Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes is a charity which has a personal significance and resonance for Judicare CEO Neil Heaney. Neil’s brother Stephen had a long, distinguished and decorated career in the armed forces, serving in many conflicts overseas and culminating in him being the recipient of the prestigious and revered Military Cross.

Knowing of the hardship and sacrifice of soldiers both serving in and returning from conflicts, Judicare is keen to support this important and deserving organisation.

Help for Heroes helps support those who risk their lives in combat by ensuring that they get the best help, support and facilities possible.

Launched in October 2007, Help for Heroes set itself the task of raising £6 million. The funds were used to provide a swimming pool and gymnasium and to improve facilities and services at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court and the NHS Hospital, Selly Oak.

The fundraising efforts have been so successful that nearly £35m has been raised by the end of 2009. The charity now aims to fund the establishment of Personnel Recovery Centres (PRCs) across the UK.

PRCs will provide a launch pad to life for seriously wounded or long term sick soldiers, supporting them as they make the transition to a fulfilling future. Prior to the Personnel Recovery Centre, once patients left hospital or the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, most continued to convalesce at home. But not all families can provide the level of support and care that is needed to allow patients to return to duty or gain a smooth transition to a skilled and supported civilian life.

PRCs will provide wounded soldiers with an individually tailored programme, including career management and counselling, which takes into account their particular injury and skill set. Each centre will be attached to a garrison, so that wounded soldiers can stay within a structured military environment close to friends and family, and take advantage of the garrison facilities. Although it is hoped that every soldier wounded in the service of their country will be able to return to duty, there will be many who will be destined to leave the services, and it is important that they receive assistance and guidance in this.

Help for Heroes gives people the opportunity to give something practical back to the service men and women who have been wounded or injured whilst serving in the armed forces. The charity offers the following services: