Ex-military from across East Kent have gathered for the inaugural Veterans Recognition Awards.
Six former servicemen and women from Thanet were praised for their support of fellow veterans and the wider community at an event staged by East Kent Mind. The mental health charity is a leading supporter of the veteran community delivering a range of wellbeing support to ex-military, adult family members and reservists.
The awards event incorporated a Veterans Information Fair with a dozen organisations that deliver either professional or social support to ex-military having information stands. This together with a refreshment area provided an informative social space for veterans to meet and chat once the awards element concluded.
Award winners
Richard Morgan set up the Thanet Armed Forces Veterans Hub over two years ago and organises creative activities and trips for veterans. He gave support to a Thanet veteran who was struggling due to the poor mental health of a family member.
As Ramsgate British Legion Club Chairman he played a major part in the refurbishment of the Ramsgate British Legion Club modernising the venue. His work on the Thanet Armed Forces/Civilian Network partnership has been groundbreaking and a shining example of how it ‘should be done’ to Thanet District Council and the Armed Forces Covenant Lead and is likely to be duplicated in other areas.
Colin Powell is Chairman of the Royal Naval Association Ramsgate and a member of the Ramsgate Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club – he is a champion of both organisations. He organises social events and branch meetings for the association and works with the town council to organise the annual Armed Forces Day Parade.
He organises events with the Ramsgate Twinning Association including the recent visit by the Royal Naval Association to Ramsgate’s twin-French town of Conflans Sainte Honorine, which celebrates the festival known as the Pardon, held to honour those who gave their lives in the two World Wars.
David Murray from the Ramsgate Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club is the first one to arrive on most meeting days. He is one of the original founder members of the club since its launch six years ago. David regularly visits a new member of the club who needs help around the house and garden.
Nothing is too much trouble for David – humping round tables briefing organisers on veteran matters he is aware of locally. One example was David raising the issue of the deterioration of local Alms Houses and that many were empty. This information has led to a plan for Thanet Council to modernise the properties to use for veterans and the vulnerable elderly.
Kevin Hobbs was nominated for his exceptional dedication and selflessness as the lead administrator of the Ramsgate Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club.
His warm and sincere welcome to new members, his unwavering open-door policy, and his deep commitment to supporting veterans make him stand out as one of the most kind-hearted and committed volunteers. His collaboration with local organisations and his ability to build strong relationships have further enhanced the support network available to veterans.
Jan Gibbs is a key member of the Ramsgate Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club and provides pastoral care talking to all attendees and paying particular attention to the more elderly or new members, as well as engaging with anyone who may seem quiet and feeling low or isolated.
Jan is a brilliant people person and a brilliant ambassador and club members just love being around her. She has been very supportive to the club’s aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Angie Sutton is retiring from her managerial role at the Veterans Association in Birchington where she has gone above and beyond what was expected and required. She has led from the front to make the Veterans Association Charity a success.
She has a wealth of knowledge and experience which has been key in enabling the centre to help Veterans all across the country with homelessness, employment and many other issues. Angie is an advocate for those that cannot speak for themselves and will make sure that any problems are followed up and sorted out.
Veterans’ Fair
Simon Dolby, East Kent Mind Development Lead, said: “We are delighted this pilot event was so well received by the ex-military community and hope it can grow and develop in the future. I would like to thank the national Veterans Foundation for assisting us.”
Karen Brinkman, Armed Forces Connector at East Kent Mind, said: “The Veterans Information Fair and Recognition Awards aim to bring together veterans and their families with organisations that provide vital information on available help and services. Held at the historic St Peter’s Anglican Church in Canterbury, this event not only celebrates the invaluable contributions of veterans within their communities but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support.
“As the East Kent Mind Armed Forces Connector for the past six months, I have witnessed veterans who had previously not engaged with such events attend and discover additional facilities available to them. By connecting veterans with the resources they need and recognising their continued dedication, we hope to strengthen the ex-military community, ensure people know where to find help, and make sure no one feels alone in their journey.”
The organisations taking information stands were: RAF Benevolent Fund, Spring Lane Veteran Hub, One You Kent – NHS, RBLI lifeworks, Ramsgate Armed Forces & Veterans breakfast club, DWP, Refer Kent, East Kent Mind, Ramsgate British Legion, Walking with the Wounded.
To find out more visit www.eastkentmind.org.uk/veterans
