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Walking With The Wounded ‘WWTW’ is a leading military charity which recognises that those who served, deserve. Whether mentally, socially or physically wounded, veterans deserve the care, support and means they and their families need to function in society, serving in the communities in which they live, reigniting their sense of purpose and making a positive contribution again. 

Walking With The Wounded gets those who have served – and their families - back on their feet. The charity supports veterans in four key areas: employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering. Walking With The Wounded’s critical work saves jobs, homes, relationships and lives for veterans who are struggling since leaving the military. Walking With The Wounded Employment Advisors help build confidence, organise work placements, source funding for any required training and ultimately assist in securing sustainable employment. 

The charity also operates innovative partnerships with the NHS, supporting mental health teams across the UK as well as offering its own mental health capabilities, enabling 1:1 therapy within days of referral. Walking With The Wounded additionally runs Project Nova in collaboration with RFEA to intercept veterans in police custody and reduce reoffending and has developed an award-winning volunteering initiative OP REGEN, which provides veterans with an effective means of meeting new people, reducing social isolation and discovering activities that increase well-being and may lead to employment opportunities. 

The charity’s work is delivering significant, positive, social impacts for veterans and their families across the UK.

Ben Fogle appeals on behalf of Walking With The Wounded: "I’m honoured to be supporting this appeal. As a former Reservist in the Royal Navy, I have witnessed first-hand the unique skillset of those who have served. Too many veterans struggle transitioning from a life in the Armed Forces. But Walking With The Wounded’s critical work saves jobs, homes, relationships, and lives."

"The charity supports veterans through crucial employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering programmes."

"By offering your support, you can help ensure that WWTW are there for more veterans and their families when they need it most."

Jeff served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years. He trained to become a dog handler and achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his time in the Armed Forces, he served in Northern Ireland during the height of the ‘Troubles’ and he was also deployed to the Falklands War where a friend and colleague was fatally injured. This experience had a profound and traumatic effect on him. He eventually decided to leave his career in the Armed Forces. 

When he returned to civilian life, he began to suffer from PTSD, and his symptoms brought his home life close to breaking point. Whilst he was able to focus on his work as an Ambulance Technician, at home and socially, he struggled for many years until he became desperate.
Finally, he was introduced to WWTW and referred to NHS TILS for treatment that enabled him to manage his symptoms and re-engage with his family and friends.

Neil’s career in the military spanned nearly 20 years – on active duty in the Royal Logistics Corp (RAOC); as a reservist with the Royal Engineers; and most recently, as a Cadet Instructor. During his Armed Forces career, he was deployed to Bosnia, where Neil’s mental health suffered, and he required medication, counselling, and specialist treatment to recover. 

He eventually left the Armed Forces but he struggled to adjust to civilian life. Neil began to experience flashbacks and sought mental health support. He received help from NHS TILS and military charities who worked in collaboration to offer Neil ongoing support.  Neil found work as an HGV driver but found that the long shifts and pressurised work aggravated his PTSD.

WWTW helped him achieve a complete career change, assisting him with updating his CV, completing the paperwork and preparing for the interview. He is now employed as an Exam Invigilator and a Cover Supervisor at his local school and has found a newfound sense of purpose and brighter outlook on life.

Adam served in the Royal Logistics Corp (RLC) for 9 years as a Chef. He was deployed to Afghanistan and took part in exercises around the world. He was medically discharged after he suffered a catastrophic brain injury following a motorcycle accident. Adam was in intensive care for an extended period and suffered life-changing injuries that affected his mobility, brain function and mental health. 

Adam was initially introduced to WWTW through OP-REGEN, their volunteering programme and took part in several volunteering initiatives. In 2020, Adam began to experience low moods and shared his mental health struggles with WWTW. He was referred to veteran-specific mental health services and received support from a WWTW Care Coordinator who helped him with some of the issues that were troubling him. Adam continues to volunteer through OP-REGEN and enjoys a new sense of purpose and belonging.