When Army veteran Steve was at risk of becoming homeless, he reached out to RBL for support.
Steve joined the Armed Forces in 1989 but suffered a serious leg injury in 1996 when he fell 20ft from a lorry.
That one moment changed my life.
Following the injury Steve was medically discharged and has been through 14 operations, including ankle fusion, but still suffers a lot of pain.
After his medical discharge, Steve worked in sales, but the effects of his injury became too much to bear and he had to stop working.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Steve began to struggle and was worried about becoming homeless.
"I hit rock bottom, losing my job, my marriage and my house in a short period,” explains Steve
"In desperation, I rang RBL and they were fantastic, they got me into a hostel and I stayed there for three months during lockdown.
After securing Steve safe accommodation we helped him find a new home in time for Christmas, as well as a mobility scooter, new furnishings and covering his removal costs.
Our team is just a phone call away
Adam Gillett is our Independent Living Regional Lead in the North and was part of the team that helped Steve.
"The Covid-19 pandemic has had an overwhelming impact on people’s livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the Armed Forces community in dire need of urgent help and support," says Adam.
"Our work is more vital than ever as we support our community through additional hardships from those struggling with social isolation, financial difficulties and unemployment, to those who have lost loved ones or are facing the threat of homelessness."
Steve is also receiving support from his Case Officer Sarah Abbotson.
"Steve’s case demonstrates how donations made during the Poppy Appeal help us provide life-long support to Service and ex-Service personnel and their families through hardships, injuries and bereavements."
"Steve should be proud of himself, working through his problems, especially against the backdrop of lockdown," said Sarah.
As Steve continues his recovery, he has now taken up photography.
"It’s my therapy and taking photos puts my mind in a different place," he says.
"I’ve struggled over the past 18 months, and still struggle now, but the support I’ve had from Adam and Sarah has been unforgettable.
"I know they both have so many clients to care for, especially during Covid-19, but I never felt that I was just a client, I never felt that I was just a name on a list.”
