The Veterans’ Foundation is launching Operation Lifeline, a campaign to raise millions of pounds to help armed forces personnel tackle PTSD and other mental health issues, including suicide.
The wide-ranging campaign includes a Sponsor-A-Veteran initiative that will help fund one-to-one counselling and provide access to round-the-clock assistance, through 24/7 helplines, one-to-one counselling, group therapy, support dogs, clubs and meet-ups.
Funds raised through Operation Lifeline will help provide vital financial aid to charities that support those currently serving, veterans, and their families, with the challenges they face during and after their service.
The campaign, which goes live on Friday, 9 May, is backed by Adrian Ellis, founder of conversation support charity, GEO, in honour of his son, George, a soldier who took his own life.
“I have lived experience of suicide. It is devastating and yet sometimes something as simple as being able to talk and share experiences can make all the difference,” said Adrian. “I couldn’t save George, but I am passionate about giving others the opportunity to access counselling, to connect with others in similar situations to talk about their experiences.
“Suicide is a very real problem and is on the increase. The dream is to get to zero suicides, so funding counselling and community initiatives is vital. It can be lifesaving, so I am delighted that Operation Lifeline has the specific mission to raise funds to back charities tackling mental health issues.”
The Veterans’ Foundation aims to raise £6 million in the first year through the campaign.Operation Lifeline will run alongside its Veterans’ Lottery – the largest single-cause charity lottery in the UK – which has already donated more than £25 million to charities in less than 10 years. It is currently played by nearly 150,000 people who donate £10 a month and stand to win £75,000 in the monthly rollover jackpot draw.
“The trauma of military service no longer carries the stigma it once did,” said Veterans’ Foundation interim CEO, Stella Atherstone. “And help is out there for those who need it, but funding that support can be difficult. The funds Operation Lifeline raises could help save a life, and change the lives of those around them.”
