Colin J.Eastaway BSc Hons

So the BBC aired SAS catching the criminals again this morning, we then spent the rest of day answering calls and emails to veterans chatting away. While some veterans requested support for multiple things, some very kind people wanted to donate to our cause. Thank you to everyone who supports the work we do. The BBC program staring Bill Billingham was actually first aired 18 months ago, how time fly’s hey. The battle is still on going for many veterans in the U.K and also for the grass roots organisations like the Block helping veterans in their region. Although we feel we have achieved a lot of success in the region the last few years , there is still a lot of change needed nationally to protect veterans and service leavers. Since January 5th 2026 we have received 74 referrals for homeless veterans and those at immediate risk of homelessness on Merseyside. These numbers are incredibly high for a small organisation and small tea like ours not receiving recognised funding for this work. Our collaborative work with Liverpool city council and the local authorities across the region has been life changing for many veterans, the fact we have that support and our voice is heard and acknowledged means veterans and vulnerable ex service People are getting the support they deserve. Our organisation is run by veterans not businesses, we would much prefer it if the number was 0. To us every referral has a name, a service number, a story to tell, many have mental health difficulties, families or friends that care about them, while veterans are cast to the street on Merseyside it’s the Block they go to for support but organisations like the Block need more support. It’s about time more was done, it’s about time those large organisations receiving the millions for veteran homelessness done more. The more I see these issues happening everyday and the more I see veterans being let down time and time again, I try desperately to hold on to the bit little faith I have left: YES CHANGE IS COMING, BUT WHERE AND WHEN? ! theblockaff.org

Prepare to move. 23 years ago today we ( 1Para BattleGroup) crossed the boarder into Iraq 🇮🇶. Enduring freedom they named it first then an Invasion second. As we crossed the Kuwaiti boarder on 20th March 2003 into southern Iraq our vehicles were chased by civilians on foot who shouted at us “No Sadam, No Sadam” . One young boy around 12 or 13 years old run over to my soft skin Landrover shortly after we crossed the boarder, he then spat on paper and posted it to window while sprinting alongside my vehicle, it was Iraq Dina (Money) note which pictured Sadam Husain as all Iraqi currency did back then, I carried it with me until I got home, I still have the note. The rest as they say is history. “What manner of men are these who wear the maroon beret? They are firstly all volunteers, and are then toughened by hard physical training. As a result they have that infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from physical well being. They have jumped from the air and by doing so have conquered fear. Their duty lies in the van of the battle: they are proud of this honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things, whether it be skill in battle or smartness in the execution of all peace time duties. They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in attack. They are, in fact, men apart – every man an Emperor.” RIP all of the souls who perished in this war. Total British Deaths: 179. Hostile Action: 136 deaths. Non-Combat Action: 43 deaths. Injuries: Approximately 3,500 UK personnel were wounded, with around 2,000 requiring medical evacuation. Hidden wounds: Unknown Those lost to suicide as a result of PTSD: Unknown Most Dangerous Year: 2007 (69 deaths). Cause of Deaths: 75 soldiers (42%) were killed by explosive devices (IEDs), while 41 (23%) died from gunshots Iraqi fatalities are estimated over 200,000 people perished during the war from 2003 onwards.

I had a very interesting meeting this afternoon with the Valour research team operating on behalf of Office for Veterans' Affairs . I was pleased to give my opinions on the new proposed Valour .gov website, I was also asked to explain in detail what we do at @BlockCic on a day to day basis and what barriers we face nationally or locally if any. Of course, I said it exactly as it is. @VeteransGovUK

669 Platoon passed out of Catterick just a few days after the 9/11 attacks, there was only one thing on our minds: War The 669th Parachute regiment platoon since Sir Winston Churchill called for an airborne infantry battalion, forged from war, designed to arrive at the cutting edge of the battle. UTRINQUE PARATUS. RIP Olly and to those still battling keep fighting though my phone is always on.

My wife 02/03/2026 #Liverpool #stGeorgeshall

To help fund the @BlockCic Armed forces foundation current operations we are holding a sleep out at the famous Bomed out church in Liverpool. Planning is still underway for the event but the date is set: 10th of April 2026. As well as participating in a sleep out we would like to hold a feed the homeless station during the evening of event on the bombed our church steps, dependant on volunteer staff and funding. All veterans and volunteers are welcome to join us at the event but you must register at support@theblockaff.org we now ask for you share this post and support us via the Just giving page anyway you can. ⬇️⬇️YOU CAN DONATE HERE ⬇️⬇️ justgiving.com/page/blockbomb…

The Block support centre is open to the Armed Forces Community Monday - Friday 10am to 5pm. Supporting the Armed Forces & Veteran community with: Mental health support Housing & Homelessnes Benefits support Social care services Training & Employment And much more

Weekend trip to the Emerald Ireland, invited to what is going to be a beautiful wedding. It’s true what they say that all scousers bloodline began here 🇮🇪

@Veteran_MC @Keir_Starmer A lot of veterans still don’t have an opinion on politics or if they do they keep it to them selves. There’s also a time and a place and that’s not it. It’s not a good look.

Veterans F**king hate you @Keir_Starmer . I F**king hate you.

We got hammered by the wind and rain today, so had to finish early. Good efforts by the team though and great to get out & chat with the public. Support for the Armed Forces in this city. We can’t do what we do without the support of the public. Thank you Liverpool

Kirkby Knowsley Veterans Pop Up Hub. Every Wednesday at Tower-hill community centre. Supporting veteran in the Community. * Mental Health & Well-being * Housing Support * Welfare & Emotional Support * Addiction & Recovery * Training & Employment * Brews & Banter

We are proud to announce that we have agreed a new corporate sponsorship with E&L LEGAL. E&L Legal, specialise in providing high-quality legal representation in both the Criminal and Military Justice Systems. Welcome to the Team E&L LEGAL ellegal.co.uk

Any volunteers available in Kirkby this Wednesday for an hour or two give me a shout. The Block – Kirkby is launching a pop-up hub at Towerhill Community Centre, Ebony Way, Kirkby L33 1XT. Wednesdays 2pm. support@theblockaff.org

The Block – Kirkby is launching a pop-up hub at Towerhill Community Centre, Ebony Way, Kirkby L33 1XT. The hub offers direct access to professional referrals for mental health, addiction, housing, employment & welfare support for veterans. Wednesdays 2pm. support@theblockaff.org

I’ll be heading up this years rememberance collections on church street Liverpool. We will be raising money for homesless veterans & mental health support. Big thank you to Liverpool City council for choosing The Block Armed Forces Foundation @BlockCic Volunteers needed.

We need to see more knife Arches in schools and public events. #Protection #KnifeArch #security beesafer.co.uk/portable-knife…

We want to thank the wider Armed Forces Community for the kind supportive messages and emails that have been coming into the office after @TinaMalone23 & our Founder Colin appeared on yesterday’s Good Morning Britain show. #Ptsd #Veterans #Support #Armedforces

The Blocks Safeguarding and LCR housing manager joined John Simms from Nugent Care at Bootle town hall yesterday, we are delighted that Sefton council have approved this planning permission. liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

@TinaMalone23 - donation page for ‘Paul’s Flame’ @GMB justgiving.com/crowdfunding/n…

Actress Tina Malone is calling for more support for veterans after her husband Paul took his own life last year. Paul served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland during his ten years in the army.