Harris came to the volunteers at Epsom and Ewell’s Foodbank for help at the end of last year. Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is operated by registered Charity The Good Company (Surrey) and is directed by local hero Jonathan Lees. Over the past two years, Harris has recovered from a major heart operation and a stroke. This completely changed his life as previously he had loved running and being active. The stroke also really knocked his confidence and so he had become withdrawn.

Photo shows Jonathan Lees (left) and Harris (right) with other Epsom Pantry volunteers at its opening.

The charity started to offer him opportunities to participate in focus groups, which he enjoyed being part of. They supported him in a back-to-work interview, liaising with agencies (including the Council, Citizens Advice and his GP). They supported him with his Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application to the Department of Work and Pensions, which has recently been awarded.

Harris was recently introduced to The Epsom Pantry and he has started to volunteer there. The staff say he is a real asset there. He is also a very calming presence for customers and Harris absolutely loves it as it has given him a new purpose.

Harris said “I thought of committing suicide before I met Alison (one of the support workers) but she gave me food, help and hope that things could be better, I couldn’t have gone on without her. I am born again. I don’t know how I would manage if it wasn’t for her, the Foodbank and The Pantry, (these) guys are like family, greatly appreciated. Blessed Love.”

For more information on Epsom Pantry please contact Bex pantry@goodcompany.org.uk

The Foodbank has two vacancies at the moment:

Vacancy – Pantry Coordinator

An exciting vacancy for our new project – Epsom Pantry. Now officially open, our Pantry is a members-only shop.

For £5 members will be able to purchase a weekly food shop including fresh fruit and vegetables and family favourites to stock up the cupboard and fridge.

We are recruiting a Pantry Coordinator to work with our Pantry Manager on this exciting new initiative.

For more details and to apply, please click here.

Closing date is 24 July 2022 at 23:59

Vacancy – Foodbank Manager

An exciting opportunity to join our team. We are recruiting for a Foodbank Manager. Interested? More info and application details here.

Closing date is 30 July 2022 at 23:30

Undaunted by the 4500 miles distance between Epsom and Chilaweni in Malawi, local resident Ruth Markus heads a charity founded in her son’s name. “Alex’s Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa” (AMECA). Before he died at the age of 23 Alex was a junior doctor, a British Army officer and a qualified paratrooper. AMECA is committed to healthcare delivery, training healthcare professionals and to healthcare education in sub-Saharan African countries, through sustainable initiatives.

Feature photo is Alex providing medical care. His passion and vocation.

The AMECA Primary Healthcare Clinic at Chilaweni in Malawi opened in May 2017 and is dedicated to the memory of Alex. The Clinic currently serves 38,000 people in 23 villages. It sees on average, 4,000 outpatients each month. These communities had no prior access to any accessible healthcare facilities.

AMECA supports surgical training at district hospitals in Malawi through Links in Africa for Surgical Training (LAST). Led by AMECA’s Clinical Director, Consultant Surgeon Paul Thomas, LAST is committed to providing surgical training to improve sustainable surgical healthcare in Africa.

On August 7th at 10am at St Martin’s Church, Church Street, Epsom Ruth Markus will speak about the work of the charity and update on the Maternity Unit built at Chilaweni Village. The illustrated talk will celebrate the success of the maternity unit and maternity mentorship programme, implemented to raise standards of clinical care for mothers and babies and to deliver respectful and inclusive treatment to mothers.

More information can be obtained from the website AMECA | Alex`s Medical & Educational Clinic in Africa

28th July 2022

Our urgent needs list – 28th July 2022:Thank you to those who arranged supermarket deliveries directly to us last week, we really appreciate getting donations we need this way.We have completely run out of:Chocolate spreadChocolatePowdered milk We urgently need:Tinned vegetablesTinned fishNoodlesPasta sauceCooking sauceBrown sauceSmall bags of sugarSponge puddingLong life fruit juiceSquashBiscuitsRice puddingChildren’s treats – Freddo’s, chocolate buttons etc.Sanitary towelsAdult toothbrushesBaby wipesNappies – size 5, size 6 and size 6+Washing powderHousehold cleaning products – antibac spray, cleaning wipes, oven cleaner etc. (No bleach please!)Please no more of these items as we are fully stocked: Pulses, pasta, beans, rice, washing up liquid, cat food, dog food, peanut butter, milk UHT, non-dairy milk.Booking a supermarket delivery? Let us know when to expect it. You can donate at the usual supermarket points, or bring donations to our car park (please wear a mask);Epsom & Ewell Foodbank, Good Company Hub, (Behind West Ewell Primary School), Ruxley Lane, Ewell KT19 0JGDonation drop off times: Monday to Friday 9am – 2pm. We are closed on Bank Holidays.* Please make sure all donations are sealed, in date and do not contain alcohol*

