Hastings charity isawarded£558,000

Independent charity Support Empower Advocate Promote (esAP) have been awarded £558,000 from HM Treasury LIBOR banking fines to expand its Military Advocacy Service (maS). These funds are allocated to Armed Forces and Emergency Services charities and other related good causes that demonstrate the very best of values.

seAp’s CEO, Marie Casey says maS provides advocacy support for Veterans who face a complex mixture of health, housing, financial, family and social problems. “Our specialist advocates support Veterans to navigate the range of services that are available to them and offer practical help to improve their quality of life, health and wellbeing,” she said.

seAp was founded in 2002 but its predecessors began delivering advocacy services in Hastings in 1994 as part of Hastings Voluntary Action. seAp is now one of the largest charities in Hastings and provides advocacy services across the South of England from Essex to Kent and across to the Isles of Scilly.

seAp’s funding application was based on the successful Thames Valley Military Advocacy Service (mAs) which supports veterans to gain in confidence and self-reliance, see improvements in their mental health, have their rights under the Armed Forces Covenant better understood by other services and increase their household income through successful claims for benefits or financial support. Ms Casey says the funding will allow the service to operate for 3 years, adding: “Advocacy support compliments all the great work done by military charities and we look forward to working in partnership with those charities to provide tailored support to those veterans with the greatest need.”

One of seAP’s clients says the service they offered him has been life-changing.”My advocate has gone out of his way to understand my illness. He has given me hope, courage and empowered me to find coping mechanisms and ways to challenge difficult situations.”