The Royal British Legion (RBL) has launched its annual Poppy Appeal in aid of Britain's veterans.
As part of this year's appeal, a spotlight is being shone on efforts to rebuild the lives of struggling Armed Forces personnel.
At any given moment, more than 7,000 members of the military community are being helped by the RBL, and given expert advice and practical support.
This year, the appeal, launched in London this morning, is aiming to raise more than £50million.
Lucy Inskip, the RBL's Poppy Appeal director, said: "Every day, ex-service personnel and their families come to the Royal British Legion for support when they become overwhelmed with issues including addiction, debt, homelessness, PTSD and relationship breakdowns.
"When something goes wrong, the RBL is there to help rebuild lives and provide members of the armed forces community with the support they need to create a better future."
Other issues faced by veterans include the lasting impact of a training accident, the loss of a friend, or battlefield trauma.
Ms Inskip described the appeal, which was founded in 1921 and takes place every year, as something which "brings the nation together and helps us raise vital funds needed to support the armed forces community".
PICTURED: Seamus, the Irish Guards mascot during the 2024 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal at Victoria Station
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The RBL is Britain's largest Armed Forces charity, and donations enable it to respond in ways tailored to veterans' specific needs and circumstances.
It is understood that a number of veterans and their families will share their personal stories, and how the RBL helped them to overcome their struggles, during the launch in central London on Thursday.
In 2024, the Poppy Appeal raised £51.4million, £1.1million more than the previous year.
Some 30 million poppies were purchased as well as more than 12,500 wreaths.
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PICTURED: Rachel Reeves meeting members of the armed forces during last year's Poppy Appeal
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From 2023 to 2024, the RBL supported more than 22,000 people through welfare difficulties and offered aid, companionship and dignity to 781 residents in care their care homes.
In addition to this, £2.3million was spent on mobility needs and £1.5million was given in urgent grants for securing essentials such as food and clothing.
In 2024, the RBL supported 21 veterans to travel to Normandy for the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
One veteran, John, credits the RBL with saving his life after he became suicidal.
He said: "The turnaround in my life has been phenomenal, almost miraculous the way I am now, and I put most of that down to the RBL."