Hull Veterans' Support Centre in survival scramble
A LIFELINE for veterans may soon be forced to close despite only opening in the summer.
Hull Veterans' Support Centre claims smaller charities are struggling to survive as larger organisations attract the bulk of public donations.
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STRUGGLE: David Bragg, director and trustee of Hull Veterans' Support Centre. Picture: Kate Woolhouse
Four former servicemen eager to help fellow veterans settle back into life in Civvy Street opened a small unit at the Louis Pearlman Centre, off Hessle Road, in July.
But David Bragg, director and trustee of the centre, says tapping into funding pots and raising cash from the public is proving almost impossible.
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The centre, which has helped traumatised soldiers seek treatment for post traumatic stress disorder, faces imminent closure.
Falklands veteran Mr Bragg, who served 22 years in the RAF, said: "Large national organisations, such as the Royal British Legion and Help For Heroes, get the lion's share of the public's benevolence due to their ability to grab the limelight for their fundraising activities nationally.
"It is leaving smaller, local veterans' support organisations scrambling to survive."
Mr Bragg acknowledged the "fantastic job" of larger, nationwide charities but claimed little cash goes towards helping servicemen and women once they leave the Forces.
He said: "Very little of the funding they receive filters down to focused local veterans' support projects and, in the case of Help For Heroes, they only support current Armed Forces personnel or those who have served since 2001.
"There is a need for focused local support for all Armed Forces veterans from all eras.
"Hull Veterans' Support Centre was set up to provide that support in Hull and East Yorkshire."
Mr Bragg, 62, of west Hull, said the centre is struggling to keep its head above the water.
He said: "Funding has, so far, come from the pockets of the volunteer veterans involved in the project and supplemented by a small pot of donations from supporters.
"Unfortunately, this pot is about to dry up unless a funding lifeline can be found.
"None of us are especially rich – we can't continue dipping into our own pockets to keep the centre going."
Mr Bragg said he was disappointed the service had been unsuccessful in gaining funding grants.
Mr Bragg said: "Our problem, when applying for grants, has been the fact that we have been unable to say, with precision, how many veterans there are out there.
"The figure is just not known."
To make a donation, visit www.hullveteranssupportcentre.org.uk
Comments
by Nick_L
Tuesday, November 20 2012, 11:27AM
“Seems to be a sign of the times PeeScooper.
It is a real shame that good people who offer advice and are willing to give up their spare time for others are treated negatively by folk with nothing better to do!”
by PeeScooper
Tuesday, November 20 2012, 10:35AM
“Why are morons red arrowing helpful suggestions? Typical of the attitude around here.”
by Nick_L
Tuesday, November 20 2012, 9:45AM
“They do team up with the RBL and SSAFA for immediate needs help but the centre is there to provide ongoing support to help Veterans get active again. None of the big forces charities seem interested in providing or funding this type of local support service so it is up to the Volunteers to organise it and raise their own funding. Sadly that is proving to be a lot harder!”
by PeeScooper
Monday, November 19 2012, 10:47PM
“Why not team up with SSAFA and the RBL to help with issues such as benefits and housing? Homelessness for our ex serviemen and women is a huge issue at the moment. I'd volunteer.”
by cueball44
Monday, November 19 2012, 3:57PM
“Why not have a large charity container made, then ask for it to be placed in the super markets like the rest do, there are three in ASDA, and i always put some odd change in every time i visit, which is most days. I also have purchased pin badges from different charity's including Help For Hero's.”
by Nick_L
Monday, November 19 2012, 1:33PM
“It is a shame when small Volunteer groups struggle to survive yet the big national organisations keep growing. H4H seemed to have turned fund raising into a business so it is no surprise this local centre is struggling.”