Veterans Stories

"I'm doing very well and very happy. I will always say this and will continue saying it, if it wasn’t for you and your help I honestly wouldn’t be here or in the gutter right now. So eternally grateful to you". 

"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 tear 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 for if I need help in any matter she always gets a positive result. Thank you Sher. You will never know what you have done for me. God Bless". 

"It has been very good being able to talk with you Sher. Thank you for plain talking, good guidance and helping me see there is a light at the end of the tunnel".

"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 it is required. The VCN hold the veterans breakfast every 3rd Saturday of the 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 todays 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". 

"Sher has pushed and pushed for me in getting all the help I can. Since meeting Sher she has made me more determined to turn my life round and be happier Thank you Sher I can't thank you enough and I appreciated everything  you have done for me". 

"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 has an understanding of the military covenant or its importance to the military community. It's my own personal opinion that having a veteran point of contact in every county to be very important as they have a better understanding of the complex application processes for housing 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 there local areas. I think having a veteran point of contact in your local area really important and would provide an essential life line to military families that struggle with the complex needs associated within the veteran community. Milton Keynes are the first council to direct me to there 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 there local veteran liaison officer is in there 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 there families who are left picking up the pieces. This would give the local authorities and military families a life line and mitigate red flags early and would save lives. I think homelessness and suicide within the veteran community a highlighted aspect where this isn't being met. I think local support for the military community a key factor associated within recruitment. Joining the military then becoming homeless mad, bad, sad a common opinion. Having a point of contact in your local community who can support you in key areas networked to services or professional who have experience in military affairs a life saver. Milton Keynes veterans liaison is a fantastic idea and I'm very grateful to have them supporting me". 

 "After hitting my all time lowest I have ever been in my entire life VCN has been the 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 but me in touch with Dr Gill from VCN, we spoke on a daily basis on the phone to start with and the help and support that has been given to me has really made me see myself worth and and that I am 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 start to think where I would be right now. I am only just starting off on my journey and I know its going to be a long one but VCN is there with me. Thank you Dr Gill I really cant thank you enough" 

"The help I've received from VCN has been invaluable, despite not being fully aware that I needed help. It was suggested that I may benefit from a chat with Dr Gill and I did and through regular contact she has prevented me from spiralling into a deep depression".