THE DIFFERENCE WE'VE MADE SO FAR

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"I am a 36-year-old veteran who served with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Afghanistan. 

For over a decade, I have battled severe mental and physical war-related trauma. Unable to 

access the correct level of support, I relied on destructive coping mechanisms for many years. 

Late last year, my life completely unravelled: I became unemployed, lost my driving license, and 

by early this year, I was completely homeless and actively suicidal due to an overwhelming 

sense of hopelessness. Dr Gill Le Page and her colleagues at the VCN stepped into my life when I was at absolute rock 

bottom and paved the way for my recovery in a way I could not have accomplished alone. 

Recognising that I was too traumatised to advocate for myself, they became a central, tireless 

liaison on my behalf. They collaborated directly with crucial mental and physical health 

services, including OP Courage and OP Nova, ensuring that my circumstances were not only 

accurately communicated but also taken seriously by the wider system. Most recently, I now 

have a roof over my head, and they have helped me successfully appeal a high-level sanction 

with the DWP and see that I am successfully referred by my GP to Op Restore for a service-related physical injury. What makes the VCN truly exceptional, and why they are so deserving of consideration for this 

grant, is the profound level of personal care they provide. They have been there for me daily, 

personally collected me to ensure I could attend vital housing, job centre, and medical 

appointments, guaranteeing I received the right treatment at the right time. Furthermore, they

provided consistent therapeutic mentoring during my darkest mental struggles, working to 

ensure I was safe. The VCN goes well beyond expectations and is truly dedicated and deeply passionate about 

ensuring that veterans receive the care, support, and respect they deserve for their sacrifices. A 

grant awarded to the VCN would be universally recognised by the veteran community as a highly 

deserved acknowledgement of an organisation that literally saves lives.

I will never be able to fully express my gratitude".

"I have both chronic physical and mental health conditions, and I am always interested in finding alternative, non-conventional forms of relief. Wilf was incredibly professional, explained the process well, and made me feel comfortable and reassured. I have had two sessions with Wilf now, and I have felt noticeable relief in pain and reduced anxiety after both sessions. I would highly recommend that our Veterans Community give this complementary therapy a try. Thanks, Wilf!"

 "I would like to take a moment to express my feelings about Sher George. Sher came into my life over a year ago when I was at a particularly low ebb. I had lost my wife the year before, and I was finding life difficult, to say the least. Her tenacity and strength of character pulled me out of the abyss that I was surely heading towards. She helped me understand what it means to live again.  I call her my rottweiler because, if I need help with any matter, she always gets a positive result. Thank you, Sher. You will never know what you have done for me. God Bless".  

 "Since working with Sher and the VCN, it has been nothing but support and care whenever it is needed. I know I have the knowledge, help, and resources needed whenever they are required. The VCN holds a veterans breakfast on the 3rd Saturday of each month, which is a fantastic opportunity for veterans old and new to engage and exchange stories and experiences, which I believe is very much needed in today's veteran community. If there is something they are unsure of or know of another external system that will be more appropriate, they will endeavour to fight your corner. I can’t thank the VCN and Sher for their continued support. It means a great deal to myself and many other veterans". 

 "After hitting my all-time lowest, I have ever been in my entire life, VCN has been the help I never thought I deserved. I have been suffering with my mental health for some time now, and after reaching out to the Royal British Legion, they put me in touch with Dr Gill from VCN. We spoke on the phone daily to start with, and the help and support I have received have really made me feel worth and not alone. Dr Gill continues to talk with me and follows up with texts to check in. Without the help and support from Dr Gill, I don't even want to think about where I would be right now. I am only just starting my journey, and I know it's going to be a long one, but VCN is with me. Thank you, Dr Gill, I really can't thank you enough"  

 "I have found working with VCN Milton Keynes very beneficial in housing, mental health and networking with organisations that provide support in my local area. Local councils nearly always have very little experience working with veterans and very seldom meet the needs of those returning from the military. In 5 years of approaching local councils for housing, I have not engaged with one that understands the military covenant or its importance to the military community. In my opinion, having a veteran point of contact in every county is very important, as they have a better understanding of the complex housing application processes with local authorities. They also have a better understanding of the needs of soldiers, sailors, and airmen returning from Wars and can give accurate advice on services provided in their local areas. I think having a veteran point of contact in your local area is really important and would provide an essential lifeline to military families who struggle with the complex needs of the veteran community. Milton Keynes is the first council to direct me to their veteran liaison, and it's the first time I have felt supported in 5 years. 

 "I have found working with VCN Milton Keynes very beneficial in housing, mental health and networking with organisations that provide support in my local area. Local councils nearly always have very little experience working with veterans and very seldom meet the needs of those returning from the military. In 5 years of approaching local councils for housing, I have not engaged with one that understands the military covenant or its importance to the military community. In my opinion, having a veteran point of contact in every county is very important, as they have a better understanding of the complex housing application processes with local authorities. They also have a better understanding of the needs of soldiers, sailors, and airmen returning from Wars and can give accurate advice on services provided in their local areas. I think having a veteran point of contact in your local area is really important and would provide an essential lifeline to military families who struggle with the complex needs of the veteran community. Milton Keynes is the first council to direct me to their veteran liaison, and it's the first time I have felt supported in 5 years. I think all service men and women should be told who their local veteran liaison officer is in their home county. This would also give the MOD and local Regiments a better understanding of the support needed in different areas, and in my opinion, it would save lives. Military Regiments recruit from different areas. Some military regiments have very difficult tours of duty. That support is then needed in that recruitment area. Supporting service men, one aspect, but also their families who are left picking up the pieces. This would give the local authorities and military families a lifeline, mitigate red flags early, and save lives. I think homelessness and suicide within the veteran community are highlighted aspects where this isn't being met. I think local support for the military community is a key factor associated with recruitment. Joining the military, then becoming homeless, mad, bad, and sad, is a common opinion. Having a point of contact in your local community who can support you in key areas, who is networked with services, or a professional with experience in military affairs is a lifesaver. Milton Keynes veterans liaison is a fantastic idea and I'm very grateful to have them supporting me".teful to have them supporting me".