Every year, nearly 2,000 men and women leave the Armed Forces due to illness or injury – that's five a day. Our new report reveals how the system meant to support them is inconsistent, confusing and often traumatic. 

More than 40 percent of medically discharged veterans say they felt unprepared for civilian life - making them far more likely to struggle with mental health, employment and housing. 

“Too many injured veterans are being left to face civilian life without the support they need. Unless things change, we risk failing the next generation of veterans in the same way. That isn’t good enough, and it’s why we’re calling on the government to urgently commission an independent review of the medical discharge process.”

Carol Betteridge

Head of Clinical & Managed Support, Help for Heroes

Emily's Story

Emily served for over a decade as an Army nurse, saving lives in Afghanistan, Belize, and Sierra Leone. But after a shoulder injury, she says the medical discharge process left her feeling dismissed and isolated. 

With little welfare contact, and discharge dates set before her treatment was complete, Emily was left battling physical pain and mental health struggles alone.

Read Emily’s full story, and others like hers, in our report. 

    ‘If your health isn’t right, how can you move forward with anything else?’ 

    Emily, West Sussex

    Army Veteran.

    Our Solution

    We’re calling on the UK Government to urgently commission an independent review of the medical discharge system – this is the single most impactful step they can take to ensure no veteran falls through the gaps.  

    Simple changes to the system, like making the process the same for everyone, checking mental health before people leave, and ensuring veterans are connected straight into civilian services would make a huge difference. 

    “Suddenly, you’re told the way of life you’ve known for decades is ending. You’re given a date – and after that, you’re no longer in the care, pay, or support of the organisation. You’re just thrown to the wolves.”-

    Barrie, Hertfordshire

    RAF Veteran

    To read more about our public affairs and policy work, please visit our main Campaigning for Change page.

    Read more about our campaigning

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