ achievements. It’s thanks to our fundraisers that these achievements happen.”

helpforheroes.org.uk 21

Our people

Learn about the services we’re able to offer for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women in the North as a result of your ongoing support

As one of four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres, Phoenix House is the home of our recovery services in the North. This not only includes the north of England but also Scotland, Northern Ireland and north Wales.

Located in Catterick Garrison on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the Centre’s specially designed facilities and

recovery activities help give our wounded the guidance and support they need for their recovery and learn how to live a fulfilling life after suffering an injury or illness.

David McNeill, Head of Recovery North, explained: “Our aim is to deliver a holistic approach to recovery and therefore the activities we facilitate are designed to benefit the mind, body and spirit of each participant.”

The next step in recoverySince opening in September 2013, Phoenix House has had more than 58,000 visits from wounded Service Personnel, Veterans and their loved ones.

Facilities include classrooms, an IT suite, art room, wood workshop, training kitchens, gym and a health and wellbeing suite. These offer beneficiaries the chance to access a variety of activities to help them build a new future.

Specially trained staff oversee everything from painting and cookery to yoga and archery.

For those taking part in these, whether it’s something they never thought of trying or didn’t think they could do again due to injury or illness, Phoenix House’s recovery activities help them develop new skills and undiscovered talents.

22 helpforheroes.org.uk

Step inside Phoenix House

“I got stuck in at the art room, which just changed me completely. I find it really relaxing and it takes my mind off everything else.”Ken Nash, H4H beneficiary

reach out into their own community and engage with local activity groups at whatever level is right for them. Seeing them come through the Centre and accelerate their recovery by using the equipment and facilities on offer is proof that donated money has been well spent,” said Rob Hood, Physical Development Manager. »

Learning and developingFor some, just taking part and being around fellow Service Personnel past and present is enough. Others are inspired to explore career opportunities related to a particular activity.

Whatever the reason, our Recovery Programme – present in every Help for Heroes Recovery Centre – is there to support our wounded in rebuilding their lives and achieving their long-term goals and aspirations.

“One of the aims of Phoenix House is empowering individuals to have the confidence to eventually

Phoenix House has had more than 58,000 visits by beneficiaries since opening in 2013 Ken Nash is one of many beneficiaries

using art to help him in his recovery

helpforheroes.org.uk 23

Recovery

An integral part of Phoenix House is the

Support Hub, which brings together a dedicated team to work with those who visit the Centre to offer them guidance on finances, employment, health and more. The Hub also provides access to our charity partners to ensure beneficiaries can get the support that’s right for them.

For many, reaching out for help can often be the hardest part. Taking this on board, Phoenix House has its Veterans Welcome programme. This gives those considering getting support the chance to visit the Centre, and meet staff and beneficiaries to get a better understanding of what support is available to them and how it can help them.

See the differenceWould you like to find out more about our Recovery Centres? Become a Friend of Help for Heroes to enjoy unique events at the Centres, including the chance to explore the facilities, meet staff and see the difference your donations make.To become a Friend, call 01725 514163 or click here

Yoga can play a big role in improving wellbeing, increasing flexibility and building muscle strength

Woodwork can help beneficiaries find a hobby or work towards a new career

24 helpforheroes.org.uk

Know someone looking to start their recovery journey?We’re here to help Service Personnel, Veterans and their loved ones needing support

Click here for our ‘get support’ form, or click on the Recovery Centre you’d like to find out more about below

getsupport@helpforheroes.org.uk

Call the nearest Recovery Centre

North: Phoenix House, Catterick 01748 834348 South: Tedworth House, Tidworth 01980 844200 East: Chavasse VC House, Colchester 01206 814880 West: Plymouth Recovery Centre 01752 562179

Volunteer Chris Morgan spearheaded the fundraising appeal to build and equip the wood workshop at Phoenix House

Imag

e: M

ark

Daw

son,

H4H

ben

efic

iary

helpforheroes.org.uk 25

Recovery

“To have that unfaltering support enabled me to keep moving forward and stay focused. Phoenix House is an unbelievable place. It is truly first class.” Darren Smith, H4H beneficiary

Debenhams has launched four T-shirts to raise funds for Help for Heroes, designed with members of our Band of Brothers fellowship

One of these T-shirts could be yours for £20! Modelling the range from left: Dan, Mark, Jamie and Jules.

