Standing Tall Foundation

Andy’s wars may be over, but his campaigning continues, this time the enemy is social issues and mental health. He has established the Standing Tall Foundation based on ‘lived experience’. Whilst he is proud to have served, he realises that the reasons that lead young people to join the armed forces are not always healthy ones. He is aware of the potentially damaging consequences of carrying personal issues into service only to have them compounded by traumatic events experienced whilst on active duty. Andy was both a young carer and suffered from being dyslexic at school. His following time in the army saw him on peacekeeping missions and frontline service, where eventually he was to encounter an IED which would dramatically change his life forever. This ‘lived experience’ makes him uniquely qualified to understand the pressures and stresses of the people he primarily wishes to help: •Disadvantaged young people such as SEND pupils, Pupil Premium students, Young Carers and Care Leavers. •Veterans. •Vulnerable members of society such as victims of domestic or violence abuse.