A new survey carried out by Help for Heroes has found that more than half (53 per cent) of the family members, friends and carers of veterans and serving personnel in the South West are struggling with their own health challenges.

This is eight per cent higher than the figure for family members, friends and carers overall. Seventy-six per cent of family, friends and carers with a long-term health condition also have difficulty sleeping.

In the South West, sleep is also an issue for the veterans and serving personnel with long-term health issues themselves, with 82 per cent struggling to sleep every single day. Seventy-five per cent say that they experience long-term pain every day.

In addition, 67 per cent of veterans and serving personnel with long-term health issues admit to battling with their mental health every day – which, although high, is six per cent lower than for all survey responders at 73 per cent.

So, with the health of veterans continuing to be of great concern, the charity is launching a fundraising campaign in November to ensure all wounded veterans can get the specialist one-to-one support they need and deserve – and it hopes the UK public in the South West and across the country will give generously at this annual time of Remembrance.

Help for Heroes relies on the generosity of the Great British public for more than 90 per cent of its income but has seen its recurring income fall considerably due to the impact of Covid-19. Its events income was down by 85 per cent, income from its national collections reduced by 88 per cent, community fundraising income was down by 37 per cent and in-memory income fell by 25 per cent.

Now more than ever, the charity needs the public to respond to their appeal and donate to support our wounded veterans and families. To donate, visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate-online.

A South West veteran's story – Nick Richardson

One South West veteran who knows first-hand the impact that injury and illness from their service can have on their quality of life is Nick Richardson, 51, who lives in Bradford-on Avon. He joined the Royal Navy in 1989 and his career took him around the world, including operations at sea in the Middle East, and Far East, land operations in Iraq as well as roles in direct support of operations in Afghanistan.

However, injuries he sustained during his service have left him with nerve damage and he is in constant, debilitating chronic neuropathic pain – a condition that led to him being medically discharged from the Royal Navy in 2012; an event which Nick likens to falling off the edge of a cliff.

He has subsequently developed neurological dissociative symptoms, which can make speech and walking very difficult. He also has a left-sided weakness and a tremor that manifest when his pain spikes and when he's fatigued or under great duress. In addition, he suffers from analgesic migraine because of long-term use of prescription opioid pain medications, and he regularly experiences night terrors that can happen at any time, and which can be triggered by smell or sound.

With his condition worsening, Nick reached out to Help for Heroes where he has accessed a variety of support to help him in his ongoing recovery, offering an understanding ear to listen, and a safe haven when times get really tough. Nick's wife, Julie, was also able to access support provided by Help for Heroes 'Band of Sisters' at a time when Nick was very unwell.

About the survey results, Nick said: "The daily struggles with mental health, sleep and pain affecting your quality of life are something that resonate with me. When you have to leave the Military because of physical or mental injuries you are expected to just get on with it, but what you experience in combat can impact on your mental health and wellbeing for the rest of your life.

"But, more than that, they can also leave a mark on your family who are such an important part of your support. That's why Help for Heroes not only supports wounded veterans but their loved ones too – and I can't stress enough how valuable that is."

Sarah Jones, Head of Psychological Wellbeing at Help for Heroes, said: "The data shows us that the physical and mental health of our veterans – and of their loved ones – continues to be of concern, both in the South West and across the rest of the UK.

"Seventy per cent of veterans and serving personnel with long-term health conditions told us they are unsure if they have the tools to manage their long-term health condition and 80 per cent said they rely on the support of loved ones or charities in addition to, or instead of, statutory services.

"That's why it's so important we keep our promise to give wounded veterans and their families the help they need for as long as they need it. And why we're now asking for donations to fund our vital services."

The Charity undertook the survey to better understand the needs of wounded veterans and their families, and to help it shape its unique services now and in the future. Help for Heroes takes a unique holistic approach to tackling mental health, chronic pain and sleep issues by its team of experts to help wounded, injured and sick veterans rebuild their lives.

To donate and help support our veterans, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate-online.