A Pantry has been officially opened by the Mayor Clive Woodbridge last month. It has been launched
in Epsom as another way of helping people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, to try to reduce
dependency on foodbanks.
The shop in South Street stocks a wide range of food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen
and chilled produce as well as tinned and packaged items.
Members pay £5 a visit and can choose items that value around £30, so they can save money on
their grocery shopping bills.
Epsom Pantry has been set up with support from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. The Pantry is
part of the Good Company charity, which runs numerous projects in Surrey including five foodbanks
and the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission.

Jonathan Lees, Managing Director of Good Company said: “This year Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is
marking 10 years of existence. That is not acceptable. We cannot accept dependency on foodbanks,
which are only meant to be a temporary measure.”

As well as helping with the cost-of-living crisis, Epsom Pantry will offer other community services
such as cooking on a budget, debt management and housing and job advice.

Epsom Pantry Manager Bex Loomes said: “Since the Pantry opened its doors, it has been filled with
a sense of community and togetherness. The cost-of-living crisis means more and more
households are struggling to make ends meet. We know that the Pantry offers vital financial
savings, and we hope that access to healthier foods and the development of skills and confidence
through volunteering will allow us to tackle isolation in our community.”

If you’d like to know more about Epsom Pantry please visit www.goodcompany.org.uk

CLICK HERE FOR LATEST REQUESTS FROM THE FOODBANK

The Developers promoting the development of the site of Kingswood House School bizarrely failed to
show up at their own public consultation on Thursday night (7th July). The event which had been organized by
Steve Curwen of Stonegate Homes Ltd on behalf of the freeholders of the site (the Aczel brothers)
was scheduled to take place at The Cricketers Inn on Stamford Green between 5pm and 7pm on
Thursday 7th July.

Had Mr Curwen or the Aczels attended, they would have been greeted by between 70 and 80 local
residents who despite having been given barely 72 hours notice of the event by the developers,
turned up in force to show their support for the School and their objection to the development
proposals.

It was standing room only in the small room which the developers had organized for the meeting
and in their absence and that of the freeholders, it was left to the School to thank residents for
showing up and for indicating their strong opposition to the plans. Headmaster Duncan Murphy noted
the valuable role the School plays, providing education for 250 boys and girls, very many of whom are
SEND pupils (Special Education Needs and Disabilities).

Chris Grayling MP also attended and voiced his strong support for the School and objection to the
plans and was supported by councilors Bernie Muir and Steve Bridger. Bernie Muir encouraged all
attendees to sign a register noting their attendance.

Steve Bridger (Councillor for Stamford Ward) told Epsom and Ewell Times “I support and will continue to support Kingswood House in every aspect against this planning application, being a local school providing first class education. It is a great asset to the Borough and the students that attend.”

Sited in West Hill Epsom for over 100 years Kingswood House is a renowned special educational
needs and disability (SEND) school and is facing the termination of its lease as developers seek to
build a housing estate on the land. The valuable role the School plays has been recognized by
Council’s recently awarding the School the status of an: “Asset of Community Value”. This is a rare
accolade, unusual for a school and reflects the high value of the school to the local community. Also,
the school has been shortlisted by Independent School Parent magazine for an award in this year’s
annual Contribution to Social Mobility category. See Epsom and Ewell Times exclusive breaking the story.

Epsom’s Kingswood House School faces closure as developers move in.

Sited in West Hill Epsom for over 100 years this renowned special educational needs and disability (SEND) school is facing the termination of its lease as developers seek to build a housing estate on the land. 250 pupils enjoy first class facilities and green space at the Council’s recently recognised “Asset of Community Value”. This is a rare accolade, unusual for a school and reflects the high value of the school to the local community. Also, the school has been shortlisted by Independent School Parent magazine for an award in this year’s annual Contribution to Social Mobility category.

