Newly established charity, NEL4Heroes, is committed to offering crucial support to veterans and active military personnel in North East Lincolnshire. By operating as a peer-to-peer network, the charity is able to provide essential guidance, support and access to vital services for those from the armed forces community. The charity aims to extend assistance to more individuals, address the difficulties of military life, and work towards reducing isolation and fostering unity within the community.
The trustees of NEL4Heroes includes veterans from the Army and Royal Air Force, ensuring a deep-seated understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those they are serving. The charity’s Vice-chair, Marc Ireland, outlined their mission saying, “Our ultimate aim is to extend help to those who need it; from providing company, addressing mental health issues, to ensuring housing and medical care accessibility. We are driven by passion and appreciate the support from like-minded individuals.”
NEL4Heroes collaborates with other organisations and charities to organise regular activities such as breakfast mornings at Centre4 in Grimsby, veterans football in Old Clee, and GeoLisa discussion groups, supported by Hull4Heroes. The 2021 census demonstrates that there are approximately 7,000 veterans in North East Lincolnshire. Mr Ireland urges these veterans to come forward, stating, “We aim to combat loneliness and social isolation and prevent the tragedy of veterans feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, which can lead to serious consequences.”
Those interested in reaching out are welcome to contact NEL4Heroes through its Facebook group.
This article has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from the original report found on www.bbc.com.
