ARMED forces veterans in the Bradford district who are struggling with the transition into civilian life are being urged to contact a charity for support.

SSAFA, the Armed Forced charity, has started its Got Your Back campaign to encourage vulnerable veterans to seek help.

After leaving the military, while most working age veterans manage the transition back into life as a civilian easily, some struggle with the change.

Some younger veterans suffer serious financial problems, ending up homeless, in prison, or reliant on food banks.

The charity’s West Yorkshire branch has helped 278 people so far in 2016, but SSAFA believes there are many more veterans who would benefit from support, but are not seeking help.

SSAFA reports that some of the most common needs of those vulnerable veterans who live in Yorkshire include urgent debt support, essential food and groceries and clothing, home mobility adaptations for those who have been injured in service and training costs to help them back into work.

In research carried out by the charity, more than half of working age veterans who have received help could not afford to buy or replace essential items, 44 per cent did not have enough money for day-to-day life, and four in ten have suffered depression after leaving the military.

More than a third said they have low confidence and self-esteem, and that they lack hope for the future and purpose in their lives.

The average net household income of those surveyed was £13,800, less than half the average for all veterans. Struggling veterans and their families are being urged to get in touch with the charity to help them get back on their feet.

Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, said: “SSAFA understands that our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen are resilient characters.

“Whilst serving the nation they become fitter, more robust and more self-sufficient; they are rightly proud of their role and of themselves. However, for those individuals and for their families who find the transition out of the Armed Forces difficult, some are then too proud to ask for help.

“The aim of SSAFA’s Got your Back campaign is simple and the message is clear; those who have served this country and those who have supported them have protected our backs. Don’t be too proud now to ask us to protect yours. Please call us.”

The West Yorkshire branch of SSAFA if based in Carlton Barracks in Leeds, but it also has divisions in Skipton Road, Keighley, and also in Craven. Bradford veterans and their families who are in need, can contact SSAFA’s Forcesline either by Freephone on 0800 731 4880 or by emailing via www.ssafa.org.uk/gotyourback.