CEMEX UK has supported the vulnerable veteran’s charity, STOLL, over the last few months.  The charity provides invaluable housing support and help for ex-servicemen and women.  They sent us an update outlining exactly how important our support has been.  In this the week of remembrance it is especially pertinent. To find out more go to: www.stoll.org.uk

Here is their summary:

Since the emergence of the pandemic, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in demand for our support services. Over 70% of our veterans were shielding or self-isolating due to underlying health conditions.  The organisation had to implement an emergency plan which included:

• Support in line with social distancing
• Support around mental health issues – with 50% of veterans suffering mental health issues and 25% with a PTSD diagnosis this has been a particularly challenging time
• Sadly, some veterans they support have died from COVID and they have had to help friend and family through this
• They have supported veterans who have lost their jobs due to COVID or fallen into financial difficulties
• Continued to provide online wellbeing activities to give support
• Provided food parcels and domiciliary help for those who are shielding or self-isolating
• Increased their communication with veterans via on-line, written and telephone calls to check in on them.

Many veterans have been waiting longer to find housing due to COVID as housing is not coming up or understandably tenants not moving on.  Many vulnerable veterans are, therefore, in temporary accommodation or sofa surfing.  STOLL provides invaluable support for them.

Without the support of companies like CEMEX, STOLL would not have been able to do all this to help vulnerable veterans at this difficult time.  Thank you.