Soldiers sleeping rough on Worthing streets

Vince Muckley, 46, has been sleeping rough in Worthing for a couple of weeks and in that time says he has come across many other homeless people in the town who claim to be ex-servicemen.

In one day, Vince said he came across seven other men, ranging from their 20s to mid-50s.

This week, Vince said he felt "let down" and said something needed to be done to help rectify the situation.

"I have fought for the country but tonight I will be lying on the streets," he said. "This is the first time I have been on the streets.

"I have walked through this town from 5am until 8pm - I look like a real scum-bag."

Civilian life

However, he added: "I swore allegiance to the Queen and I still believe that even now."

Vince, a self-confessed alcoholic, said he felt one of the big problems for many ex-service people was adjusting to everyday life after living a very structured existence.

"For the majority of people, they are not prepared for civilian life," he said. "I really do feel let down. They have not untrained me."

Vince joined The Royal Sussex, Queen's Regiment, straight after he left boarding school - following the footsteps of both his parents.

His career saw him travelling the world on various peacekeeping duties before leaving five years ago.

A father of six children, ranging from aged five to 29, he admits pride has stopped him from approaching his children to ask for help.

He said: "It is a hard thing. Could you actually walk up to your children and say can I stay at yours as the beach is getting a bit cold tonight?"

Veterans Aid

Vince has been in contact with the Veterans' Association who he says are doing their bit to help him.

Chief executive of Veterans Aid, Dr Hugh Milroy, said it was difficult to judge how many homeless people were ex-service due to a high number of false claims.

However, he said ex-servicemen were in the lucky position of having many charities available to help them - more so than other rough sleepers.

Worthing Churches Homeless Projects has said it works with 450 homeless people every year - 10 per cent of whom are ex-servicemen.

The charity has said it has found many ex-servicemen do not become homeless immediately on leaving the services, but sometime later.

Sue Stevens from the charity said: "Some struggle with civilian life, being used to having everything provided for them and not having to worry about paying bills, cooking or budgeting."

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