PUBLIC AWARENESS OF UK VETERANS' CHARITIES

Since the First World War, veterans' charities have played an important role in the provision of health and welfare services for former military personnel and their families. With the recent Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, the number of charities for veterans in the UK has grown rapidly, leading to concerns about quality, co-ordination of services and potential competition for public recognition and voluntary financial donations. This article uses data from the 2011 British Social Attitudes survey to measure levels of familiarity with veterans' charities amongst the British public; knowledge of individual veterans' charities; and purchases of poppies for the annual Poppy Appeal. On this basis, it suggests areas where veterans' charities may wish to improve public engagement and knowledge.