thank you for standing with our veterans

Thanks to you, lives are changing every day. Whether you've donated, taken part in an event, cheered someone on, or simply shared our message, you're part of the Help for Heroes family, and we couldn't do it without you.

On this page, you'll find powerful stories that show just how much your generosity helps.

You’ll also get to meet Julie, one of our dedicated Veterans Nurses. Before joining Help for Heroes, Julie spent 22 years serving in the Army, giving her a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by those who’ve served.

We hope you'll take a moment to read about the difference you’re making. Because together, we’re helping heroes recover and thrive.

Find out more about Julie's role at Salisbury Hospital:

Q: What’s your background?
A: My Dad was in the Army so I moved around a lot as a young child. When I was 11 we settled in Teignmouth in Devon. I joined the Army in 1999 as a Healthcare Assistant, then transferred and did my Nurse training. I served for 22 years serving in various locations including overseas, on operations and exercises. I started working for Help for Heroes straight from service in 2021.

Q: What’s your role at Help for Heroes?
A: I work as the Help for Heroes Nurse within Salisbury Hospital. My role includes helping to train the hospital staff to be ‘Veteran Aware’. I work with them to strengthen opportunities to identify veterans in the hospital. I also visit any members of the Armed Forces community who are inpatients.  

Q: Can you tell us about the veterans you support and the problems they face?
A: The veterans that I support in the hospital are, by nature of being in hospital, unwell. They may be scared and concerned, as are their families. Some of them have life changing injuries or illnesses that it can take time to come to terms with and involves an extensive recovery. 

Q: What kind of support can you offer?
A: I offer bed side support. I can ensure the veteran understands what is happening in their inpatient journey. Help them identify any questions or concerns and liaise with the hospital staff about this. I offer a friendly, familiar, face to visit them and get to meet their family as well. I can offer support once they are discharged as well if needed, feeding them into the wider charity if required.

Q: What impact does this support have on veterans?
A: Although this is a new role for Help for Heroes the support has been received positively so far. Veterans find it a comfort and it makes their stay less intimidating. Following their journey and then visiting and supporting them at home as well is amazing.

Q: What would you like to say to Help for Heroes supporters?
A: Thank you so much. Your support enables me to support veterans at their time of need.