What is Vector24’s mission?
“We provide transport and support to veterans, serving personnel, or family members, so they can access medical appointments, mental health and welfare services, or reconnect with their community. We find it’s transport barriers that stops many people getting to their appointments. The work of the charity is more than just transport, it provides a trusted, safe and reliable connection to the support systems that people need. We make sure they don’t face these challenges alone.
“We can go into an appointment with them and we can advocate for them if needs be.”
What will the Motability Foundation grant help to fund?
“The grant helped us purchase two new bespoke Suzuki S Cross SUVs, specifically to support veterans with mental health needs. They have panoramic roofs to reduce nausea, motion sickness and to make the car feel more open. The funding also allowed us to change to a more holistic approach for clients rather than a fast reactive service we had previously. For example, we can now support people through alcohol or drug rehabilitation before they go into mental health treatment. It’s all about that initial support to get back into the community.
“Our vehicles before the grant were unsuitable, large, multi-seat vehicles that weren't conducive for people suffering from mental health issues. We also have a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).”
How did you get involved in the charity?
“I joined just over three years ago. I got medically discharged with post–traumatic stress disorder after serving 15 years in the RAF, and I was deployed five times to Afghanistan as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot. I understand anxiety and the mental health implications.
“I picked up injured personnel from the battlefield and now through the charity, I’m continuing that second part of their journey.”
How do you recruit volunteers?
“Many of our specially trained volunteers were our service users in the beginning and they then became part of the team. For a lot of our volunteers, helping others gives them a sense of purpose to get up in the morning.
“We’re always on the lookout for volunteer outreach support drivers with their own cars. We welcome people with disabilities, physical and non–physical, because it allows them to relate to the people we support. Some of our volunteers have Motability Scheme cars.
“Being relatable is the reason why many get involved because it’s really inspiring to see the difference we can make, and what we want to do for the people that need us. The long–term aim is to give volunteers a gateway back into employment.”
In what other ways does having specialist transport help?
“It’s that early rapport building and trust. Our clients may not necessarily look forward to their appointment, but they look forward to the trip with a friendly, smiley, outreach support volunteer. That’s the premise of our charity.”
Do you cover all branches of the armed services?
“Yes, it doesn’t matter which branch of the forces, they’re all covered. We also support merchant navy and seafarers. Since 2016, Vector24 (formerly known as Fares4Free) has provided over 30,000 journeys to veterans, serving personnel, and their families.”
What training do your volunteers receive?
“All our staff and volunteers do formal mental health first aid training with Mental Health England, and we’ve all completed our suicide assist prevention training. We also have external Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) approved training providers that come in and do a one-day course, before everybody hits the road. Things like de–escalation techniques, manual handling, people handling, driver awareness and loan working are covered. We have a comprehensive package, which also helps upskill and develop people as volunteers, so they get a lot back in return.”
How can readers contact the charity?
“Because we support all veteran charities in Scotland, we’re embedded within the Scottish government and all the other partnerships and collaborations. A lot of our referrals come from partner agencies, such as the Defence Medical Welfare Service, Help for Heroes and Legion Scotland. We’re just servicing Scotland for now, but we have ambitions to become nationwide.
“We’re in a unique position as the only veteran’s transportation charity, and work with more than 60 partner charities and organisations. If they need transport, they phone us. You can also self–refer via a 24/7 online booking form on our website or by calling 0141 266 6000.”
