From Angelina Jolie to David Cameron, the great and the good have stepped forward to support  the Independent/Evening Standard’s campaign for Homeless Veterans.In the run-up to Christmas it puts the spotlight on two charities; Veteran Aid and ABF The Soldiers Charity. London commuters on auto-pilot pick up their copy of the ES and, night after night, read about the hands-on work of the former and the grant-giving impact of the latter.

It isn’t the first ‘help our heroes’ campaign – but it is perhaps the most honest. This appeal looks at veterans in the round – not all soldiers, not all male, not all ‘heroes’; just people like us,  who have got into trouble.

Maybe this approach will encourage members of the 4.6 million-strong ex-service community who didn’t think they were ‘worth it’ to ask for help at the first sign of meltdown?

Prevention is not only better than cure – it’s cheaper.

Veterans Aid doesn’t judge and its staff are never shocked. The charity really is the ‘A&E’ of the  ex-Service world.

I worked with and  alongside Britain’s Armed Forces in Bosnia, The Gulf, Kosovo, The Falklands, Afghanistan (and many other lively places) for many years. As an attached civilian or embedded journalist I shared many  experiences with soldiers, sailors and airmen. If I was in trouble now, and  able to access the help of organisations like Veterans Aid, I would count myself blessed.

This organisation is modern – post-modern! – pragmatic, immediate and  effective. It doesn’t pussyfoot around asking desperate people to fill-in forms or come back in a week’s time. It’s a place where people regularly find hope, humour and help.  So thanks to the organisations below for helping these charities to reach the people who need their help.

See Independent article (28/11/14)   by Chris Green HERE