A military charity that has so far helped more than a thousand veterans with PTSD is facing closure as the cost of living crisis bites.
Veterans In Action – which saves the lives of struggling former armed forces personnel by immersing them in long-term projects – says it is surviving on dwindling reserves after donations dried up.
And founder Billy MacLeod says he fears many could end up taking their own lives if his charity closes.
Ex-Royal Engineer Billy said: “Our charity saves veterans’ lives. Now we face going under.
“Public donations have fallen away because of the cost of living crisis. If Veterans In Action fails, lives will be lost.”
VIA’s core project, Veterans Expeditions Overland, is a hands-on mission to strip and rebuild Land Rovers to prepare them to expedition standard.
Billy explained: “All our other projects surround the main one to interact with each other – so all those taking part use different skills to reach the same aim.”
The charity used the vehicles to take food to more than 6,000 vulnerable people in the pandemic, and has made six trips to Poland to deliver supplies for Ukraine.
But it needs £13,000 a month to cover running costs – and donations have fallen to just £3,000 a month.
Bills include renting premises on a private estate where it has three workshops, a project room, a video suite and a gym for the veterans.
The People’s Save Our Soldiers campaign is calling for an overhaul of how the MoD deals with mental health issues of former and serving personnel, especially around PTSD.
Billy, 61, who served in the Army for nine years, added: “Until Covid we managed to raise money all the time. We’ve been surviving on our reserves but they’re almost gone.
“We have about two months of operating costs left.”
He added: “If we close it may shorten some lives of those we’re helping now, and those we would help in the future.”
The charity, based in Andover, Hants, says its long-term immersion approach helps veterans work towards post-traumatic growth.
Billy, awarded the MBE for his charity work, said: “We’ve been running for 14 years and have helped more than 1,000 veterans.
“Our facilities have been developed or built by the veterans as part of their recovery process, giving a sense of belonging.”
The Charities Aid Foundation says 30% of military-focused charities now fear they may close.
Patrick Rea, of PTSD Resolution, which also supports veterans, said: “It’s more difficult now, but we maintain a lean operation.
“Donations fund our network of 200 therapists and essential research and public information.”
To find out about Veterans In Action, visit veteransinaction.org.uk
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
