"Unseen Battles: The Plight of Disenfranchised UK Veterans at Christmas"

The festive season, traditionally a time of joy and togetherness, can be an especially challenging period for veterans who find themselves disenfranchised and disconnected from the support networks they once relied on within the UK military. Various factors, such as medical discharge, short-term service, early service leavers, bullying, harassment, military sexual trauma, PTSD, loneliness, muscular skeletal injuries, old age, bad life choices, suicidal thoughts, poor mental health, and a toxic culture within service charities, contribute to a complex web of challenges that these hidden veterans face. I want to explore the multifaceted issues surrounding disenfranchised veterans during the Christmas season, shedding light on the intersectionality of their struggles.

There are many facets to veteran disenfranchisement, not least the experiences of those that don’t feel wanted by the veteran community or those not driven to join associations or support groups. Veterans who experience medical discharge or engage in short-term service often find themselves abruptly disconnected from the military community. The lack of a gradual transition can lead to a sense of isolation, especially during the holiday season when the camaraderie of fellow service members is sorely missed. Veterans who have experienced bullying, harassment, or military sexual trauma may carry invisible wounds that affect their mental health. The stigma attached to these experiences can create a sense of shame, making it difficult for them to seek help or connect with others during festive occasions. Those grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and muscular skeletal injuries face physical and emotional challenges that can be exacerbated during the holiday season. Crowded spaces, loud noises, and festivities may trigger traumatic memories, leading to heightened anxiety and a desire to isolate themselves. Older veterans and those grappling with the consequences of past life choices may find themselves on the fringes of society during Christmas. As physical health declines and regrets mount, the festive season can serve as a painful reminder of the passage of time and missed opportunities. As I’ve mentioned before in my other blogs, service charities, designed to support veterans, often find themselves in fierce competition for funding. This competition can foster a culture of prioritising positive narratives to attract donations or worse promoting false narratives such as all veterans are mad, bad or sad and couldn’t cope if it wasn’t for their charity’s specific intervention. The infantilising of military veterans’ narrative should be a concern for all those working in the sector as this rhetoric leaves the struggles of disenfranchised veterans and those that go on to have extremely successful second or third careers after returning to civilian life, in the shadows. The above notwithstanding, the false narrative of unity among service charities may further perpetuate a lack of targeted support for those in need.

Disenfranchised veterans often face financial difficulties, exacerbated by a lack of support systems. Additionally, race discrimination within the military and broader society can compound the challenges faced by veterans of colour, creating barriers to accessing the resources they require during the holidays. The intersectionality of poverty and fear of asking for help forms a vicious cycle for disenfranchised veterans. Financial difficulties may lead to an inability to access necessities, and the fear of judgment or rejection may prevent veterans from seeking the assistance they desperately need during Christmas. Veterans experiencing homelessness or relationship breakdowns face intensified struggles during the festive season. The lack of stable housing and fractured relationships further isolate them from the warmth and connection typically associated with Christmas. Veterans entangled in the criminal justice system may feel ostracised during the holiday season. The stigma associated with legal troubles can deepen their sense of disconnection, making it challenging to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.The problems faced by disenfranchised veterans during Christmas are rooted in a myriad of complex and interconnected issues. From the lasting impact of military service to the challenges posed by a competitive charity landscape, the holiday season can magnify the struggles these veterans endure daily. It is imperative for society, the military, and service charities to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of these challenges and work collaboratively to provide targeted, empathetic, and effective support. Only through a comprehensive understanding of the intersectionality of these issues can we hope to create a Christmas season where no veteran feels left behind or forgotten.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist