Working with veterans across the Wirral is a huge privilege for both of us. Every story is different. Every person brings their own experiences, strengths and challenges. As a veteran myself, I know how hard it can be to ask for help and how daunting services can feel when life is already overwhelming. That is exactly why our work matters. When someone reaches out, even in a moment of crisis, we want them to feel supported, understood and heard.
Recently, I met a man whose situation reflects many of the barriers veterans face. With his permission, we are sharing his story anonymously. It is a powerful reminder of the role local services can play when we work together to get the basics right.
A challenging start
The man was a 57 year old veteran with mobility issues, respiratory problems and long term mental health needs. He had recently been illegally evicted and came to us feeling anxious, frightened and unsure of where to turn next. He had been referred to us as both a veteran and someone needing support around alcohol use.
When he arrived, he was nervous. Housing insecurity is incredibly stressful and it had taken a lot for him to walk through the door. He had tried to get advice before, and had already been given details for veterans’ groups and housing support, but the situation felt too big to manage alone.
What we put in place
From the first conversation it was clear that he needed a joined up approach. Together, we agreed several actions that would give him practical help and emotional support.
We arranged referrals to:
- Ask Us Wirral for support with his PIP claim
- Housing Options for specialist housing guidance
- Op Courage for mental health and counselling
- The Royal British Legion and SSAFA to explore help with rent in advance, white goods and furniture
- Wirral Ways for ongoing support around alcohol use
He also started attending the veterans group, which offers peer connection, routine and a safe space to talk.
This mix of practical steps and emotional support is often what makes the biggest difference. Veterans frequently face more than one difficulty at the same time. By linking services together, we help make that load feel lighter.
Progress so far
His support is ongoing. This week was his first proper engagement with Wirral Ways and he is settling into the veterans group. Referrals to Op Courage, British Legion and SSAFA are in motion and he is already working with the Housing Options Team on improving his housing banding and stability.
He told me that this is the first time he has been in this situation and he thanked us for answering a lot of questions he had been carrying alone. That kind of feedback means everything. Sometimes, the biggest outcome at the start is simply helping someone feel safe and grounded again.
As his journey continues, we hope to see improvements in his mental health, financial situation and overall wellbeing. With the right support around him, he can rebuild a sense of stability and start to reduce his alcohol use in a healthier, supported way.
Why this work matters
Across the UK, veterans often face complex challenges. Research shows that:
- Over half of England’s army veterans experience mental or physical health issues after leaving service.
- Veterans are more likely than the general public to struggle with alcohol use.
- Many veterans self-medicate trauma and are less likely to seek help until things reach crisis point.
This is why Change Grow Live has committed to improving support for veterans. Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the organisation has:
- Developed accredited training for staff and volunteers so that veteran champions can offer tailored support
- Built strong referral pathways with NHS Op Courage
- Created a dedicated Veteran Support Working Group to share best practice across England
- Seen an 87 percent increase in veterans engaging with treatment
Wirral is part of this progress. We are working closely with partners, commissioners, mental health teams and local charities to make sure veterans get the right help at the right time.
A final word from us
As two people who care deeply about this work, we want every veteran to know this:
You do not have to face things alone.
There is support here for you.
And walking through the door, even when it feels difficult, is a strength not a weakness.
If you are a veteran on Wirral who needs help with housing, mental health, alcohol or drug use, benefits or anything else affecting your wellbeing, please reach out. We will meet you with respect, understanding and patience.
Jason and Peter
Wirral Ways Veterans Support Team
