A veteran from Chorleywood, who suffered a life-changing injury whilst on tour, is campaigning for change in the medical discharge system.
Barrie Griffiths, 63, served in the RAF for more than 34 years before suffering a spinal injury in 2003.
Since then, he has supported a variety of campaigns to help other veterans like himself and is now lending his voice to Help for Heroes’ latest campaign.
The military charity’s Falling Through the Gaps report, published in September, states that around 2,000 members of the UK Armed Forces are medically discharged every year due to injury, illness or mental health conditions sustained during service.
The report sets out the urgent need for reform of the medical discharge process to ensure veterans are supported in their transition into civilian life.
This is something Barrie knows first-hand.
He explained: “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.”
Help for Heroes is calling on the UK government to commission an independent review of the medical discharge system to ensure no veteran falls through the gaps.
Carol Betteridge OBE, the charity’s deputy services director, said: “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.”
Find out more at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/take-action/campaigning-for-change/improving-the-medical-discharge-process
Photo credit: Good Morning Britain X
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