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Military veterans and Premier League stars announce major new project
A major new mental health and wellbeing programme for returning war veterans was announced today.
Inspirational heroes L/Cpl Johnson Beharry VC and former Army Major, Phil Packer, joined Chelsea Captain John Terry and the rest of the first-team squad pitch-side at Stamford Bridge stadium to officially announce the new Inside Right programme. They were also joined by representatives from the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and other military veterans.
Inside Right will use football as a tool to help veterans adjust to civilian life after returning from active service. The veterans will be predominantly aged between 20-50 years and will most likely have served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia or Kosovo. The programme will be delivered by five professional football clubs: Chelsea, Everton, Colchester United, Portsmouth and Lincoln City.
Inside Right will be managed centrally by the Football Foundation and is supported through funding from The Royal British Legion, the Ministry of Defence, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Comic Relief. The Mental Health Foundation and Combat Stress are also key stakeholders in the programme’s development.
John Terry said: “I am really pleased that football is playing its part in helping our servicemen and women return to civilian life. They have risked their lives serving our country and we are rightly proud of them. I am fully behind the Inside Right programme and it is perhaps football’s way of recognising all of our military personnel for the sacrifices that they make on our behalf.”
L/Cpl Johnson Beharry VC added: “Inside Right is a great idea. It can be a big adjustment when you return home after serving abroad, so to be part of a team again will give our men and women a real boost just when they need it.”
Phil Packer also commented: “It is a privilege to be asked to be the Ambassador for the Football Foundation and the Inside Right initiative. I have seen at first hand the mental and physical difficulties that our service personnel face; this requires a joint approach and strategic partners working together. I am delighted that our National Game is teaming up with Service Charities to give support and valuable assistance. I am also looking forward to working with all our Football Clubs when I launch the British Inspiration Trust later this year.”
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