Seeking UDR soldiers in need of help

Former members of The Ulster Defence Regiment in Coleraine and the surrounding areas are being asked to come forward and seek help, if they have fallen on hard or difficult times.

The Ulster Defence Regiment Benevolent Fund provides support to former members and their dependants who are in need because of sickness, disability, accidents, infirmity, poverty or other adversity.

Wesley Duncan, Chairman of UDR Benevolent Fund explained: “The Fund was set up in the 1970s to help those who were in need and were either affected by service and subsequent difficult times. As the Regiment was disbanded in 1992, the soldiers who served in this Regiment are now an ageing population.

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“We would like to call upon those who may know a former UDR member who is experiencing difficulty - a family member, a neighbour, a member of their church, or those in the wider community to encourage them to contact the Benevolent Fund. The Fund spends in the region of £400,000 per year, providing life-changing assistance to those who face difficult times in their lives. Asking for help can come with a feeling of embarrassment, however we want to change this.

“Help is tailored to the individuals’ needs and can come in many different forms, for example via food vouchers, an oil fill, respite, or even a specialised bed if this is required and cannot be self-financed.”

All Benevolent Fund applications are dealt with in the strictest confidence by fully trained and highly knowledgeable professional case workers who complete all relevant paperwork on an individual’s behalf. To find out more, phone 028 9042 0652 or email [email protected].