Homelessness is a tragic but very real part of our society and in a report published in December 2021 it found that more than 274,000 people in England alone are now homeless. That equates to every one in 206 people without a home in England and these figures increase in towns and cities.

As experienced military personnel we are trained in living in a variety of terrains and climates, but we were also provided with the kit we need to survive in that environment.

An important part of our service is ensuring that the homeless have the wet and dry kit to change into as you would in the military. Know how to care for their feet and maintain their hygiene to manage their health and wellbeing whilst being homeless. We work with an increasing number of people who have trench foot, who would not seek out medical support. This is a condition that people commonly link with WW1. It is caused by your feet being wet and cold for too long. Quick treatment, dry socks and good boots are essential. In addition, continuously walking and moving causes sore, painful, and swollen feet which have dry skin, calluses, and blisters. Support and education allow people to take control over their own health needs.

We have a welfare van that we take out into community with a team of volunteer nurses and support staff. We engage with the homeless,

Our service is reliant on good will, volunteers and donations so we are completing this event to raise the profile of homelessness in Stoke, Veterans Connect and raise vital funds to allow us to keep doing what we are doing.