A Portadown man will be ‘living on the street’ for 48 hours to help shine a light on the issues he says many veterans face in Northern Ireland.
Joe Robson will brave the cooling conditions, taking to the High Street in Portadown town centre on September 26 and 27 to complete the two day sit-out which he hopes will raise money for two causes related to the effort.
He hopes to raise money for both Blesma, in support of limbless veterans, and Beyond the Battlefield, who provide support and counselling to ex-Service people living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and life after Service.
In launching a GoFundMe page to support his effort, Joe explains that his mission is to “ensure members of the public are aware of the problems veterans are having with housing and medical assistance in Northern Ireland”.
Of Blesma, Joe says the charity – founded in 1932 – can trace its roots back to WWI and today provides support to those who have lost limbs, lost the use of limbs or have lost sight or an eye.
The charity provides lifelong support, including emotional and psychological care, financial and benefits advice, practical assistance with mobility, prosthetics, and equipment and social and rehabilitation activities.
Beyond the Battlefield was formed as a charity to look after the wellbeing of over 140,000 people who went into Service in either a combat or emergency services role during The Troubles in both parts of the island of Ireland.
Much of its work is concentrated on working with a group of counsellors in order to assess and treat those suffering from PTSD.
They provide a befriending service, help to ensure veterans are aware and are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled and lobby the government to change laws on issues like unemployment and sickness benefits.
In short, Beyond the Battlefield is a charity that listens, treats and gives ongoing advice and help to the many courageous veterans who have served for their country.
Joe’s GoFundMe page aims to raise £900 to be split between each charity.
Click here to make a donation to Joe’s GoFundMe page for his 48 hour sit-out.
