Cornwall veteran given a hand up by SSAFA

18 December 2024

The last few years have not been easy for Michael Vickery, physically or emotionally. Thanks to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, he is now back on his feet. 

Originally from Saltash, Cornwall, Michael served with exemplary service as a Lance Corporal in the Corps of Royal Signals from 1963 to 1971. After leaving the military he worked as a manager at Tesco, then moved to the Devonport Dockyard where he suffered a back injury and was forced to retire.

Due to his injury Michael struggled to find appropriate, accessible accommodation. Isolated and alone, his only social connection to the area was his daughter. He eventually found temporary accommodation in St. Austell, miles from any sense of familiarity.

In the stages of being divorced in 2021, he developed prostate cancer and had issues with his housing, which also contributed to struggles with his diabetes. Michael found it difficult to get to Derriford Hospital for his medical appointments, and his state continued to deteriorate.

Through the treatment and care he received from Derriford, Michael discovered that his dental health had also been worsening. At one point Michael was so embarrassed about the state of his teeth, he refused to even leave the house.

For years Michael has been going to Battling On and Man Down, Cornwall-based organisations that provide veterans with a safe and quiet environment to confront their physical and mental struggles and connect with other veterans. These organisations have been crucial for Michael, often his only sources of human connection. 

This is where Michael met Trish Allwood, the Branch Secretary for SSAFA Cornwall. Michael believes if he had not met Trish, who connected him with his caseworker Steve Meakin, his deteriorating conditions may have reached a point of no return.

SSAFA helped supply Michael with white goods and furniture for his new home in Liskeard, secured by Cornwall Homechoice, in conjunction with another military charity. His dental issues were tricky to resolve since no NHS dentists would take him on, but he has since gained 50% of the cost of that treatment towards his dental health through other charities.

After serving his country Michael’s life had taken a turn for the worse, losing his home, his marriage, his health, and his self-confidence. He was on the verge of being homeless, alone, and afraid of what would come next, but through charities like SSAFA his foundation and his dignity have been restored. 

This is why SSAFA is here, because the Armed Forces is a family – and no-one should ever have to battle life’s darkest problems alone.