4 – Testimonials – Veterans Support Service

Testimonials

I just want to say a few words to you to let you know how much your help and advice has had a positive effect on my life and well-being. When I first met you David, I was in a poor state mind and had my head buried in the ground worrying about everything. I was getting no help from the RBL, or any other Charities etc and was thinking of ending it all? But after meeting you and getting your help and support put me back on track in a positive way. Thanks to you I am now getting the support from others that I need to carry on. If anyone out there feels down and out please listen to David. It’s so nice to have people like him around I also feel that I've made a good friend too, who is always welcome to my home.

Paul S

East Lindsey

During one of the most difficult periods of my life, following the loss of my partner, I found myself facing unexpected financial strain alongside profound personal grief. The support I received from Veterans Support Services made a meaningful difference at a time when I felt overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. Their understanding, compassion, and willingness to help without judgement provided not only practical assistance, but also a sense of reassurance and dignity when it was most needed. It is more than just financial support, it is the feeling that someone is there, quietly standing beside you, helping you regain your footing. I will always be deeply grateful for their kindness and for the vital role they play in supporting Veteran members of the Armed Forces community during times of hardship.

Anonymous
Lincolnshire

I am writing this email to tell a little about my journey this last 10 months. I am a recovering alcoholic and been dry now for seven month and to the addiction has caused me severe damage to areas of my brain and affected my walking I also now suffer seizures. In this time, I have met many people and organisations Simon Hallam of VSSCIC one of them. As part of my recover, support and mental health Simon Hallam has been an absolutely vital part of the network he is kind, understanding and extremely supportive and a part of my life that I will be forever grateful. It has been absolutely wonderful to see lots of organisations working together to help my recovery from both alcohol and my illness, thanks Simon for a massive part that's been for me.

Carl M

City of Lincoln

Testimonial from Pilot Project working in collaboration with the NHS! Before your visits, I was very introvert and did not wish to speak to anyone about my problems i.e. PTSD, agoraphobia etc, but just by chatting, you got me outside round our village, just saying good morning to people was a big step forward for me. I hope you realise that I am sending you email on my computer (another one of your great ideas). All in all I would just like to say a very big thank you for taking the time you did helping me re-join the human race.

Chris C
East Lindsey

It has to be said that there does appear to be quite a number of charities out there that purport to support and help Veterans when they leave the services but that does not mean that they are all effective, supportive and reliable. Speaking as someone who has finally had to reach out for help, I have experienced both and what a difference there is between them, naming no names but one of them was a large charity who I mistakenly thought would help support me. As my mind degraded to a point where I needed help and support because my mind had fallen to a position through both medication and a degrading of mental health, I was no longer functional, I would fall asleep during meetings or just pass out or sometimes just sit there and sob not knowing why other than it was embarrassing and made me feel weak. The large charity that said they would help me did not and left me to my own devices, which sadly went fast downhill. Veterans Support Service did not however, they contacted me constantly, they wrote and filled in the documentation that I was supposed to do but could no longer do because I had neither the motivation or ability to do so, they guided me had every step of the way and would visit me regularly especially when I was in a very low mood which led me towards the path of wanting to end the misery, I felt I was now living in. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending David Poultney and the services of the Veterans Support Service; with them there is no waffle nor false promises or bull, just action when you need it and I am still here today because of their actions and the continued hope and support, which they continue to give me this day and every day.

Mark O

South Holland

I've been supported by Veterans Support Service for several years and been supported by Simon Hallam who has been supportive ever since I was put into contact with him after deteriorating with my mental health (CPTSD). Simon has helped me throughout my AFCS claim and come with me when I had to go to a hearing at Nottingham Court. This made me feel at ease at court and supported in the hearing as this was really difficult for me with my condition and I probably wouldn't off even turned up if Simon hadn't of been there and supported me. Veterans Support Service and Simon have been a great support to me and I will always keep Simon's number in my phone because I know he's always available if I need his support or to just have a chat about anything if I need too. It's nice to know I have someone I can trust and call for support anytime. Thank you for your time and support Veterans Support Service.

Grantham

Simon and the team’s help of the last year or two has been absolutely priceless for our family. Simon in particular has gone beyond the task in hand, extending to personal assistance for other family members too. The service is now and essential part of day-to-day life in our home. Some examples of this are as follows:
• Gained us access to other necessary services
• Booked and helped arrange appointments
• Helped with arranging correct benefits and discounted bills
• Involved volunteers to give extra help in the home.
We think this is a fundamental service for families struggling with this issue.

Grantham

Simon has been visiting HMP North Sea Camp (NSC) for many months. During this time he brings many of the veterans from all 3 services in commonwealth and Foreign Armed Services. His deliberation and personal skills details what his organisation can offer in both mental and support whilst in prison and on release. He also has the natural knack to relax and talk at any length to all walks of people, to bring and extract what problems/concerns they have to a helpful and satisfying conclusion. Since Simon has been visiting NSC. The veteran attendance have increased due to wanting to speak and an informal chat with Simon. He and his organisation is a credit to the veterans serving a prison sentence, he gives them hope and sense of achievement for their service and what is available and achievable what they are released from prison. His service knowledge and determination is beyond reproach to all those he helps and assists here at NSC and should be continued for as long as possible to ease the rehabilitation of those veterans.

Chaplain

Hi David, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Veterans Support Service CIC for the incredible help and support I have received. From the very beginning, I was met with understanding, compassion, and professionalism. The team made me feel valued—not just as a veteran, but as a person. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges I had previously struggled to face alone. Whether it was practical advice, emotional support, or simply having someone there to listen, the service has made a genuine difference in my life. Thanks to their unwavering commitment, I now feel more stable, more confident, and better equipped to move forward. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me and for others like me. Genuinely David you guys make a huge difference to the lives of Veterans so keep up the fantastic work. From someone who classes you as a friend. Best regards

Sleaford