This Remembrance Sunday, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing organisations who are working hard behind the scenes to support UK veterans, including those who may have suffered limb loss and other life-changing injuries while in service.
Many of these charities were founded by - or inspired – by former service men and women. What they all share is a commitment to supporting veterans to live life to the full, whatever each individual’s personal challenges may be.
At Koalaa, we are proud to have formed relationships with a number of these organisations, including our good friends at the Douglas Bader Foundation. Working closely alongside the NHS, they are changing lives and making a difference, every single day.
We would also like to give a special shoutout to all the specialist clinics across the UK who are working hard in this space too.
Blesma
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight in the honourable service of our country.
The charity offers advice and support, as well as financial assistance to help with the additional costs of disability. It also organises a range of activities to help limbless veterans stay active.
Website: www.blesma.org
Douglas Bader Foundation
The Douglas Bader Foundation exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are born without or have lost one or more limbs, or are otherwise physically disabled.
The charity was founded in honour of Sir Douglas Bader in 1982 by family and friends – several of whom had flown side by side with him during World War 2. Douglas Bader, who was a double amputee, was honoured in 1976 with a Knighthood for his work on behalf of people with disabilities.
Website: www.douglasbaderfoundation.com
Walking With The Wounded
WWTW supports those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families; empowering them to regain their independence, thrive and contribute to the community. The charity focused on four key areas - employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering to save jobs, homes, relationships and lives for the veterans who are struggling since leaving the military.
The charity provides a range of support services and holds a number of challenge events throughout the year. WWTW has also worked in partnership with the NHS for many years.
Website: www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
REORG
REORG was created to provide a platform for serving personnel and veterans to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as part of their recovery pathway and to combat the challenge of poor mental health and physical disabilities. It was founded by former Royal Marine's C/Sgt Sam Sheriff to give drive and purpose to service personnel transitioning out of the military, who may be suffering the after-effects of physical and psychological trauma.
The charities Trustees include Mark Ormrod MBE, the UK’s first triple amputee to survive the Afghanistan conflict.
Website: www.reorgcharity.com
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes provides physical, psychological, financial and welfare support to wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, and their families. The charity was founded in 2007 and offers a range of support, including grants for wounded veterans, welfare services and a broad range of advice and information.
Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports the Armed Forces community. It is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; providing support wherever and whenever it’s needed.
For serving personnel, veterans and armed forces families, The Royal British Legion provides advice and support on wellbeing through its website and community branches. For additional advice and support, the Royal British Legion also has an online chat and helpline that is open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
In times of crisis
If you’re struggling, please remember you’re not alone.
The Samaritans are always just a phone call away. Dial 116 123. It’s free, anonymous and they're always open.