Tri-Service
How A Former England Captain Is Supporting Veterans
He once captained England, and still displays determination and strength on the pitch.
Now rugby union star Chris Robshaw is supporting veterans that have found themselves in a vulnerable situation after leaving the Armed Forces.
He's been to visit housing London-based housing association Stoll, that helps ex-service personnel get back on their feet, to find out what work is being done to help them.
Chris is raising money for Walking With The Wounded as part of his testimonial year.
"There is a huge link between rugby and the military... how many people out there, homeless potentially, are servicemen and women, and it's about, okay, how do we take them off the street and how do we get them back into work, and get them back into society where they belong".
During the last century, Stoll has given hundreds of ex-service personnel the support and guidance they need to get back on their feet, with the help of charities like Walking With The Wounded.
Ed Tytherleigh, Stoll's CEO, said:
"There is a whole range of support - there is a GP surgery, there is a physical health centre, mental health services, there is a gym; we run over 90 different, we call them, health and wellbeing activities every year from fishing, to IT classes to cookery classes. There is a huge amount of support, but ultimately the aim is that people engage in all this support and use it to move on into independence."
One man who has benefited is Michael Wallace. He left the Army 11 years ago after serving in Kosovo and Iraq.
He found himself living on the streets - until he was given a home.
This week he started a new job, working for Network Rail. He said:
"I think everything is down to charities and [without Stoll], I could be on the street".
Chris will continue to help raise money for veterans who are hoping to rebuild their lives.
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