Norfolk RAF veteran appeals for volunteers

Veterans’ charity Help for Heroes is trying to bring more people on board as volunteers as it expands its reach in local communities.

Dave Rose, age 55, lives in Downham Market and served in the RAF for 31 years as an Aircraft Engineer before an injury cut short his career. Whilst undergoing rehabilitation for his physical injuries at Headley Court, he was offered support from Help For Heroes; the Charity also funded a swimming pool and rehabilitation suite at the Centre.

Dave said: “Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it. It’s really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served.

“As well as providing clinical, mental health and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the Charity works with groups to support veterans and their families to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities.

“These activities can be an important part of recovery and the Charity wants to expand this activity in the Norfolk area but to do this it’s going to need volunteers.”

Help for Heroes is currently supporting 51 veterans across Norfolk. The Charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer activities for veterans and their families such as wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, as well as activities such as photography and creative writing. It is also hoping to expand its regular drop-in café social sessions.

On average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability. Others face complex mental trauma. Many feel cut off from society, friends, even family.

Dave added: “I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does. There are more than 40,000 veterans living in the Norfolk area and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the Charity can do more for local people.

“We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events. Last year our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations.

“If you’d like to find out more about how you can volunteer, or have a passion for a sport, creative or social activity that you think you could share with veterans, then please get in touch.”

For more information about volunteering with Help for Heroes, go to https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/volunteer/