Tomorrow (Thursday 5pm 7^th July) at The Cricketers Pub, Stamford Green Road, Epsom the freehold owners of the land, (James, Richard and David Aczel) are staging a “public consultation”.

Richard Evans, the Chair of the School’s governors said “Our school is already a thriving SEND-focused school for 250 boys and girls and the proposed school is on a small part of the site and will only accommodate a fraction of this number.”

Headmaster Duncan Murphy said “100% of the site should be kept for a school, and no housing should be allowed. Although the landlords will say otherwise, there are other sites for housing which are far more appropriate.” The school are urging local residents to attend the meeting at the Cricketers and make their views known.

The freeholders claim “Epsom is far behind its local housing delivery targets and needs a great deal of housing for local people, with a high demand for family housing. The scheme delivers a specialist school for local children that will be funded by the local education authority. The scheme delivers new local housing with 1, 2, 3 & 4 bed homes. All high quality and with parking (incl electric charging) and grounds to provide a high standard of design. This is a local scheme for local people. The scheme is highly sustainable, re-using buildings where possible and creating highly energy efficient new buildings where required.”

Below is the registered land (edged red) leased till March 2023 by the Axzels to Kingswood House School Trust and an aerial view of the site. Lastly, the proposed development demonstrating how most if not all the green space available to 250 pupils will be swallowed up by new housing.

A 102-year-old Surrey war hero who was unable to wear his medals due to the condition of the ribbons can finally pin on his honours again, thanks to a local veterans’ project which arranged a repair mission.

George, who served in the British Army during the Second World War and now lives in Epsom, showed the old, frayed ribbons to a trained volunteer who was documenting his life story as part of the Force for Change veterans’ project.  

On hearing George’s predicament, Tracey Morris, the project lead for Epsom and Ewell, contacted THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN AND FAMILIES ASSOCIATION [SSAFA], the Armed Forces charity. Tracey, a communities and prevention coordinator in the county council’s adult social care team, worked with Adrian Mundin, SSAFA’s divisional secretary, to arrange for the honours to be sent to medal specialists in London.

SSAFA has strong links with the London Medal Company, which was pleased to support George’s request. The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans then stepped in to transport the medals to the company’s premises in Leicester Square, because of the age of the medals and to ensure their safe delivery and return.

The taxi collected the honours from an event marking the third anniversary of the Epsom and Ewell Veterans Community Hub, where George was showing his medals, still in the cardboard box in which they were delivered to him more than half a century ago. The honours were then conveyed from the hub to the medals company for repair.

Complete with new ribbons and displayed on a rack, the medals were reunited with their owner at the Comrades Club in Epsom, where George was also able to meet and thank Kim Morton, representing SSAFA, Ian Lingham, of the taxi charity, and Tracey.

  

The local veterans’ project brings together former service personnel through friendship groups, events and days out and may involve an opportunity to record their life stories for the archives.

It’s a pilot scheme which is initially focused on three areas of Surrey – Epsom and Ewell, Guildford and Surrey Heath. Places are available in all three locations. Former service personnel, whether younger or older, are encouraged to get involved.

The county council is working with armed forces charities and local museums and organisations to deliver the project, which is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, under its Force for Change programme.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Thanks to everyone involved in this heartwarming project and particularly to George for telling his story and highlighting the benefits of the groups and networks for veterans in Surrey. I’d encourage anyone who has served, whether younger or older, to find out more about the opportunities in the county.”

Helyn Clack, chairman of Surrey County Council and the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, said: “It’s particularly fitting during Armed Forces Week to be celebrating the repair and return of the medals that George so richly earned. I’d like to pay tribute to him and indeed all those across Surrey who have served, and are currently serving, for their courage and contribution.”

For more information about support for veterans across Surrey, visit Surrey Information Point. You can also download the free Forces Connect mobile app which signposts veterans, armed forces personnel and their loved ones to local support and advice. Search “Forces Connect” in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.

The Epsom and Ewell Veterans Community Hub is holding an indoor street party on Sunday 26^th June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Any veteran wishing to attend must register in advance (contact tracey.morris@surreycc.gov.uk or call 07790 585352).

