A most interesting discussion. I was astounded to hear that 600 people in Medway have been lost as a result of suicide over the past 2 years. I wonder what % between different age groups.
I was very interested to hear about the idea of making Medway Shelters more multi-purpose, introducing activities which, among other things, could be beneficial to mental health.
I am the Welfare Officer of the Medway Branch of the Royal Engineers Association. We have monthly meetings in the WO's & Sgt's Mess at 1RSME (Brompton Barracks) on the first Friday evening of the month, unless otherwise specified. We also have the Veteran's Hub at Mid Kent College (next door to the RE Museum) every Monday morning from 09:30 hours until 12:30 hours, where veterans can enjoy a bite to eat, tea or coffee and lots of banter. And on Friday mornings at the same venue, we have Models for Heroes, making military models and dioramas which focuses minds and relieves such things as PTSD and other mental issues. And there are various Veteran's Breakfast Clubs on Saturday mornings in such places as The Queen's Head, Wigmore; The Mast & Rigging in Chatham (both on the first Saturday of the month) as well as every other Thursday morning, 0900 hours to 11:00 hours at the Dargate Bowls Club, Hoo.
Other than the REA in barracks, all the other venues/activities are open to veterans from all Branches of the Armed Forces (as well as 'Blue Light' veterans and currently employed), together with spouses/partners.
With the Medway Towns being the Home of the Corps of Royal Engineers, there are a great many Sapper veterans within our local population, some suffering with PTSD or simply missing the comradeship they knew and experienced during their military service who are quite unaware of these venues/activities which could be of immense benefit and pleasure to them, not forgetting the many Matelot veterans who served in the Royal Navy and decided to settle in Medway.
It could be very helpful if Medway Council, possibly through Medway Matters could bring this to the attention of Medway's veterans, possibly improving the lot of many.
A most interesting discussion. I was astounded to hear that 600 people in Medway have been lost as a result of suicide over the past 2 years. I wonder what % between different age groups.
I was very interested to hear about the idea of making Medway Shelters more multi-purpose, introducing activities which, among other things, could be beneficial to mental health.
I am the Welfare Officer of the Medway Branch of the Royal Engineers Association. We have monthly meetings in the WO's & Sgt's Mess at 1RSME (Brompton Barracks) on the first Friday evening of the month, unless otherwise specified. We also have the Veteran's Hub at Mid Kent College (next door to the RE Museum) every Monday morning from 09:30 hours until 12:30 hours, where veterans can enjoy a bite to eat, tea or coffee and lots of banter. And on Friday mornings at the same venue, we have Models for Heroes, making military models and dioramas which focuses minds and relieves such things as PTSD and other mental issues. And there are various Veteran's Breakfast Clubs on Saturday mornings in such places as The Queen's Head, Wigmore; The Mast & Rigging in Chatham (both on the first Saturday of the month) as well as every other Thursday morning, 0900 hours to 11:00 hours at the Dargate Bowls Club, Hoo.
Other than the REA in barracks, all the other venues/activities are open to veterans from all Branches of the Armed Forces (as well as 'Blue Light' veterans and currently employed), together with spouses/partners.
With the Medway Towns being the Home of the Corps of Royal Engineers, there are a great many Sapper veterans within our local population, some suffering with PTSD or simply missing the comradeship they knew and experienced during their military service who are quite unaware of these venues/activities which could be of immense benefit and pleasure to them, not forgetting the many Matelot veterans who served in the Royal Navy and decided to settle in Medway.
It could be very helpful if Medway Council, possibly through Medway Matters could bring this to the attention of Medway's veterans, possibly improving the lot of many.
Kindest REgards,
Tony Jeacock MInstRE
Liberal Democrat
Welfare Officer REA (Medway Branch)
SSAFA Caseworker (South East)
ajjeacock@aol.com