VOLUNTEERS are being urged to lend their support to a nationwide collection for Help for Heroes.

Tesco and the charity have joined forces and are asking people to donate their time and help the fundraising effort on June 26 and 27.

The initiative is part of Tesco’s National Collection Weekend and coincides with Armed Forces Day, on June 26.

It will take place at the Tesco Extra store in Highwoods Square.

Tesco and Help for Heroes are encouraging people to show their support to wounded veterans and their families who have been impacted by injury or illness sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

Stuart Dickinson, store manager at Tesco Extra Colchester, said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, we're pleased to be able to launch the National Collection Weekend and support the incredible work of Help for Heroes.

"We hope as many people as possible get involved and take this fun opportunity to reconnect with others, while making a difference supporting those who are wounded or injured as a result of service.

"As always, the health and safety of our colleagues, customers and volunteers is our top priority.

"We will continue to monitor the Government guidance on Covid-19 closely and ensure all the necessary guidelines are followed at the time of the collections."

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Help for Heroes relies on the public for the majority of its funding and saw a loss of approximately 75 per cent to its income from national collections during 2020.

At the same time, during the first lockdown, the charity saw a 33 per cent increase in those coming forward for mental health support compared to the previous year and a 30 per cent increase in referrals to its veterans’ clinical services.

Dean Williams, area fundraising manager at Help for Heroes for Colchester, said: "Volunteers have always been at the very heart of Help for Heroes, championing the cause and helping us raise the vital funds we need to give wounded veterans and their families the support they need for as long as they need it.

"We're delivering our recovery services in the community, online and over the phone so that we can support more veterans than ever, closer to home.

"By volunteering at the Tesco National Collection Weekend, you will be playing a vital role in helping us to ensure we deliver our promise to be here for veterans and families, whenever and wherever they need us."

Tesco and Help for Heroes are asking any willing volunteers to register at h4hweb.com/tesco or contact the Help for Heroes campaigns team on 0300 303 9888 or campaigns@helpforheroes.org.uk