Help for Heroes offers support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country. This is provided through grants either directly to the wounded, injured or sick and their families or to other military charities, and also through four Help for Heroes Recovery Centres across the UK. One of these is Phoenix House at Catterick Garrison. Purpose-built, it officially opened in September 2013 although the Charity had previously operated an interim facility close by for 18 months. The Recovery Centre has 50 en-suite bedrooms, including four family rooms, a Support Hub enabling access to a wide range of welfare support, an arts room, wood workshop and wellbeing (yoga) studio as well as training, presentation and IT suites. A gymnasium with specialist equipment, a café and social areas also form part of the new Centre. One of those receiving support at Phoenix House is Mark Appleby. 
He has praised Help for Heroes for “opening his eyes” to opportunities beyond his injuries and a wealth of support including from the Charity’s Band of Brothers (BoB) network. This provides a whole host of activities and support for wounded veterans and serving personnel (male and female), from once-in-a-lifetime holidays to opportunities to meet others who are living through similar experiences, as well as financial and welfare support. Similarly, Band of Sisters is open to the loved ones who care for those who have sustained career limiting/ending injuries or illness during or attributable to service. “Band of Brothers means I’m not alone,” said Mark, 43. He was medically discharged from the Army in 2014 after a knee replacement and reconstruction to both ankles. “Previously I felt like a fraud with my injury because I am not walking around with prosthetics or in a wheelchair. But talking to fellow veterans made me realise I need support too. Being a part of Band of Brothers makes me feel valued and connected,” he said. Mark joined the Army, straight from school and served all over the world, including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Mark has undertaken a number of courses through the Charity, including a First Aid mental health course, First Aid at Work and a land-based skills course, looking at estate management and game keeping. “Help for Heroes has really opened my eyes to a lot more opportunities, such as a wide variety of courses,” said Mark, who hopes to become a rugby coach. “I do miss the camaraderie of the military but every time I visit Phoenix House, I feel really happy,” he said. “My children have been invited to events there too and really enjoy going. It provides support for the whole family.” A recent study launched in January 2016 by Help for Heroes and King’s College London found of the 750,000 men and women who served as Regulars between 1991 and 2014, at least 66,000 need long term support. Anyone who served in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force who needs the support of Help for Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick can self-refer by calling 01748 834148 or visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk for more information.
