On the 21st of January, thanks to Help for Heroes, iconic buildings in London and Cardiff lit up in support of wounded Veterans. There was an amazing atmosphere at the Tower of London for the launch of their new campaign ‘Cut the Clock’.
Crowds of Londoners gathered around to watch the clock begin to countdown from 4 years – the amount of time it takes the average Veteran to ask for mental health support, according to research carried out by Help for Heroes.
England Rugby star Matt Dawson launched the headline projection at the Tower saying, “It’s a shocking thought to think that it takes an average of 4 years to finally get some help to our Veterans, and for the Veterans to come forward and talk about it”. Then Help for Heroes Ambassadors Andrew ‘Pav’ Taylor and Mark Beckham took to the stage to share their story with the London public.
Andrew and Mark spoke about the stigma attached to mental health issues and facing conditions such as PTSD in daily life. Andrew said: “There is a stigma attached to mental health issues, so you wonder how your friends, family and colleagues are going to view you after you step forward and ask for help. You do leave it for as long as possible, trying to sort yourself out before actually going forward and getting that fixed”.
Parliament also lit up in Help for Heroes colours and the NewsUK building is carrying our updated logo until the end of this week, in prime position for London commuters to see it.
The Rt Hon Mark Francois MP also added his thoughts: “As a former Armed Forces Minister and member of Parliament’s Defence Select Committee, I commend Help for Heroes for this excellent campaign which I support 100%. Well done Help for Heroes!”
Cardiff Castle displayed the Help for Heroes Stigma Clock asking the public to support Veterans struggling in silence with their mental health by sharing their campaign messaging, fundraising or donating to fund vital support.
