Veterans charity says demand for support is growing after emotional day for volunteers

A Rochdale-based community organisation supporting military veterans and disadvantaged young people has issued an emotional appeal for greater public support after what it described as one of the most challenging days in its history.

Get Together After Serving CIC (GTAS) said a recent case involving people it was assisting left members of its leadership team deeply affected, highlighting the growing pressures facing both former servicemen and women and vulnerable children within the community. While the organisation has not released details of the case in order to protect those involved, it says the experience reinforced the urgent need for the support services it provides every day.

In a heartfelt statement shared with supporters, GTAS explained that one of its directors, Wayne, was left visibly emotional after witnessing the circumstances surrounding the latest referral. According to the organisation, despite a lifetime of experience dealing with trauma, military service and personal hardship, the situation served as a powerful reminder that many people continue to struggle in silence.

The organisation says these moments rarely become public. Instead, staff and volunteers often work quietly behind the scenes, providing practical assistance, emotional support and signposting to those who find themselves in crisis. GTAS says much of its work takes place away from social media and public attention, with the focus remaining firmly on helping individuals rather than seeking recognition.

Founded to support former members of the Armed Forces while also creating opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people, Get Together After Serving CIC has steadily expanded its role within the local community. Alongside offering companionship and welfare support for veterans, the organisation works to reduce social isolation, improve wellbeing and create positive opportunities for young people who may otherwise feel overlooked.

Veterans' charities across the UK have repeatedly highlighted the complex challenges many former service personnel face after leaving the Armed Forces. Although the transition to civilian life is smooth for many, others experience difficulties relating to housing, employment, mental health, financial hardship or adjusting to life outside military service. Community organisations often play an important role by offering early intervention before problems escalate.

At the same time, many charities supporting children and young people have reported increasing demand for services as families continue to face financial pressures and wider social challenges. Community groups such as GTAS frequently rely on volunteers, donations and fundraising to continue delivering projects that might otherwise be unavailable to those who need them.

GTAS says its work demonstrates how relatively small organisations can have a significant impact despite operating with limited resources. Its latest appeal emphasises that a dedicated team of volunteers continues to provide support every day because they believe nobody should have to face hardship alone.

In its statement, the organisation said the latest events reinforced its belief that its work is not simply beneficial but, in some cases, life-changing. It described helping veterans find safety and dignity while giving disadvantaged young people opportunities, stability and a place where they feel valued.

The charity is now encouraging local residents, businesses and community organisations to become involved, whether by volunteering, making donations, fundraising or simply helping raise awareness of its work. It believes that increasing community support will allow it to reach more people before problems become crises.

Like many community interest companies, GTAS operates in an increasingly challenging funding environment. Demand for grassroots support services has grown while competition for grants and charitable funding has become more intense. As a result, many organisations rely heavily on local goodwill to sustain their work.

The latest appeal serves as a reminder that behind every public fundraising campaign or social media post are real people facing difficult circumstances, often away from public view. For the volunteers involved, success is not measured by headlines or recognition but by the number of people who receive help when they need it most.

Anyone wishing to learn more about Get Together After Serving CIC, volunteer their time or support its work can find further information through the organisation's social media channels. GTAS says every contribution, no matter how small, helps strengthen its ability to support veterans and young people across the Rochdale area.