• FAQ:
Why has the Fund been launched?
The rate of operational deployments and the nature of those deployments are resulting in a much higher rate of casualties across the Army – fatal and non fatal, physical and psychiatric – than has been the case since the Falklands conflict. That conflict showed us that in addition to the large numbers of physical injuries sustained by the Welsh Guards at the time, some psychiatric injuries will not become apparent for many years, even decades.
As an infantry battalion the Welsh Guards will continue to be among the most frequently deployed parts of the British army. The Battalion served in Iraq in 2004/05, is currently in Afghanistan and is due to return to Afghanistan within the next two years. The current tour has seen several Welsh Guardsmen killed (see Links page for details), several more seriously injured and many more bearing the physical and mental scars arising from frequent episodes of high intensity combat.
The Trustees of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal have anticipated the increased welfare needs that will arise over the medium to long term from this marked increase in the number of casualties and have recognised that we will be unable to resource them properly from our existing charitable funds, which are fully committed to supporting existing welfare needs. The launch of this Appeal is the first stage of our response.
Surely it is the Government’s responsibility to support injured soldiers and their families?
Whilst the immediate and short-term ‘duty of care’ for wounded soldiers lies wholly with the Ministry of Defence and thereafter with appropriate Government Departments such as Health, Social Security and Employment, the Regiment will always be at the heart of the recovery of any injured Welsh Guardsman and thus must be in a position to offer the best level of care and support wherever, whenever and for as long as it is needed. As a family regiment this is absolutely central to our ethos.
What will the proceeds be used for?
The fund will enable the Regiment to provide: Support to the families and dependants of those killed in action by responding promptly to problems of bereavement and hardship. Support to those wounded on operations, particularly those who have had to leave the Army; to assist in finding them new employment and to help them become active family and community members. Support to the families and dependants of those seriously wounded or injured in prolonged recovery situations.
The Trustees will have wide discretion to use the fund to enhance the welfare of Welsh Guardsmen on operations and that of their families at home and to relieve hardship or distress, either generally or individually, of serving or former members of the Regiment as well as to provide grants to any other charity or charitable organisation associated with the Regiment. Furthermore, they will be able to use capital as well as income if they deem it appropriate.
Who are the Trustees?
The current Regimental Charity Trustees.
Aren’t there existing Regimental Charity Funds to meet these needs?
Existing charitable funds are already heavily committed, supporting serving and retired Welsh Guardsmen and other associated individuals with all manner of hardship and distress. In order to meet the anticipated rise in demands on these charitable funds as a result in the increased frequency and intensity of current operations, the Trustees have determined that more funds must be raised.
Does the Fund duplicate the activities of others such as The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, the Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes?
These funds are either Tri-Service or Army-wide and are, in most cases, currently fundraising for major infrastructure projects. However, bearing in mind that the some of their activities may overlap with those of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal, the Trustees are conscious of the need to avoid duplication and will therefore appoint funds according to each individual case.
How will the Fund set about raising money?
Fundraising will initially be on the basis of a year-long campaign finishing in the Autumn of 2010. However, the Fund will remain open thereafter. The Regiment and our friends are the target of the appeal, which distinguishes it from larger-scale public appeals such as SSAFA, The Army Benevolent Fund and ‘Help for Heroes’. A small executive committee will provide focus and coordination from within Regimental Headquarters but the actual fundraising will be largely decentralised to a number of project teams.
What is the role of The Colonel?
The Colonel, HRH The Prince of Wales, has kindly agreed to be the Patron of the Fund Raising Appeal.
Who is the appeal aimed at?
The appeal is aimed at all those who wish to support servicemen who have made sacrifices on behalf of their country.
How can I raise money for the Fund?
There are many ways that you can support this appeal over and above making a donation yourself. A look at the Events page or the Just Giving Welsh Guards page will give you some examples of what others are already doing or you can contact the project office for further help and advice.