About

On 14 July 2008, while serving in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, Ranger Andy Allen was severely injured by a Taliban improvised explosive device (IED). The moment that changed his life forever was later featured in the BAFTA-winning documentary Wounded, which followed his long and difficult road to recovery.

 

But Andy’s story didn’t end there. Through conversations with veterans across Northern Ireland, it became clear that many were struggling to access the support they needed. Using the platform created by the documentary, Andy joined forces with other former service personnel to take action.

 

In June 2011, Andy Allen Veterans Support was founded — built by veterans, for veterans, working to ensure no one is left behind.

 

What began around a kitchen table grew into a small office, and then into one of Northern Ireland’s first dedicated drop-in, treatment and training centres, based just off the Crumlin Road in Belfast. Over the years, the organisation’s services have expanded significantly — from practical support and advocacy to mental health provision, respite, and peer engagement.

 

Today, AAVS provides a wide range of services, including:

 

•    One-to-one welfare support with housing, benefits, pensions, and appeals

 

•    Professional counselling and trauma support, tailored to the needs of veterans and their families. This is delivered through a dedicated network of counsellors across Northern Ireland — all of whom have either served themselves or have close family members who have, bringing lived experience and genuine understanding to the support they offer

 

•    Drop-in space and breakfast clubs to foster connection and peer support

 

•    Respite breaks for individuals and families needing time away

 

•    Training opportunities and personal development programmes