Once, We Were Soldiers
Tuesday: 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00
Friday: 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday: -
Sunday: -
About Once, We Were Soldiers
Raising awareness and providing support to homeless ex-forces personnel in the UK
Registered charity number 1158318
Once, We Were Soldiers Description
Quote from Andy Spiers - Founder /Chairman of Once, We Were Soldiers
'You may not know that at least 10% of Britain's homeless is made up of ex-forces. These ex-forces personnel put their lives on the line not only for the people of our country but also for the people of those countries where they were fighting on the frontline. Only to be left with nothing when leaving their forces career!
To me that doesn't seem right. . . . . . Don't they deserve better?
I personally was 1 of that 10% upon leaving the Army, myself, my ex-wife and our small baby had to live in cramped conditions at my in-laws for around 2 months. Luckily I did get support after leaving the Army in 2001 with severe mental health problems, but it wasn't easy! I had to fight to get what I have today and still I believe it's very little.
Homeless veterans are not so lucky, they have no fight left in them! Many have turned to drugs and alcohol to help them forget the killing and the friends they have lost. Many have mental health issues and most have no family to help them.
We believe our government have turned their back on these veterans and we need to give them the help they rightfully deserve'
Reviews
Out shopping today with a former client to find a beret and cap badge just in time for remembrance Sunday
He's well chuffed bless him 😁
On 27th October Mark Inman will be starting the first of his 22km runs from The Kings Head, Lichfield. He will be running 22km a day for 22 days to highlight the shocking truth of veteran suicide right now! 22 being the number of veteran suicides every day!! TWENTY TWO!! Mark himself suffers with PTSD which makes his challenge all the more remarkable.
Good luck Mark with your challenge 👍 and thank you for choosing OWWS as one of your supported charitys
You can follow more... of Marks journey and find details of how to donate to his fundraiser by following his page here on FB
https://www.facebook.com/markinman22for22 /
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** CLOSED ** Once, We Were Soldiers will be closed until 11am Thursday 25th October to allow members of our team to attend the funeral of Mat Shillito tomorrow.
Please bear with us at this extremely difficult time.
... Thank you
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Lots of news of veteran suicide in today's papers.
5 veterans taking their lives in 6 days is shocking - and the sad truth of the matter is these are only the ones we know about...how many more?!
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/…/matthew-sh illito-if-it-d-been-…
We love this ❤
For anyone in the Coalville area...we will be there 👍
Remove the stigma!! Mental health is just as important as physical health!
#worldmentalhealthday #whmd
Please don't suffer in silence!
#strongnotsilent #wmhd #mentalhealthmatters
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fb id=10156490769355953&id=694655952
#worldmentalhealthday
It's good to talk!
#worldmentalhealthday #wmhd2018 #dontsufferinsilence
#worldmentalhealthday
Today is World Mental Health Day.
Everyone has mental health, just like physical health, sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad and sometimes it is ugly. We all have to work at keeping our mental health in good shape, give it some tlc when it needs help and recongnise when it is in crisis.
If you talk to one person today about their mental health you are spreading the word and removing the stigma.
... #worldmentalhealthday2018 #itsoknottobeok #itsgoodtotalk #mentalhealthawareness
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If you are a "Walter Mitty" planning on seeking our support it would be a good idea not to use the regiment I served in especially if I was still serving during the dates you give....unbelievable day but it did make us giggle 😂
well what can i say about these guys that hasnt already been said i sent them an email just over a week ago my feet havent touched the ground since i now have a beautiful flat in sheltered accommodation perfect for a doddering oap like me i just cant describe my feelings of gratitude towards these people the work they do is unsummountable i had never met andy "the founder/chairman" before yet now i feel like i have known him for years infact almost like family nothing is too muich trouble for him or his team of volunteers especially fergus and nikki townsend his beautiful partner cheers guys a trillion times over gonna stop now before i start blubbering such is my feelings for these three peeps and their organisation wishing you all every success in the future and an exremely happy and prosperous new year thanks to you mine will be xxxx
amazing absolutely brilliant .got a flat in days and help me to furnish it bought me food and everything else a person could need can't thank you
enough wish there were more i could say if you know any homeless veterans thats who to contact once we were soldiers and please if you can help the charity please do so thank you
a great way to help those of our ex-service personal just a pity the powers that be are so blind
What a wonderful group of people!! Thanks for organising such a fantastic event held today. Thanks for all your help throughout the day. Lovely people. Look forward to seeing you all again soon
Wearing the OWWS Hoodie today. Im wearing a Size M (10/12) and it fits great, lovely and warm too! Would make a great christmas gift x
We should all stick up for our brave boys, they do for us
These guys really helped my uncle and still are helping even now he's in his own place they are amazing �����
The men and women we entrust our freedom to are a breed rarely seen today. We should be so very grateful for them and ashamed at the treatment they receive on returning home. God bless every last one of them for their willingness to give up their personal hopes and dreams to ensure ours. Thank you with all my heart for your service.
OWWS is simply a fantastic charity run by amazing people. If you can lend your support then please do so.
OWWS does a great job supporting the men and women who our governments of all types have betrayed by insufficient attention to what happens when those who have been at the forefront of keeping politician's promises on battlefields around the world, when they come home, home to appalling treatment at the hands of the MoD. Keep up the great work team!
If I could give more stars I would. They helped me out immensely in my moment of need. Always on hand for support and advice, very clued up on everything with good networks as well. Thanks to Once We Were Soldiers I now have a roof over my head and a safe place to have my children. For that I am, and will always be, extremely grateful!!!! Thanks guys!!!
I have supported this cause for a while now, they are doing a fantastic job..... Where the M.O.D. And government fail.
I have just found the page and group and when I read the post I said Yeh that's how it is and the only ones who can understand are those that feel it
I had to fight tooth and nail for somwhere to live for me and my family when I came out if the army, nobody was there to help. I am so pleased there is an organisation like this one to help.
There needs to be the re-introduction of the Homes For Heros Act that was introduced in 1918 after WW1.
Great presentation at the study day today.
Good to see something trying to help our brothers n sisters deal with civi street not a nice place unfortunately ✌️
Forgotten hero's,why in this day and age should they be on the streets not no more.
Absolutely amazing people, total respect for Once we were Soldiers
A very good cause for very deserving people who put their Queen and country above all else, previous and present government turn their backs on the men and women they send to do their dirty work . Well done to you for helping our comrades in their hour of need. God bless you
More about Once, We Were Soldiers
Tuesday: 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00
Friday: 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday: -
Sunday: -