Charity | Posted on May 22nd, 2025 | return to news
Poole veteran appeals for volunteers for Help for Heroes
Clare Keating, who was medically discharged after developing an eye condition, is appealing for more people to come forward to help the charity.
A 44-year-old local RAF veteran is appealing for people across the region to volunteer to provide vital support for the men and women who have served their country.
Clare Keating lives in Poole and served for seven years in the RAF, servicing helicopters. In 2008, she was medically discharged after developing an eye condition, which left her partially sighted. She has received support from the Help for Heroes mental health service and has taken part in sports and social activities organised by the charity, including singing with the choir.
Keating said: “Help for Heroes was there for me when I most needed it. It’s really been a lifeline for me and thousands of other veterans, but it needs to recruit more volunteers so it can support more men and women who have served.
“As well as providing clinical, mental health and welfare support services through a team of dedicated advisors, the charity works with groups to support veterans and their families to connect with each other and their communities through sports and social activities.
“These activities can be an important part of recovery and the charity wants to expand this activity in Dorset but to do this it’s going to need volunteers.”
Help for Heroes is currently supporting 101 veterans across Dorset. The charity aims to work with volunteers, national and local organisations to offer activities for veterans and their families such as wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, as well as activities such as photography and creative writing. It is also hoping to expand its regular drop-in café social sessions.
On average, five people are medically discharged from the UK military every day. Some veterans must find new ways to live with a physical disability. Others face complex mental trauma. Many feel cut off from society, friends, even family.
Keating added: “I know personally what a valuable job Help for Heroes does. There are approximately 22,884 veterans living in Dorset and if we can recruit people who are able to give a couple of hours a week, the charity can do more for local people.
“We also need people who are happy to help us with fundraising events. Last year, our volunteer fundraisers helped us out with bucket collections at supermarkets and other locations.
“If you’d like to find out more about how you can volunteer, or have a passion for a sport, creative or social activity that you think you could share with veterans, then please get in touch.”
For more information about volunteering with Help for Heroes, go to https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/give-support/volunteer.
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