AN EX-veteran is appealing for landlords to help put a roof over the heads of homeless veterans.

John Clark, who runs Ex Military Support Services, said that from personal experience it is difficult to get back on your own two feet and he said he has been told there is little the town council can do to help.

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“The housing needs officer said there are no properties available and our only option is to go private. We have been told to ask private landlords for their generosity in waiving the bond and first month’s rent up front to help these veterans get back on their feet.”

John, 43, of Minster Crescent, Darwen, said the group has been working with a private landlord who had helped to provide flats for two veterans above a cafe in Railway Road, Darwen.

He said: “This landlord has been very generous, refitting the kitchen and offering some money towards renovations. Some landlords understand the difficulties these men and women face. The centenary of the First World War means it is fresh in everyone’s minds too.

“People think of veterans as grey haired old men with walking sticks and rows of medals – but a veteran can be as young as 19. Coming out of the forces is hard at any age because it’s life-changing and takes time to adjust to the outside world.

“The forces is an institution – like prisons. When you join up they break you and make you into a soldier. When you leave there is no decommissioning.

“I joined the Army at 17. The money you get paid monthly already had all the food, accommodation and council tax taken out. You don’t have any budgeting skills or experience of independent living.

“Many veterans we deal with have had marriage breakdowns due to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and transition issues and many are sofa surfing with no where to call home.

“In this day and age there’s no need for people to be living on the streets.”

The group holds weekly drop in sessions for ex-soldiers on Tuesdays between 10am and 2pm at Knott Street Community Centre, in Darwen.

If you are a landlord who wishes to help contact John on johnclark2487@yahoo.co.uk.

Alternatively visit www.exmilitarysupport.com.