JJ Chalmers Joins Forces with Veterans Railcard

• Over half of Veterans say that they would like to spend more time with the armed forces community

• Over a third of young veterans aged 16 to 24 believe that there are not many opportunities for ex-servicemen and women to get together

• Former Royal Marine Commando, JJ Chalmers, is joining forces with Veterans Railcard to encourage ex-servicemen and women to nurture their connections within the Veterans community

• Two fifths of Veterans are already using their Railcard to visit their community around the country, while saving 1/3 off rail travel

9 November 2023, London: New research polling over 5,000 Armed Forces Veterans found that the majority (58%) of Veterans would like to spend more time with their fellow ex-servicemen and women, proving just how important it is to nurture these connections once they have left the forces.  Sadly, nearly one third (29%) of the community that was surveyed reported seeing those they had served with just once a year and even more shockingly, nearly a tenth (9%) reported that they never see those they once served with. 

As we look to show gratitude to those who have served our country ahead of Remembrance Sunday, Railcard.co.uk is shining a light on the importance of community amongst HM Armed Forces Veterans. 

Previous statistics from the Royal British Legion have shown that Veterans struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation: 

• Exiting the armed forces caused 50% of Veterans to feel lonely or isolated

• 1 in 4 armed forces Veterans feel lonely or socially isolated “always” or “often”

These feelings can negatively impact both mental and physical health, with this study bringing attention to the importance of combating loneliness amongst this community

Highlighting the difficulties that the Veteran community face when trying to get together, research by Railcard.co.uk revealed that most Veterans acknowledged that they now live all over the country (50%) and a quarter (25%) said that they have lost touch over the years. Over a third (33%) of younger Veterans, aged 16 to 24 responded to say that there are not many opportunities for ex-servicemen and women to get together. 

However, over two fifths (42%) of Vets use their Railcard to visit their community, and with 65% enjoying travelling by train, the Veterans Railcard is perfect to help stay connected whilst saving money.

JJ Chalmers shares his experience of leaving the military and highlights the importance of nurturing these relationships.

See what JJ has to say:

He continues, “It is imperative that we wholeheartedly embrace our exceptional community, fostering a sense of togetherness, and ensuring these invaluable connections last. Embarking on train journeys with the Veterans Railcard not only allows us to visit those living further afield, at a discounted price, but also offers an opportunity to enjoy each other's company whilst on the train, effectively maximising our time together.”

Railcard.co.uk wants to ensure Veterans can travel and stay connected, by reminding those in the Veterans community to take advantage of the savings that can be made with a Veteran’s Railcard. Veterans who have already taken advantage of the Railcard offer are reaping the benefits, with 99% reporting that they view the card’s benefits positively. Advantages include feeling less isolated knowing they can travel by train (15%), saving money (95%), enjoying travelling by train (65%) and being able to travel further afield to see family and friends (57%). 

With a well-connected rail network, Veterans can visit their communities in towns, villages and cities across the country by train, more easily and quickly, with 39% of Veterans polled acknowledging that the train was a quicker mode of transport for them.

The Veterans Railcard offers ex-servicemen and women the opportunity to visit their community around the country, with up to 1/3 off rail travel for the Railcard holder and 1 named companion, as well as 60% off for up to 4 children when travelling together.

Whether travelling alone to see ex-comrades or travelling with family, at just £30 you’ll have made back the cost in just a few trips.