Find the range in selected Debenhams stores or click here

See how else you can wear your support. To visit our online shop, click here

For Mark ‘Lofty’ Taylor, who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the T-shirts are a great opportunity for people to wear their support: “To see somebody wearing one of these shows they’re not only supporting Help for Heroes, but also the spirit and ethos of the Armed Forces.”

All profits will be donated to Help for Heroes, adding to the incredible total of £1.3 million that Debenhams has already contributed to ensure we can continue to support our wounded, injured and sick.

For Jules Eaton, who was also diagnosed with PTSD and has limited mobility, this support is helping him rebuild his life: “It’s been fundamental in finding myself again,” he said.

“It was what I needed to get myself back out in the world,” agreed Jamie Hull, who suffered 60% third-degree burns after a flying accident.

Dan Richards, who lost his right arm and shoulder after a motorbike crash, said he was in awe of every Help for Heroes supporter: “They take time out of their busy lives to fundraise. I think they’re the real heroes.” Im

age:

Ada

m H

ollie

r Pho

togr

aphy

26 helpforheroes.org.uk

Wear your supportShop for Heroes

It’s vital that, as a charity, we are properly governed and employ the right staff. This means we can continue to deliver what we set out to do thanks to your generosity: providing lifelong support to our wounded, injured and sick

Taking responsibility“Looking after the money that people have worked so hard to raise is a huge responsibility,” said Alex Scott-Barrett, who chairs our Board of Trustees.

“The Charity is almost entirely dependent on people baking cakes, running marathons, supporting at work or leaving a legacy. Last year we received less than 0.1% of our income from government grants, so we simply couldn’t help people without you.”

As an organisation that supports peoples’ mental and physical health, their welfare and wellbeing needs, as well as helping them find the right future career, it’s

vital that we look after the money you have raised. This means we can support our beneficiaries day to day, as well as in the future.

“The Trustees are responsible for making sure the Charity is doing what it was set up to do. We set the strategy, approve the plans and provide independent rigour,” continued Alex. “We have varied backgrounds, including medicine, business, academia, law and the Armed Forces, which makes us good at asking difficult questions!”

Making your donations countHarriet Lyons, a coordinator in our Individual Giving team, described how her team

works: “We make sure that supporting Help for Heroes is easy and people get a really rewarding, enjoyable experience. We also ensure that, in a heavily overseen sector, we operate in line with fundraising regulations and charity laws.

“It can be complicated, but we want to make things simple: this means we are open and honest with our supporters. It’s great to work for a charity that is truly grateful for every penny and makes the most of every donation.”

By looking after your donations, we can do the very best for our Heroes every single day.

helpforheroes.org.uk 27

Our people

Delivering on our promise

Make a difference in 2017Every bit of support you give makes a difference to our Heroes, whether you can offer time, money, effort – or all three! So, whatever takes your fancy, take a look at what we’ve got coming up to make your 2017 an unforgettable year

We can’t do it without youAre you looking for something fun and rewarding?

From 1–7 June, National Volunteers Week is a perfect time for you to do your bit! Get involved in your local community, meet new people and know that you are changing people’s lives.

Whether you have an hour or a weekend to spare, we also have other exciting volunteering opportunities throughout the year:

• Give talks and presentations to local schools and businesses

• Collect and deliver collection tins in your local area

• Support our mobile events team across the country

• Or help out at the Tin Hut in Tidworth, Wiltshire – the home of Help for Heroes’ volunteering.

Contact the Volunteer Team on 01980 840220 or email volunteer@helpforheroes.org.uk

“It’s such a rewarding experience to be volunteering and making a difference.”Jill Tidman, volunteer

28 helpforheroes.org.uk

Get involved any way you can

TimeHowever much you can give, it’ll be time well spent!

Moto collections:14–20 April and 25–31 August. Grab a bucket and head to your nearest Moto service station to raise funds.

Bake for Heroes:15–30 April. From tea and cake at work to a village bake sale, sign up to this delicious campaign and receive a free fundraising pack.

