Thousands of people who have never heard about Veterans Aid will learn about its work thanks to the support of a national media group.
From 25 November, until the end of the campaign, The Independent newspaper titles, London Live TV and the London Evening Standard will be putting their considerable resources behind a campaign called Homeless Veterans. It features jointly the activities of Veterans Aid and ABF The Soldiers Charity.
Owner of the titles Evgeny Lebedev said, “We will measure success not only by how many veterans we can help get of the streets, but by how many we can prevent ever getting into that situation in the first place.”
Visits to VA’s Victoria Drop-in Centre and New Belvedere House Hostel introduced Mr Lebedev to the charity’s key work among Britain’s homeless veterans community – and just 24 hours after its launch, film star Angelina Jolie announced that she was backing the campaign.
Support from Prime Minister David Cameron, Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Boris Johnson will guarantee it cross party support and already Veterans Aid is feeling the positive ripple effect of such unprecedented profile.
CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said, “Homelessness is a humanitarian issue and should not be used as a political football, so we’re delighted to see all three Party leaders getting behind this fantastic campaign. Every member of Parliament who has visited VA’s Drop-in Centre or hostel has expressed concern and compassion for those we help and that’s something that heartens me. The Military Covenant is a step in the right direction and, as it develops real teeth, I’m sure it will make a big difference.
“When I told some of the veterans in our care that Angelina was backing us there were predictable gasps of awe, but in all seriousness, support from ambassadors like her is beyond price and our gratitude is immense. This campaign will really help Veterans Aid change lives.”
VA has always been a small charity with a big heart, a geographically light footprint, but a reach and impact extending to more than 60 countries. It is proud and happy to have been given the opportunity to share its knowledge and understanding of the veterans world; to debunk some myths, share some inspirational stories and take readers and viewers on some of the journey’s that the UK’s diverse population of 4.6 million ex- serviceman and women travel.
PICTURE: Former New Belvedere House resident Derek Ellerbeck tells Independent owner Evgeny Lebedev (far right) how Veterans Aid supported him. Photograph (c) Micha Theiner
Hear Derek’s story HERE.
