Former soldier says military training helped him during two-year homelessness ordeal
A former soldier credits his military training for helping him survive being homeless for two years.
Mike O'Brien, who served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, saw his mental health tumble and become homeless after a culmination of bad situations, including the loss of his sister.
A former Army colleague of Mike's walked passed him while he was living on the streets of Birmingham and managed to get him into a programme that would change his life.
Mike told Forces News: "My self-worth, my everything took a nosedive, literally.
"I had no one to turn to. I was walking around and I saw a group of guys in Birmingham, living in sleeping bags.
"I thought this is where I belong. I don't belong anywhere else. This is me."
The former Fusilier, who had bottles thrown at him, and was kicked and beaten up, credited his Army training with helping him survive his prolonged period of living in doorways, surviving day to day.
Mike is now working with Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and its Great Tommy Sleepout campaign, raising awareness about the plight of homeless veterans.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out, sponsored by BAE Systems, is a fundraising challenge designed to support the estimated 6,000 veterans that are experiencing homelessness in the UK right now.
Paula Ray, the head of community and events fundraising at RBLI, said: "We ask people to give up the comforts of their own bed for one night or more, up to them.
"Tent or no tent, in their garden or a different place with permission, where we can raise awareness and raise vital income for the services we are providing for these people."
Last year, the Office for Veterans' Affairs launched Op Fortitude – a helpline for veterans to call if they are facing homelessness.
Forces News asked Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer to comment on Mike's story and the fact it was a fellow soldier who helped him off the streets.
"It's a really special community, we are very lucky to be from it," said Mr Mercer.
The former Army officer added: "I think that's why I'm passionate about it. I think these people are really special and I think they're undersold in this nation.
"I think the nation has always been playing catch-up in how we look after them."
'You can turn your life around'
Mr Mercer highlighted that veterans who find themselves sleeping rough do have a place to go for help.
He said: "Get a hold of Op Fortitude. You can ring the phone line, there is a bed, there is an opportunity and there is a wraparound support available for you.
"You can get better. You can turn your life around."
Mike, who is soon to be getting married, hopes his story will help others and that veterans like him who are facing difficulties can ask for help and, more importantly, know where to find it.
The RBLI Great Tommy Sleep Out runs annually throughout March.
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