Local Project Launched To Support Armed Forces
A new project is taking action to support the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in Brampton and beyond.
Today there are 2.5 million veterans living in Britain, with the county of Cumbria home to a higher percentage of Armed Forces veterans than the national average. The project, based at Brampton Community Centre is aiming to bring the local service community back together, and with the RAF Spadeadam site on the doorstep, it is perfectly placed to do so.
Funded by Cumbria County Council and the Armed Forces Covenant, Brampton Community for Forces is hoping to deliver help and support in a number of key areas through small events, drop-in sessions and outreach projects. It will also aim to develop integration between the Armed Forces and the local community and increase awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant.
While most members of the Armed Forces transition successfully into civilian life, around 10 percent will experience some difficulties. The project’s coordinator, Richie Hinson, was one of those in the minority.
Joining the army aged 16, Richie spent eight years in the military police, completing two tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan before leaving in 2009. It wasn’t until two years later that Richie began experiencing symptoms of mild Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, he explained: “Everything seemed to be going okay, I found myself in a job and my family were very supportive, but after a couple of years I started to struggle with PTSD, something I’m still dealing with now.”
When the job to lead a new Armed Forces support project in Cumbria came up, Richie saw an opportunity to increase the support available in for other ex-military people and their families, and to encourage them to access that which was already available. And it has proved to be an invaluable experience for him too, he admitted: “It has made me more aware of the support organisations which are out there. It’s okay to ask for help, you don’t have to wait until you reach crisis point.”
The project is a one-stop shop for people, whether they need direct support or just a brew and a chat, Richie explained: “We’re here to help and support them as best as possible to be able to enjoy life and the opportunities on offer.
“We fully understand that there’s a lot of good Armed Forces support networks out there. We’re in no way trying to take over from anyone, we’re just trying to highlight what is available.”
Events such as weekly coffee mornings, a family parties and Christmas dinner for the forces community have all proved successful and the group worked alongside Tarn Road Nursery to create a community Remembrance garden. Richie organised a Remembrance art and craft exhibition at the centre, which showcased the work of six local schools and saw over 150 through the door.
Now Richie is hoping to develop links with national and local organisations, in order to expand the project which is currently funded for 12 months. He is already in talks with some of the city’s biggest players, having them on board would enable the project to branch out and reach more members of the Armed Forces and their families, bringing them all together.
Richie is just one example of how transitioning into civilian life can be a huge challenge, in a number of ways, for those leaving the Armed Forces. He explained: “The army is a very tightknit community, with the situations that you get yourself into, it’s always important to have someone there but coming into civilian life you don’t necessarily have that one person.”
Projects such as Brampton Community for Forces are vital for recreating that community and common ground which is such an important aspect of life in the Armed Forces. Richie added: Having someone who has been through similar experiences to you is really important, to have someone to talk to and knowing that there is someone to help you.
“You always know when you’re talking to a veteran, you always start sharing experiences, and you can’t help but smile.
Follow ‘Brampton Community for Forces’ on Facebook for updates.
Share It:
