Veteran Suicide Crisis Hits Portsmouth Charity Hard
Volunteers at Forgotten Veterans UK (FVUK) in Portsmouth are battling an overwhelming surge in calls from suicidal veterans. Since December, the charity has dealt with nearly one suicidal veteran every single day, marking one of their worst emergency spikes yet.
Two Tragic Deaths Shake The Military Community
Just before the New Year, FVUK suffered two heartbreaking losses. One was a regular client, the other a former Portsmouth soldier. Gary Weaving, head of FVUK and a former Royal Engineer who himself survived two suicide attempts after a crippling spinal injury, spoke about the pain.
“This has been heartbreaking. We give everything we can and do everything we can. When it’s not working, it breaks our heart,” Gary revealed. “We had a week of feeling down, questioning ourselves, but we’ve picked ourselves up knowing we are making a difference. We dread to think how many suicides we have prevented.”
Workload Skyrockets Amid Growing Crisis
Over the past year, Gary’s team has supported 4,000 veterans from their Fort Cumberland base. But since December alone, they’ve been scrambling to rescue 30 veterans on the brink. Gary shared the emotional toll of the latest death.
“We lost one of our long-term clients just three weeks ago. He had even given us a beautiful testimonial about how we helped him beat cocaine addiction. Four days later he took his own life. I blame myself for this.”
Calls Grow for Government Action and Funding
Campaigners, including Spotted Portsmouth, have been demanding tougher government action since 2018. The veteran suicide crisis has been dubbed the “epidemic of our time” by General Lord Richard Dannatt.
Last September brought a victory when the government agreed to improve veteran suicide recording across England and Wales and set up the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. But Gary says it’s still not enough.
“The system is still failing us. Yes, the government, NHS, and big charities have upped their game, but it’s still a very tricky world,” he said. He’s now pleading with Whitehall for a dedicated veterans’ social services system to provide tailored benefits, housing, and healthcare.
Local MPs echoed the urgency. Portsmouth South’s Stephen Morgan branded the recent deaths “terribly sad” and criticised government delays in publishing a veterans strategy.
“Veterans in Portsmouth and across the country need action now. They cannot continue to be left as an afterthought by government,” Morgan told Spotted Portsmouth.
Portsmouth North Tory and former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt vowed to back grassroots groups like FVUK and highlighted Blue Monday as a critical moment requiring support.
In September, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged an extra £5 million to armed forces charities. Veterans minister Leo Docherty stressed that this cash boost aims to deliver “gold standard” care for those who served, especially Afghanistan veterans.
“We are forever grateful to the serving personnel and veterans and will ensure they get the support they need and deserve,” Docherty stated.
Shadow veterans minister Stephanie Peacock slammed ministers for ignoring the crisis and failing to publish suicide figures until 2023. She called for a £35 million boost in mental health funding for veterans.
“We cannot allow veterans to feel alone in their greatest hour of need,” Peacock warned.
Need Help or Want to Support?
If you or your family needs support, or if you want to donate, contact Forgotten Veterans UK:
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