Supporting Mental Wellbeing

Winter and Christmas are challenging times for those we support.  Many veterans or family members feel isolated, alone and often adrift as others celebrate Christmas and New Year.  The celebrations often feel a mockery to those who live on their own, or who are lost in the dark depths of their minds and thoughts.

Which is why the funds and support that we receive are so vital in providing social support at this time of year.  We aim to provide hope, trust, laughter and companionship in the dark winter months.  We hold national bake offs (always an excuse to promote our cafe hubs and the fabulous work that they do never mind the opportunity to sample more cake!), activities (including coffee and cake) as well as quiz's which have now gone national, where one cafe hub team is pitched against another.  These are becoming increasingly popular with invidual veterans and/or family members pitching in and interacting with each other in ways that they would not normally.  It is amazing what a bit of competition (and discussion about whether or not the answer is really correct (!)) does for confidence, friendship and laughter.

And of course, this all requires mental agility of varying degrees, a huge amount of banter, and most importantly it cuts across all age groups and backgrounds!  They are great fun and is designed to draw even the most isolated individuals into an enjoyable evening.  These quiz's provide bright spots within the dark days of winter, and help those we support come together and dispel some of those darker clouds.

So thank you for all your support and donations this year.  We cannot thank you enough - and on behalf of those whom we support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.