Fund can helpex-soldiers

Some 260 serving and former UDR CGC soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, and hundreds more were injured or traumatised.

Many continue to suffer in silence and may have fallen on hard times. The UDR Benevolent Fund wishes to help.

Wesley Duncan, Chairman of the UDR Benevolent Fund explains: “The UDR Benevolent Fund was designed to provide support for former members, their families and dependants who are in need. Normally we provide help for example through food vouchers, an oil fill or even a specialised bed if this is required and cannot be self-financed.

“Need can be anything from someone who has fallen on hard times and has to choose between heating and eating, to someone who is ill and needs specialist equipment to help improve the quality of their life. We are trying to reach out to those who may have forgotten about us or may not have needed our help in the past.

“We don’t want people to be intimidated in coming forward.

“All applications are dealt with in the strictest confidence by fully trained professional case workers who are based locally in Coleraine as part of the Aftercare Service and will complete all relevant paperwork on an individual’s behalf” added Mr Duncan.