Richards Story
The Bridge for Heroes has continued to provide support to Veterans in need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a lifeline for many who, due to the restrictions placed on both local and national services, were unable to receive help elsewhere.
This is Richards story:
Army veteran Richard came to our attention in April, following requests for us to provide him with support from his line manager and a local authority councillor, who sought our help for Richard as, due to unprecedented demand on services caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and restraints placed by ‘lock-down’, the council homeless department were unable to provide assistance.
Following the breakup of his marital relationship earlier in the year, leaving him homeless, Richard had found himself switching between sofa surfing and sleeping in his car, which was having a serious adverse effect on both his health but more importantly, his mental wellbeing.
Three days after making contact with us we were able to provide Richard with temporary hotel accommodation through a local helpful hotel owner, who was prepared to open his doors to take him in. In addition, we prepared a plan to enable continued practical and emotional support to assist him in managing his situation.
Once in his temporary accommodation, Richard received regular home visit’s, while we made contact with letting agents and progressed housing applications on his behalf.
In mid-May, just over 3 weeks after his case first came to our attention, Richard took up the tenancy of a one bedroom flat, in which he has now taken up permanent residence.
Our support enabled Richard to maintain his employment and get back on his feet in a stable environment.
He still receives support but having someone empathetic to talk to and assist in solving even minor problems, has enabled him to regain the confidence to make a fresh start.
We have commissioned a video, explaining the thinking behind our journey in transforming the Charity from its historical ‘drop-in’ structure, to one that would endure throughout the pandemic enabling the continuation of the very practical support to all who needed it for which the Charity was known. I commend you all to view it.
