No Duff recognised for 'outstanding' support for veterans

No Duff UK, based at Reflection Court just outside the town centre, offers a support network for veterans and ex-service members with mental health problems.

Creating a network of more than 250 people who have been through similar experiences, the group offers advice and guidance as well as signposts for further counselling, housing and employment support.

Representing the highest badge of honour for community organisations, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards identifies businesses or charities which offer "outstanding support" to the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

No Duff was one of 156 organisations to be recognised across the country.

Founders of No Duff, Dean Owen and Dave Leigh

Commenting on the award, Dean Owen, founder of No Duff, said: "I am immensely proud of what we as a team have achieved and continue to achieve in all our work and to get this wonderful Armed Forces Covenant Employment Recognition Scheme Gold Award was overwhelming.

"It demonstrates the hard work we as a team have conducted and continue to do so for veterans and others."

No Duff have taken humanitarian aid into Ukraine (Image: No Duff)

In addition to their work locally, No Duff and their volunteers have also been delivering humanitarian aid to refugees in Ukraine, donated by the people of St Helens.

Through a grant from the Veterans Foundation, they have also expanded their services to take veterans and their dependants to appointments, acts of remembrance and days out on a special minibus.

Dean Owen

Dean added: "This would not be achieved without the help of all my team, therapists past and present, but also our members who continue to donate funds to help us exist and continue in our work."

Noting other organisations who have helped the charity on their journey, such as the Wonderland Centre and the St Helens Storage Team, Dean said he is a "very proud" founder of No Duff.