IT is doubtful that many readers would have heard of The Poppy Factory until they read the story about former soldier Joe Lancaster in today’s Lancashire Telegraph.

But the organisation, which helps ex-servicemen troubled with health problems find employment, is about to record its 500th success story.

The Poppy Factory is just one of a number of brilliant organisations, often staffed primarily by volunteers, who try to help members of the Forces left with a disability after serving their country.

For some that disability may be physical, for others, sadly an increasing number, there may be mental health issues - or just simply the difficulties of having to readjust to a ‘normal’ life after a time spent on active duty.

For whatever reason, the amount of support available is not always forthcoming from what could be termed the usual agencies and it is often down to charities to provide the necessary help.

And it is not just those ex-servicemen with disabilities who find it difficult to be accepted into the mainstream.

Progress has been made but it still remains true that attitudes to those with a disability needs to change. and they should always be made to feel like valued members of society not second class citizens.