24/7 helpline for The Rifles veterans in need of volunteers

The Always A Rifleman programme is a dedicated service that helps with mental wellness to save lives among veteran members of The Rifles and its forming or antecedent regiments.

The programme has a 24/7 helpline which is already helping to save lives, and it also provides face-to-face coaching, mentoring and mental health support.

But now the initiative needs more volunteers, especially at this time of year.

BFBS the Forces Station broadcaster Ben Coley spoke to Baz Melia, who heads up the 'Always A Rifleman' campaign.

Listen: Ben Coley speaks to Baz Melia about the 'Always A Rifleman' campaign.

Volunteers needed

The Always A Rifleman programme is looking for Volunteer Veteran Mentors to offer lifestyle and mental health support, as well as RIFLES Support Volunteers to help veterans in need of domestic assistance.

There is a requirement for two days of training for these volunteer roles, which is paid for by The Rifles.

If you are a veteran in need of support, call the helpline on 0800 470 0941, go online to the theriflesnetwork.co.uk or download the ‘Swift’ app from the app store.

If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, there is more information online at theriflesnetwork.co.uk.