Armed forces charity appeals to travel industry for help
A new charity that aims to provide holidays for recovering armed forces personnel and their families is appealing to the travel industry for support.
Launched by former defence secretary Dr Liam Fox, the new initiative is called Give Us Time.
Set up in partnership with Afghan Heroes, it aims to provide families of those recovering from the trauma of combat, including those who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered physical or mental injury, to adjust in "a neutral and quality environment".
Dr Fox said: "During my time as Secretary of State for Defence I was extremely heartened to see how we improved the treatment of those who had been physically injured in combat.
"Medical improvements in prosthetics, better physiotherapy and improved social attitudes all contributed to a better chance of rehabilitation. In terms of psychological trauma – the invisible scars of war – we are making progress, though perhaps at a slower rate.
"One of the areas where I think there remains room for improvement is the integration of service families into this equation.
"As a doctor working with the Armed Forces I learned the importance of seeing our personnel, not as isolated individuals, but as members of a wider family and community dynamic.
"Give Us Time has been made possible thanks to generously donated week-long holidays in second homes, holiday homes and timeshares across the UK and beyond."
Give Us Time is inviting individuals or companies to register properties on its website, which is being trialled this year before being rolled out more extensively in 2013.
Denise Harris, founder of Afghan Heroes, said: "I know through personal experience how difficult it can be for those who have suffered loss or injury to recover. Give Us Time is a fantastic initiative and will go a long way to help those who have put their lives on the line readjust to a normal civilian life."
For further information, visit www.giveustime.org.uk
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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