North-east veterans to receive help as charities combine

Former servicemen and women in the north-east are set to receive additional support as they try to reintegrate into civilian life, after two charities came together to announce a new partnership in the region. 

Forward Assist, a charity that is based in Newcastle, is teaming up with national charity the Forgiveness Project to provide a rehabilitation programme for those who have previously served their country and are now involved in the criminal justice system.

At the moment, the Forgiveness Project already runs a different programme called Restore, which involves prisoners and ex-offenders and deals with getting them prepared for getting back into mainstream life outside prison. 

Its partnership with Forward Assist will allow it to open up its work to those who have previously served in the military. It will enable the two charities to help participants adapt to life after their service has come to an end. It will specialise in helping people overcome issues such as post traumatic stress, survivor guilt, trauma and social isolation.

Colin Hutchinson, operations director at Forward Assist, said: "Some combat veterans suffer from the consequences of guilt, including destructive and guilt-ridden thoughts, dreams, and images. This project will allow veterans to learn from others how they overcome their own difficulties." 

Money for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards for All programme. It has contributed some £10,000 in order to help get the priceless help off the ground. 

"This funding from the Big Lottery will allow us to develop an innovative and unique project that will allow Armed Forces Veterans the opportunity to explore the concept of personal forgiveness in a safe and supportive environment," Mr Hutchinson added.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund deputy director for England, said of this and other projects: "These great projects in the north-east demonstrate the life-changing impact that small amounts of Lottery funding can have and will continue to do so, long into the future."