A HEREFORDSHIRE veteran has told of her battle with addiction and abuse, and the county lifeline that helped get her life on track.

This year, the Hereford Times Christmas Appeal 2024 is supporting charity Vennture, asking our generous readers to lend a hand to local people who have fallen onto hard times through no fault of their own.

Many of us find ourselves in circumstances outside of our control. To feel at the end of our tether, where split second decisions can cause consequences, we might regret. People find themselves in tricky situations, with no one to turn to and no hope for a way out.

We do not ask for your support lightly. Many of us are ourselves finding things tough as we navigate the cost-of-living crisis. But we hope that, at Christmas, you will join us in doing what you can to make life a little better for others.

Over the past five years, charity Herefordshire Vennture has helped over 1,000 local people to get back on their feet.

Vennture is there during their time of need, finding the small steps and hope needed to overcome challenges and get back on their feet. Among them is Herefordshire veteran Jane, who has experienced both homelessness and addiction. This is her story.

Jane spent 25 years serving in the British armed forces before successfully securing her place as a firefighter.

But she had not been in the job long when she was injured in an accident that left her disabled and unable to work.

"Despite a physically and mentally demanding career, nothing was more challenging than the abuse I experienced throughout the entirety of my marriage," Jane said. 

"Every day of my marriage he hit me.

A "silly mistake" left Jane homeless and with a criminal record, after she "finally snapped" and threw a can at her husband.

"Despite owning my own house, I couldn’t live there anymore, so I ended up sleeping on the streets. My conviction had meant I wasn’t able to get support for the abuse I had endured, and my army pension meant I wasn’t eligible for benefits. I was using my pension to support my children through university."

Jane turned to drink, falling into addiction. When Vennture found her, she was a "mum to the homeless" but unable to support herself.

"Vennture changed my life, they got me into rehab and helped me find a home to live in," Jane said.

"They also linked me up to a local veteran charity who continues to support me today. I now live independently again and alcohol free, I’ve got my life back on track”

Vennture offers one-to-one mentoring and practical support to local individuals who have fallen on hard times. Together, they find hope and the necessary small steps forward.

 

Please donate what you can to help local people in need this Christmas. Visit bit.ly/HTchristmas2024