Plaid Caerphilly Councillor Steve Skivens (Penyrheol) was recently invited to meet with two veterans who are developing a friendship garden in the Caerphilly area. This is Steve’s report of his visit.
I was recently invited to meet and talk with two veterans who were developing a friendship garden.
They have both used mainly their own funds to create a meeting place for friends and ex service personnel.
I spent a few hours discussing the issues faced by people leaving the forces and some mirror circumstances too the Blue light services.
Often serving personnel are vital in their roles, yet all too often leaving the services with almost a guillotine cut-off.
Distant from friends, colleagues, carrying both physical and mental scars into a strange and uncertain future.
Gone is the camaraderie of their familiar surroundings, purpose in their key role and support with basic leaving needs.
Often some struggle with financial management of households, socialisation of new settings and close relationships with others.
Results can be homelessness, money worries, unhealthy lifestyles and stress on top of injuries carried forth.
Yet the bond which forms the tight cohesive teams of the past is permanent. Reaching out a hand of friendship with people who understand can fill those gaping holes in veterans’ lives.
So, it was an honour to be invited to an informal gathering in the refreshed garden, with a group of veterans and their families.
Banter, stories told, and humour abounded. Yet greater an acceptance of some people’s injuries, personnel limits and needs was evident. What ever background they had previously they had become a unit again. Supporting each other in a friendly way. No officialdom just a hand of friendship.
I congratulate their efforts and hope they can reach out to others in further creation of the friendship garden, and a network of veterans.
I will look forward to my return to see how the story progresses.
Thank you Chris and John.
For more information: WEB: veteranshelpingveterans.co.uk; Email: [email protected]