Andy Reid launches foundation to support mental health of NHS and care workers

The war veteran, who was honoured with an MBE last year, is creating the Standing Tall Foundation after bringing forward plans to set up the charity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Andy, who lives in Rainford, is one of St Helens' most recognisable faces and his story of rebuilding his life after stepping on a pressure plate Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in 2009 has motivated many people facing their own challenges in life.

Working alongside St Helens businessman John Tabern, the ex-soldier recently set up the Andy Reid Standing Tall CIC but the pair decided that the need for support "is of such an urgent nature that it warrants pushing the go button ahead of time".

Andy was serving with the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment when he suffered the injuries

As of today (Monday, April 20) the foundation will be operational and immediately offering mental health support to the NHS and care homes staff across St Helens and Knowsley.

As result of the explosion in 2009, Andy, who was serving with the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, lost his right leg below the knee, left leg above the knee, and right arm.

He credits doctors and nurses in the UK for helping him rebuild his life.

He said: “I know only too well how amazing our local NHS and care staff are.

"I simply wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the complete dedication of the NHS team that helped me though the tough times when I was injured."

Andy has been working with the Manchester-based Leon House Clinic over the last three years, offering a range of support services to hundreds of military veterans throughout the North West.

Standing tall at a medal ceremony after learning to walk again

As a continuation of this work, the Standing Tall Foundation will work closely with Leon House to offer free mental health support for any NHS and care worker in St Helens and Knowsley who may be struggling at this time or in the months to come.

To comply with current government lockdown instructions, this support service will be delivered online via Zoom by leading trauma counsellors from across the UK.

Andy added: “I’ve been fortunate to be able to quickly put in place some funding from local companies who are also keen to do their bit at this time, but ideally I’d love the free mental health support to be a permanent feature for local St Helens people”.

This local emphasis is a key element of the foundation, says Andy, who added: “We have many adverse social issues within St Helens, not helped by central Government underfunding the council must grapple with on an annual basis.

Andy has inspired people across St Helens

"I believe my foundation can complement and be in a position to help the many agencies and charities already working hard within the borough."

The foundation’s aim is to establish a base within the town to operate and provide its services from.

Andy added: “JT (John Tabern) has had early stage discussions with St Helens Council about the work I want to do in the town and we will see what happens, but I have no doubt that those in the NHS and care service who are serving us all so well now, will need lots of support for many years to come."

The foundation's horizons will not be limited to serving St Helens.

Andy added: “The foundation will grow and in time we see it serving a far greater region of the North West and perhaps even nationally, but the emphasis will always be about local people and local interventions."

For further details on The Standing Tall Foundation and how to access the Mental Health support contact: John Tabern CEO the Standing Tall Foundation on 07882540998 or john@standingtallfoundation.org.uk