New data released by the UK Government reveals veterans face higher rates of loneliness than the general population- In response, Help for Heroes is renewing its push for the UK public to send messages of hope to veterans this Christmas
- Last year Help for Heroes sent cards to over 9,500 veterans – for some, it was the only message they received
- The charity has seen requests for support surge by 54 per cent in the past year
New research released by the Office of National Statistics indicates that almost a third of veterans across the UK are impacted by feelings of loneliness*, with those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions most likely to be affected**. This represents a higher proportion of adults than the general population***, highlighting an ongoing need to support our veterans, this Christmas and beyond.
James Needham, CEO at Help for Heroes said:
“These figures will come as no surprise to those working with veterans in need, particularly those living with disability and long-term health conditions. Every day, our team hears stories of isolation and loneliness from veterans, many of whom who feel they do not have the support they need and deserve to thrive post-service.
“Isolation is a problem that affects many, but this new data indicates that those who have served are at higher risk. We have campaigned to raise awareness of this issue for the last few years, and the UK Government’s own statistics now reinforce the need for action.
“We will continue to engage with the UK Government to help them implement the practical, fully costed recommendations we believe will alleviate some of the systemic issues driving these numbers; in particular a review of the medical discharge process for those leaving service due to injury or illness – a group the ONS highlights as mostly likely to be affected by loneliness.”
Send a message of hope this Christmas
This Christmas, Help for Heroes is calling on the public to show veterans facing isolation and loneliness that they have not been forgotten. By sending a message to a veteran, anyone in the UK can offer a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling with physical and mental challenges every day.
The charity has seen requests for support surge by 54 per cent**** in the past year, which highlights an ever-growing need from the Armed Forces community. For many veterans, the absence of community and specialist support means the risk of loneliness is particularly severe, meaning that more than 80,000***** veterans could spend this Christmas alone.
To send a message to a veteran this Christmas, please visit the website
Beth Miles, Public Affairs Director at Help for Heroes said:
“Last year we sent Christmas cards to over 9,500 veterans containing messages of support. The response was incredibly moving. For some it was the only card they received. The cards were also a powerful reminder of their service and the support that is still out there for them. These small acts of kindness can be all the encouragement a veteran needs, to reach out for life-changing support that will help them regain a sense of peace and community”
“CHRISTMAS USED TO BE A MAGICAL TIME FOR ME”
For Mike, the star of Help for Heroes’ Christmas video, it has become a season filled with heartache rather than celebration. After serving 13 years with the RAF, including two lengthy tours during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a near-fatal accident left him with life-altering injuries. His traumatic brain and spinal injuries, chronic pain, PTSD, and depression have taken a lasting toll, leaving him feeling isolated and unable to enjoy Christmas as he once did with his family.
“Christmas used to be a magical time for me, but now I dread it,” Mike shares. “I can’t socialise because of my health issues and can only have meal replacement shakes due to severe IBS and other complications. But last year, a card from a Help for Heroes supporter reminded me that people out there still care. It made a massive difference.”
Help for Heroes has been a critical support for Mike, connecting him with tailored mental health resources, mobility aids, and ongoing care coordination. Thanks to his Help for Heroes liaison, Helen, he now has someone to manage his complex healthcare needs and provide weekly check-ins to lift his spirits.
“Helen has been my lifesaver,” says Mike. “Without her, I don’t know where I’d be.”
Data taken from ONS Health and wellbeing of UK armed forces veterans: Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK – published 4th December 2024
Additional information
* 31.3% of veterans across the U.K. said they felt lonely always, often or some of the time
**Among disabled veterans, 39.4% felt lonely always, often or some of the time, compared with 22.9% of veterans who were not disabled
***27.0% of adults from the general population reported feeling lonely always, often, or some of the time
**** Help for Heroes Annual Report 2022/23
***** 4% of veterans in Great Britain described themselves as always feeling lonely according to an online survey carried out by YouGov PLC between 20th-22nd July 2022. Total sample size 455 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults who previously served in the Military (aged 18+). This represents 83,000 from a population of 2.03m veterans in Great Britain.