Help for Heroes' Chief Executive talked about younger veterans' care and met an injured Iraq War soldier during a visit to Royal Star & Garter care home.

James Needham came to the Home in Surbiton on 28 September, where he discussed ways of helping working-age veterans who require care and support or are living with disabilities with Royal Star & Garter's Chief Executive Andy Cole.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Needham said: "When we look to the future, we need to think carefully about what kind of provision and what kind of support veterans might require.

"We know there will be more working-age veterans and we know that some of their health needs and social needs will change over time.

During his visit, Mr Needham met was 36-year-old Stephen Vause, who suffered severe head injuries in a mortar blast while serving in Basra, in 2007. He was 19 at the time. Mr Vause has been receiving specialist round-the-clock care at the home since 2017.

Help for Heroes has previously worked with Royal Star & Garter and funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist gym equipment to support Stephen's care. It also paid for his outdoor activity holiday, supported by Royal Star & Garter staff, in September.

Mr Needham said: "I really enjoyed chatting to Andy and Stephen. I think there's a really great opportunity to think about collaboration, think about how we can come together, be more efficient and effective together and ultimately deliver better impact for our Armed Forces community."

During a Covid lockdown in 2021, Stephen raised money for Help for Heroes by taking part in a virtual London-Brighton 60-mile bike ride from his room, supported by staff at the home.

Help for Heroes CE meets veteran Stephen Vause and Royal Star & Garter CEO Andy Cole. (Photo:Royal Star & Garter)

CEO Mr Cole said: "It was a pleasure to welcome James to our Surbiton Home, and for him to meet some of our residents, including Stephen.

"We know there is much still to be done to support younger veterans living with disabilities in the UK.

"This is part of our strategic focus at Royal Star & Garter, so it was great to discuss how we could achieve our common goal of supporting our Armed Forces community."

Mr Neeham was also taken on a tour of the home, where he met residents and staff, and saw both nursing and dementia care areas. He later praised the care provided by Royal Star & Garter.