An anniversary of hope – 90 years of support for veterans in crisis
Veterans Aid started the landmark year of 2022 in a spirit of optimism and hope; as committed as ever to supporting ex-servicemen and women in crisis – rapidly, practically and in ways that are as relevant as possible to individual needs. In its 90th year of uninterrupted operation, the Charity is celebrating its anniversary with confidence and pride.
It’s hard to believe that what started as a canteen and recreation room for destitute ex-Servicemen in 1932 has evolved into a charity of international repute. Using 21st Century technology we are now able to reach UK ex-servicemen and women in distress in seconds; reassure them in minutes and get them practical help within hours – wherever they are. In Welfare to Wellbeing© we’ve developed a model so successful that it is being referenced by veterans organisations worldwide.
Thanks to outstanding supporters, solid partnerships and creative initiatives we have been able to meet the challenges of a world changed forever by the COVID pandemic. Innovation and flexibility enabled us to adapt, but we did so without compromising the values that have underpinned this charity’s operations for almost a century.
The characters who feature in Smith, the grainy black and white film made in 1939 to promote our activities through the nation’s cinemas, captured a snapshot of life for veterans in the harsh economic landscape of post WW1 Britain. Another war was looming, and influenza (‘flu) had just been identified as a virus. The clothes and haircuts were different, and the veterans all wore suits, but the underlying causes of crisis among former service personnel in distress were frighteningly similar.
But some things have changed – and for the better.
Our response to COVID involved activation of a system that was designed to adapt to the unexpected; we geared up to respond to a challenge that saw many much-needed benevolent organisations founder and we remained active throughout the pandemic. We kept residents of New Belvedere House safe and we offered a critical lifeline to those seeking help for the first time.
Veterans Aid’s remarkable history is recorded HERE – from the days when our rent was £1, to the opening of our transformed New Belvedere House residential facility in 2018, at a cost of £8.2m.
It’s a story of triumph over adversity and the thread that runs through it is HOPE. We survive to operate because we never rest on our laurels; we constantly seek new and better ways of serving the needs of those who need our support.
As out anniversary year unfolds, we will be extremely busy:
- Building stronger comprehensive links with the NHS, multiple housing associations and the Police service where we are now supporting staff in the custody system. Our outreach overtures to all are being enhanced so that veterans at risk can be identified, referred and helped before their situations deteriorate.
- Developing newly established links with South American veterans organisations, following meetings with Argentine Ambassador HE Javier Figueroa. This unique approach to VA by a nation whose losses in the South Atlantic exceed our own, comes in the 40th year of that costly conflict. It acknowledges the commonality of the ‘veteran experience’ and the humanitarian imperative that unites all who have served.
- Celebrating a partnership with the City church of St Botolph without Bishopsgate, where our Christmas Carol Concert was hosted. St Botolph is the patron saint of wayfarers so this relationship has particular resonance.
- Utilising the expertise of individuals with singular talents and experience, to augment and enhance the skill sets of our frontline operations team.
This year marks 40 years since British servicemen and women went to war in the South Atlantic; 70 since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne and 90 since Army officer’s wife Gwendoline Huggins decided that the sight of homeless veterans, sleeping on the streets of the country they fought for, was simply unacceptable. Our story started with her resolution to do something about it.
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- 1954 – An actress (later Dame) Cicely Courtneidge visited Belvedere House and joined its residents in a game of snooker.
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- 1955 – Residents relaxing in the conservatory at Belvedere House.
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- 1955 – Residents relaxing in the garden frontage of Belvedere House.
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- 1957 – HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent (our first Patron) visited Belvedere House and joined men in a game of lawn bowls.
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– reporter Tim Humphries learns about VA’s life-changing work and history in its 90th Anniversary year.
Listen to his 4-minute interview HERE:
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– reporter Laura Skitt supports Veterans Aid and marks its 90th Anniversary year of helping veterans in crisis.
Read the full article HERE.
