Helping hand for a homeless hero

In August 1983, 16 year old Andy Brierley performed a courageous act, undertaken by millions before him and millions since; he signed-up to serve his country.

In May 1984, less than a year later, Andy found himself being medically discharged with injuries to his knee. He left the Army with a 20% disability pension for 2 years and a small gratuity payment for his time served.

In the following years Andy's life followed a path familiar to many ex-servicemen: he got married, had children and sadly saw his marriage breakdown, ending in divorce.

Life gradually began to get tougher for Andy and at the age of 44, he found himself homeless, being forced to live in a tent in someone's garden with little or no income and very little to keep him warm, dry or comfortable.

We first heard of Andy when he contacted The Veterans Charity via Facebook asking if we can offer any advice for a friend of his who was homeless and finding life very tough - it was NOT Andy himself! We were very surprised to learn that Andy was in the same situation himself and we immediately arranged to visit him at his tented home. After a chat, over a carvery lunch, we found out what Andy needed and what had been offered to him in the way of housing assistance. It was then time for a shopping trip.....

We provided Andy with some new warm, winter clothing and a deluxe Airbed to give him a little more comfort and stop him having to sleep on a cold, hard floor. We also took Andy for a trip to the local Tesco to stock up with a fortnight's food and washing supplies to keep him going for the time being.

Sleeping in a cold, damp tent has given Andy several health problems including Asthma and he also suffers, perhaps not surprisingly with anxiety.

We had a wonderful message from Andy on Sunday evening to say he had slept for many hours more than usual and had a very full stomach after eating well all day. We are now sorting a better and more permanent housing solution for Andy and he hopes to be in a proper home very soon.

The saddest part of this story is that Andy's situation is far from unique. Veterans are not given priority housing and even though Andy is registered as homeless and suffering ill-health, he has been given the lowest housing band and is merely classed as a 'houseseeker'.