If you’re busy this April, you can pick a date that suits you instead. Remember, every slice makes a difference.

Asda collections:1–2 July. Pop in to your local Asda store to help alongside fellow supporters on this national collection weekend.

For more fundraising opportunities, click here

MoneyDonating to us is one of the easiest ways to show your support, which is why we offer different ways to make a donation that’s right for you.

• Direct Debit• Payroll Giving• Text• Gifts in Wills

For more information and other options to donate, click here

EffortWant to raise money while pushing yourself and having fun? Take a look at what we’ve got coming up.

RunTough Mudder: events throughout the year, starting 29 April

CycleDawn Raid: 18 June (South), 9 July (North)

TrekYorkshire Three Peaks: 12 August

For more details on these and more of our challenges, click here

Imag

e: T

ough

Mud

der U

K

Get stuck in! Sign up for an event with our partner Tough Mudder and fundraise at the same time

helpforheroes.org.uk 29

Dates for the diary

We need your helpHelp for Heroes provides support – for life – for Service Personnel, Veterans and their families. The people we help are on a journey to recover from life-changing injuries or illnesses, and these journeys are long and complex. Our mission is to inspire, enable and support them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. Please use this form to help provide this support, call 01725 514130 or donate online at helpforheroes.org.uk

Title

First name

Surname

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Email

Please accept my donation of:

£5 £10 £25 £50

Other (please specify) £

I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to Help for Heroes

Please debit my Maestro/MasterCard/Visa Debit/Visa Credit

Card no.

Valid from (if applicable) /

Expiry date /

Issue no. (Maestro only)

Signature

Date / /

Make your donation worth more with Gift AidGIFT AID DECLARATIONIf you are a UK tax payer we could claim Gift Aid on your donation and receive an extra 25p for every £1 you give!

YES, please Gift Aid – I confirm I am a UK tax payer and I wish Help for Heroes to claim Gift Aid on this donation, donations for the past four years and all future donations. – I understand that if I pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax in the appropriate tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations, it is my responsibility to pay the difference. – This is my personal donation and I am NOT donating on behalf of a group, a collection, or on behalf of someone else.

NO, I am unable to Gift Aid this donation or I am not a UK tax payer.You can cancel your declaration at any time and you must inform us if your name, address or tax status changes. Please return to: Help for Heroes, 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3RB

Her

oes M

agaz

ine

Sprin

g 20

17By providing these details you consent to Help for Heroes Charity contacting you by email, post, phone or text, for fundraising, planning and administrative purposes. If you do not wish to receive this information, please tick here If you have any queries, please call us on 01980 846459 Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm

helpforheroes.org.uk

Looking back, ex-Royal Marine Commando Cameron Frater writes to himself at the time when his struggles with his mental health first became too much

Dear Cameron,

Welcome to the dark side (and I don’t mean of the moon).

It’s October 2012, almost two years to the day since you left the Marines.

Your first incidence of being on the ‘dark side’.

Sadly, having mental health issues means you’ll have to self-diagnose

your ability to live or, at your most extreme, just learn to survive from

one day to the next.

You must remember to organise your domestic life. Your youngest son

still needs you and in a couple of years you’ll feel able to take on a

foster child.

Your first port of call is NHS Options. The sessions are lengthy and they

might prove unsuccessful, but it will open a door to the Help for Heroes

Recovery Centre in Plymouth.

Your life will expand a lot through Help for Heroes. You’ll meet new people

and take part in new activities. You’ll introduce others at the Recovery

Centre to touch tennis, tai chi and, most importantly, will help to get more

men taking part in Cheezifit; a type of Zumba to 80s disco music.

Life will always have its ups and downs, but Help for Heroes will definitely

fill a gap in your life where social interaction is a necessity!

Yours,

Cameron

If you know someone struggling with their mental health, we’re here to help. To find out more about our Hidden Wounds service, click here

31helpforheroes.org.uk

The Last Post

“There are lots of things that you can do with Help for Heroes that you wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else. I’ve had nothing but kindness and consideration. To all Help for Heroes supporters, thank you for continuing to make such a difference to my life and thousands more.”Arthur Coggins, H4H beneficiary

helpforheroes.org.uk

Thank you