Surrey Independent Living Council is evolving! Following on from an independent external review the
trustees agreed to change the name of the organisation to Surrey Independent Living Charity. (SILC)
They believe that the change in name from Surrey Independent Living Council to Surrey Independent
Living Charity better reflects the charitable objectives of the organization and avoids confusion with
Surrey County Council.
SILC is a User Led Organisation that has been active in Surrey for almost 25 years and was formed as
Surrey Independent Living Council in 1998 by a group of disabled people. SILC’s primary purpose was
to provide support to disabled people who wanted to use local authority funded Direct Payments to
employ Personal Assistants to provide the care and support they needed.
Between 1999 and 2017 SILC continued to provide support services in Surrey and their growth
reflected the increasing number of people using Direct Payment in Surrey. During that time, the
charity expanded to provide one off Direct Payments to Carers and Personal Health Budget support
to individuals funded by the NHS.

Chief Executive, Richard Davy, said to Epsom and Ewell Times: “The change in our name to Surrey Independent Living Charity honours the history of the charity and the work that has been undertaken over the last 25 years,
whilst looking ahead to the future and focusing on our charitable objectives and our vision, mission
and values.”

SILC believes that everyone can live independently with the right support. At the heart of everything
they do is the social model of disability and the concept of full human rights. They believe that these
give a basis for treating everyone with respect, understanding and fairness. They also believe that disabled adults, children, older people and carers can learn from and support each other.
Surrey Independent Living Charity (SILC) will continue to provide its existing range of services, details
of which can be found on www.surreyilc.org.uk.
In addition to this, the charity intends to put a greater focus on its role as a champion and facilitator
of independent living for people in Surrey who require support to live in the community. SILC will
also be further developing peer and volunteer led information, advice and support for residents who
need it.
Chief Executive, Richard Davy, “We at SILC are very proud to have been supporting people in
Surrey to live independently for almost 25 years. We’re on a mission to extend the awareness of the
support we can provide to families and individuals living with disabilities as well as older people with
care needs, and to raise additional funding to widen the range of services we can offer to the people
of Surrey”. 
To find out more about SILC and how you can support them or access their services, please visit the SILC
website www.surreyilc.org.uk.

The number of people experiencing mental illness has risen in recent years.

The global pandemic, increased living costs and technological change are among the pressures affecting mental health. They are not the only causes, but changing ways of life are playing a part.

Stigma can make mental health problems worse by delaying or preventing treatment. Open conversations, and easy access to reliable information, are vital.

Mind provides a useful guide to different mental health problems and symptoms here:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems

For young people under 18:

https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/introduction-to-mental-health/types-of-mental-health-problems

Epsom also has a particular mental health history. The former psychiatric institutions known as the Epsom Cluster, once based in the Horton area, contributed to stigma around mental illness.

As London expanded during the Industrial Revolution, hospitals struggled to cope and some institutions were moved outside the city. The Friends of Horton Cemetery are now working to de-stigmatise mental illness by revealing the lives of 9,000 patients buried between 1899 and 1955 in the abandoned cemetery in Epsom.

More information: www.hortoncemetery.org

Conditions such as anxiety and depression can interfere with everyday life, physical health and emotional wellbeing. With one in four people in the UK experiencing a mental health problem each year, it is important that local resources are easy to find.

The Epsom and Ewell Times has compiled the following local information for those seeking help, or for family members and friends supporting someone they care about. This list is not comprehensive, but is intended as a starting point.

Love Me Love My Mind

Love Me Love My Mind is a registered grassroots charity based in Epsom. It aims to foster better understanding of mental health and to provide support for people who are struggling.

The charity runs drop-in services at St Barnabas Church, Temple Road.

On Mondays from 4pm to 6.30pm, anyone struggling is welcome to drop in for a conversation.

Between March and November, the charity also runs a “Warm Welcome Space” on Mondays from 1pm to 7pm, offering tea, a hot meal and arts and crafts.

Every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm, it hosts “Men’s Pitstop”, a confidential peer-to-peer support space for men.

On Saturdays from 11am and Sundays from 12pm, it runs a Kids’ Art & Craft Workshop at Metropolis Epsom, Epsom Square.

These drop-in services offer refreshments, activities, community and confidential conversation for those who may feel isolated by mental health difficulties.

More information: https://www.lovemelovemymind.org.uk

Horizon

Horizon is a Surrey community mental health and learning disabilities service hub. It opened in July 2021 and offers assessments and treatment for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Its aim is to support people towards self-management and independence.

Horizon is based at:

28 Upper High Street
Epsom
Surrey
KT17 4QJ

It is around a 7–10 minute walk from Epsom railway station.

