Veterans Aid (VA) provides immediate practical support to former servicemen and women in crisis regardless of age, ethnicity, rank, gender or length of service. The charity’s interventions are needs led and range from the immediate provision of basics (such as food, shelter, new clothing) to costly, longer-term interventions. Examples of these latter are provision of sustainable accommodation, prolonged periods of counselling, drink/drug rehabilitation and medical treatment. Further support frequently involves investment in education, training or the acquisition of a new skill. Help is given to identify employment opportunities and, when ready, individuals are helped to move into new homes – furnished and decorated by VA.

All VA’s work is predicated on the understanding that those seeking its help frequently have life-threatening problems. Some have contemplated or attempted suicide; others are extremely unwell and need physical/mental health interventions as a priority; a significant number are alcohol and/or drug dependant. The diversity of VA’s work calls upon singular skill sets from its staff and the charity’s success owes much to its cohesion.