Fresh Air, Fresh Starts – Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Look After Yourself

There’s something about spring that nudges us to take action. The weather picks up, the days get longer, and suddenly, things feel a little lighter. For many veterans, it’s a natural time to press pause, reset, and take stock of where you are – especially when it comes to your health, finances, and connections.

Whether you’ve been out of the Forces for 5 years or 25, this time of year is a great opportunity to do a bit of mental admin – and to ask yourself a few honest questions.

1. “Does My Pension Actually Make Sense?”

Spring’s a classic time for sorting paperwork – but for many ex-service personnel, military pensions still feel like a maze of numbers, jargon, and dashed expectations.

• Were you advised to transfer your Armed Forces Pension into a private scheme?

• Were the risks explained to you?

• Do you feel worse off financially than you should be?

If you’ve ever had a niggling doubt about how your pension was handled – or if your statement just doesn’t seem to add up – it’s worth having a chat with someone who can help you make sense of it.

2. “Why Is Everyone Talking So Quietly All of a Sudden?”

With warmer weather comes garden parties, events, family meet-ups… and noise. If your hearing’s taken a knock over the years – maybe from live firing exercises, engine rooms, aircraft hangars or heavy kit – you might find these environments increasingly frustrating.

Signs to look out for:

• Feeling left out of conversations at noisy gatherings

• TV volume creeping up

• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)

• Pretending to hear instead of constantly asking people to repeat themselves

You’re not alone – hearing loss is one of the most common service-related injuries, and many veterans don’t realise they’re entitled to support, or even compensation.

3. “Am I Still Keeping in Touch?”

This time of year can feel bittersweet. While many people are out and about, it’s not uncommon for veterans to feel quietly disconnected. After service, routines and roles change – and sometimes, so does your circle.

That’s why veterans’ groups matter. Even a low-key meet-up with a brew and a few laughs can have a huge impact.

• No pressure, no judgment

• Just people who get it, without you needing to explain yourself

• A chance to hear about support available – or just have a moan about civvy life

If you’ve drifted a bit lately, consider this your gentle nudge to show up again – even if it’s just for the biscuit tin.

4. “What’s One Small Thing I Can Do This Week?”

You don’t need a full five-point life plan. You just need to take one small step.

• Glance at your pension paperwork

• Book a hearing test

• Message a mate you’ve not seen in a while

• Pop into a local group or coffee morning

• Call or email us with a question you’ve been sitting on for too long

Every small action is a big one when it moves you forward.

We’re Not Here to Pester. We’re Here When You’re Ready.

At Justice4Heroes, we work with trusted legal experts to support veterans who were:

• Mis-sold or poorly advised on military pensions

• Left with hearing loss or tinnitus due to their service

• Unsure whether they’re eligible for anything – but want to find out

No pressure. No upfront fees. Just answers from people who respect your service – and want to help make this next chapter a little bit smoother.

📞 Call us on: 0800 776 5622 📩 Email: [email protected] 🌍 Visit: justice4heroes.org

This spring don’t just look after your garden or your garage. Look after yourself. You’ve earned it.