Teams based at the hub include:

Early Intervention in Psychosis
Mind Matters
Community Mental Health Recovery Service — Epsom
Community Mental Health Team for Older People — Mid Surrey
i-Access East
Perinatal Mental Health Service — South West
ASD and ADHD Service — Surrey

Horizon accepts self-referrals, as well as referrals from GPs, IAPT talking therapy providers and social services.

More information:

https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health/community-services/CMHRSepsom

Mary Frances Trust

Since 1994, Mary Frances Trust has specialised in mental health support for Surrey residents.

The non-profit organisation is based at:

23 The Crescent
Leatherhead
KT22 8DY

Its services include one-to-one support, wellbeing courses and physical activities. Its website also provides blog articles and further information on specific mental health issues.

Mary Frances Trust states:

“Anyone over the age of 16 living in the Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell, Banstead, Elmbridge areas of Surrey and experiencing any form of mental or emotional health issues can access our services.”

More information:

https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Crisis support:

https://www.maryfrancestrust.org.uk/crisis-support

Safe Haven: Epsom

The Epsom Safe Haven is a drop-in service for people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as those looking for general mental health support.

It is located at:

Brickfield Centre
Portland Place
Epsom
KT17 1DL

Safe Haven works in partnership with Mary Frances Trust and Surrey and Sussex ICB.

For those in crisis, the centre is open from 6pm to 11pm, 365 days a year.

Those looking for general mental health support can drop in between 6pm and 7pm daily.

A virtual Safe Haven also offers crisis support between 6pm and 11pm:

https://nhs.vc/sabp/safe-haven-Epsom

Safe Haven says it offers “a supportive environment for any adult in crisis during a time of need and when there may be no-one else around to provide it.”

The service is self-referral, meaning anyone in need of support can use it.

More information:

https://www.sabp.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health/safe-havens

Alcoholics Anonymous

For those struggling with alcohol addiction, there are several Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in and around Epsom and Ewell.

Many meetings operate on a first come, first served basis, and sessions vary from one hour to one and a half hours.

Monday, 8pm
St Joseph’s Catholic Church
St Margaret’s Drive
KT18 7JQ

Friday, 1pm
St Martin’s Church Hall
Church Street
KT17 4PX

Friday, 6.30pm
All Saints Church meeting room
KT19 9QZ

Saturday, 8pm
St Martin’s Church
Church Street
KT17 4PX

Saturday, 10am
Epsom Methodist Church
11–13 Ashley Road
KT18 5AQ

Mindworks Surrey

Mindworks Surrey is a service for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Its services are delivered by a range of alliance partners and support children, young people, parents, carers, and organisations working with children.

Some services can be accessed directly, while others require a GP referral.

More information:

https://www.mindworks-surrey.org

Ewell Village has entered Britain in Bloom – a national competition which seeks to use flowers and greenery to transform communities. Judges will visit the village on the morning of Tuesday 5th July 2022.
This competition entry is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the village. Making Ewell high street and surrounding areas more attractive through flowers and planting is just one thing that the community, businesses, groups, organisations and community leaders have been working on to improve our local area.

For Ewell Village in Bloom, volunteers have been working on:

• revitalising the memorial garden outside Sainsbury’s
• getting The Grove cleared up and grass re-seeded
• cleaning up the High Street and Bourne Hall park – with monthly volunteers meeting at 10am on the 4th Sunday of every month
• planting in Bourne Hall park
• getting ready for a yarn bomb attack of crochet flowers in the village for judging day!

Everyone in the Ewell are can take part! The big idea is that if everyone did something small to take a bare area of their property frontage to make it more beautiful, then collectively we can make a big difference. This may be as simple as putting a pot on your doorstep, adding a hanging basket or putting a summer wreath on your front door.

Once one person in the road does it, other people copy, and the momentum starts to build. They would love people to send their before and after photos to Ewellvillage@outlook.com. The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell Cllr Clive Woodridge will judge the best road overall.
For more information, please contact Alison Price at Ewellvillage@outlook.com.

