RAF veteran supported to beat addiction

The support of the RAF Association helped an RAF veteran conquer her addiction and turn her life around.

Laura Tapp, 40, joined the RAF in 2002 as a telecommunications intelligence operator. On leaving the RAF in 2009, she struggled to find her place in the world, frequently changing jobs and moving around before settling in Grimsby.

“I struggled with my mental health during my time in the RAF and that carried on after I left. I’ve always struggled with my mental health from a very young age,” said Laura.

Laura had struggled with alcohol for over a decade but continued to move around the country in search of happiness, despite her worsening alcoholism. “I thought I’d get better on my own eventually. Sadly that wasn’t the case – I couldn’t do it in my own,” said Laura.

When she moved to another new town after the COVID pandemic her drinking spiralled out of control. In July 2024, she decided enough was enough and with support from the charity With You, she was offered the opportunity to enter a rehab facility.

Unable to work and forced to give up her flat to enter rehab, Laura reached out to the RAF Association for help.

Laura was supported by Jasmine, one of the Association’s highly-trained caseworkers. “Jasmine has been an absolute godsend. She’s been a pillar of support and like my little guardian angel really. She’s helped me more than she realises,” said Laura.

The Association secured funding from various sources, including the Royal British Legion and the RAF Benevolent Fund that not only cleared the rent arrears on Laura’s previous flat, but also covered the deposit and first month’s rent on a new flat for when she left rehab.

The support provided by the Association meant that Laura could focus on her recovery, safe in the knowledge that she would have a home once she completed rehab, giving her the fresh start she desperately needed.

“Having that breathing space allowed me that opportunity to really find out what it is I really wanted to do and find out what would make me happy,” said Laura. “It was the first time in my life that I felt the freedom to actually figure out who I am.”

Laura has been sober for nearly a year and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a therapist.

Her future is looking bright, but without the help of the Association, it could have been very different.

“If it wasn’t for the support of the Association, I definitely would have ended up on the streets. My addiction would have got worse and to be honest, I’d probably be dead,” said Laura.

“I’ve learnt more about myself in the last year than I have in my entire life. Feeling comfortable and having the courage to reach out, knowing the support was there, was massive for me.”