Veterans from mental health trust take their Remembrance messages out to the community
Veterans from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) had the chance to talk to students about the importance of Remembrance Sunday this week (Wednesday 6 November).
Wayne Ward, from NSFT’s Veterans Integrated Service, was visiting West Suffolk College with veteran service users in the lead-up to the national commemoration on Sunday of those who lost their lives in active service.
They were asked to go along by the Royal British Legion and Wayne said they had received a warm welcome, with the whole college turning out to talk to him and the veterans.
Veterans were also planning to attend events at Norwich City Football Club on 9 November and attending the Cenotaph in London on 10 and 11 November.
Wayne, who served in The Royal Anglian Regiment, said Remembrance Sunday always meant a lot to him and his colleagues.
“Remembrance Sunday and all events associated with this time of year allow me the public space to show my respect alongside my brothers and sisters who have served. I proudly wear my medals and beret every year.
“I come from a strong military family and also remember my family members who have served. Good men and women have given their lives and still serve so we can live in freedom and pay our respects to our forbearers.”
NSFT works closely with veterans to shape its services and was recently presented with a silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
The scheme awards bronze, silver and gold accreditations to organisations which demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community and align values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The award was received at a ceremony at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, by Vicki Bailey, Veterans Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Veterans Integrated Service.
She said: “It was an honour to receive this award on behalf of the service. We are always trying to break down any barriers we have with veterans by encouraging them to contact veterans in our team.”
Chief nurse Anthony Deery said it was great that young people were interested in finding out about the importance of Remembrance Day.
“We are proud of our work with veterans and feel honoured that our service users and staff are sharing their experiences with the wider community to make us a safer, kinder and better organisation.”
Below are comments from the veterans who attended West Suffolk College event about what Remembrance means to them:
Tim Davies (WO2 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment)
“To remember my fellow Vikings killed in both Aden & Northern Ireland.”
John Flowers (Sub LT Royal Navy)
“To remember all my fellow Servicemen and Woman who died during The Falkands War”
Clive Springett (Pte 6th Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment)
“An opportunity to reflect and give thanks to all those who fell during all campaigns and pay respects to everyone who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Clayton Edwards ( Pte 6th Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment)
“Remembrance reminds me of all my colleagues and friends that have served alongside me in The Royal Anglian Regiment and for those who fought in conflict and never returned home.”
Eddie Stoker (WO2 Army Catering Corps / Royal logistic Corps)
“I remember all my colleagues I have served with during my time in the forces and reflect about the camaraderie.”