Some key findings of the Public Interest News Foundation include:

• Most independent news publishers cover a broad range of news topics within a tightly defined local place. The smaller the area covered, the smaller the revenue.  ​
• The staff at independent publishers are not yet representative of the UK population, with women and ethnic minorities underrepresented. More than half of publishers say they’re making efforts to serve diverse audiences. ​
• Independent publishers make a big difference to the communities they serve – and to democracy. Publishers say they increase civic engagement, increase public debate and inspire more people to be involved in public life, among other things.  
• Publishers face significant challenges around revenue, staffing, costs and the social media giants. 

​Amid rising demand for high quality local news, publishers have high hopes for the future. They see opportunities to build trust with communities that feel far from economic or political power.  

Click HERE to read the FULL REPORT

Epsom and Ewell Times is your news service. Contributors, subscribers and advertisers, our doors are open. Remember we are not-for-profit. No salaries and no fees are paid.

Epsom Rotary will be holding a stall at the Epsom Marketplace on Saturday, 02 July 2022
and welcome anyone to come and visit to learn more about Epsom Rotary and ways that
they could get involved.
Each year The Rotary Club of Epsom is involved in a range of local community events. The
club organises the annual Epsom and Ewell Borough Family Fun Day with the Rotary Club of
Ewell. There are gardening sessions at Old Moat Garden Centre and they have created and
now maintain the Community Allotment together with Ewell Rotary. The club also runs the
local Young Musician, Young Photographer, Young Chef and French Speaking competitions
annually. They helped marshal the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event at
Epsom Downs Racecourse this year and of course, there are the annual Christmas
collections around Epsom.

The club has a varied social calendar with recent events including sporting event and nights
out at local restaurants, as well as the regular meetings. Being part of a large, international
organisation they also have the opportunity to compete against other local Rotary clubs in
the district sports competitions.

This year they are fundraising for local charities and charity events have included The Epsom
and Ewell Showcase and quiz nights and of course much more.
They always welcome new members to increase their good community work.
https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=874
https://www.facebook.com/epsomrotaryclub/
https://twitter.com/epsomrotary

Cuddington Residents Association did. That’s who. On June 18th Saturday’s “BIG DAY OUT” in Shadbolt Park, Worcester Park in the north-east end of the Borough of Epsom and Ewell, a thriving community came out in their hundreds, with their dogs, to enjoy a wide range of “external activities”. Duck dogs, sorry shepherd dogs, duckflocked ducks, while Cllr Eber Kington “dogpacked” (?) the dogs in the many classes show. Dance groups of all ages danced in the performance area. The people enjoyed a wide range of charity, community and craft stalls from the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Surrey Stands With Ukraine, honey makers (“apiarists” to you and me) and many more. Watch out for the Big Day Out next year. All photos courtesy of Richard Johnson who promotes Worcester Park via his Facebook

‘EVERY LITTLE HELPS’ AS ARMED FORCES CHARITY COLLECTS AT TESCO STORES COUNTY-WIDE

Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes has supported more than 250 veterans and their families in Surrey since its inception in 2007, and, with demand for its services increasing, it is, once more, appealing to the Great British Public for support.

With more than 90 per cent of its income coming from the public via donations and fundraising, its upcoming Tesco national collection weekend is crucial to maintain its essential support services.

Overall, the Charity has supported more than 26,500 veterans with physical or psychological injuries or illness as a result of their military service.

Trevor Fudger, Help for Heroes’ Supporter Experience Manager, explained: “We’re always immensely grateful to Tesco for allowing us to collect vital funds at its stores across the country, but especially so this year, given the effects of the pandemic since 2020.

“Covid and its consequences – such as the lockdowns which caused added psychological issues for some of our veterans and the cancellation of our fundraising activities – created something of a perfect storm: increased demand on our support services and less capital with which to fund them.

“We are hoping that the wonderful British public, which is always so supportive of its veterans, will once again dig deep to help fill our collection buckets at Tesco stores across the country. And we’d like to thank them in advance for any support they can give.”

Volunteers and supporters of the charity will be out in force at Tesco stores in Surrey on Armed Forces Day weekend (25/26 June). Veterans supported by the Charity will also make appearances at some stores and will be able to chat to shoppers about how Help for Heroes has helped – and continues to help – veterans from our Armed Forces.

Help for Heroes believes those who serve our country deserve support when they’re wounded. Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. The Charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives.

n If you are not visiting a Tesco store this weekend but would still like to donate to Help for Heroes to enable the Charity to continue its much-needed work, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate-online – it takes just 60 seconds and a warm heart.

For further information on Help for Heroes, or to get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk.

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