AN Army veteran from Bootle has issued a rallying call to local residents to sign an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which calls on the Government to lead a generational shift in support for veterans. 

The letter from Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes has already received more than 35,000 signatures in the 1st 3 weeks. Tony Williams served in the Army for 10 years and has issued a special plea to people across the region to add their names, and show the strength of support for our men and women who have served, ahead of the letter being delivered to No. 10 Downing Street next month.

He said:- “Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, still struggle to locate and access the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve. As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-1 would be disadvantaged because they served our nation. We are failing to deliver on this promise.”

The open letter calls for the Government to implement the changes outlined in the Charity’s ‘People’s Promise to Veterans’, which sets out practical reforms needed to strengthen support. 

Help for Heroes has reported a 30% rise in demand for its services over the past year. TV presenter Lorraine Kelly CBE, actor Ross Kemp and the former head of the British Army, Lord Richard Dannatt, are among the high-profile names who have signed the letter.

Dannatt said:- “Those who wear the Armed Forces uniform accept unlimited liability in service of their country. We should be equally committed to ensuring they have the support they need when that service ends. We as a nation made a promise that no-1 should be disadvantaged as a result of their service, and now is the time for all of us to hold ourselves to that promise.”

Tony, who is now an ambassador for the Charity added:- “Help for Heroes has 20 years of experience, supporting tens of thousands of veterans and families, so we know what needs to be done. With the push to expand our Armed Forces, because of an increasingly unstable global picture, if we don’t get this right now, we’re sleepwalking towards a crisis.”

More than 48,000 veterans, and their families, live across Merseyside.  
 
The letter can be found here.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps people live well after service. The Charity supports veterans and their families with their physical and mental health, as well as welfare and social needs. It has already supported tens of thousands – and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.   

The Charity supports veterans – and their families – from any branch of the UK military, regular or reserves, irrespective of length or place of service, and local civilians (and their families) working under the command of the UK Armed Forces.   

To get support visit this website. Alternatively, check out their Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.