THE founder of a military support group has said the morale of veterans in north Essex is “on the floor” after the US pulled out of Afghanistan and the Taliban seized control.

Alongside husband Jamie, Sharon Robinson, from Mistley, established the North Essex Veterans’ Support Group to help ex-forces personnel within the region.

She was inspired to take action after claiming she went to “hell and back” to get Jamie support for his PTSD after serving in the forces.

Now she says veterans’ morale has been hit hard after the all the sacrifice made in Afghanistan seems to have been wiped away.

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Former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell also said all the good which had been achieved by military personnel in Afghanistan had been thrown away by the West’s decision to withdraw.

Mrs Robinson said her husband had not received the support he needed when he was struggling and she fears for the veterans now.

“We went to hell and back trying to get him help and I thought about how many other people would be going through the exact same thing.

“To be brutally honest, a lot of ex-forces personnel are committing suicide and hiding behind their walls.

“There was a significant shortfall in support for ex-forces in the area and we wanted to try and give civilians an awareness of what PTSD is.

“Jamie and I thought we need to do something and quick, so the support group was born.”

The group, which launched in May, quickly became a community.

Now, Mrs Robinson said there has been a huge wave of people needing support following takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.

“We’ve seen loads of people coming forward it’s crazy. The morale of the guys in our area is absolutely on the floor,” she added.

“It shouldn’t be; they’ve done so much. It’s not just those who served in Afghanistan who are suffering but their families too. It’s like history is repeating itself and they’re having to relive those memories of it all starting 20 years ago.

“It’s heartbreaking, those who have lost family members and comrades are all feeling it. They’re thinking what a waste.

“There are people who have put their lives on the line to protect us, to educate us. They’ve done so much out there in the field.

“We just need to ensure those who need support now get it, and that’s what we’re here for.”

The group is now looking for a building to be donated for its use.

Anyone wanting to speak to Mrs Robinson can email sharonrobinson163@yahoo.com.