How does our Armed Forces support impact people?

AFC Fylde Community Foundation offer a variety of support for Armed Forces Veterans and Kevin Williams, who served for over 35 years in Germany, very kindly opened up about how these different methods have helped him.

Our Armed Forces Co-ordinator, Lee Geraghty, has organised four monthly group events, providing plenty of opportunities for people to get out of the house, socialise with like-minded people and keep both mentally and physically active.

These groups vary from breakfast clubs at Toby Carvery Salters Wharf and Mill Farm's Aroma Cafe, a NAAFI break and a Walk and Talk at Fairhaven Lake.

Lee also runs a weekly football session available to all levels of ability whilst arranging friendlies and tournaments throughout the year to keep the Veterans in touch with their competitive side.

Now that he's retired and "rapidly approaching 68", Kevin decided it would be a great time to begin attending our group sessions, stating: "The breakfast clubs + other activities are excellent opportunities to be keep up to date on various topics and make friends with fellow Veterans."

However, Kevin believes the one-to-one support Lee provides his participants with is "even more important" and really helps him cope with life after the forces.

"The regular phone calls and personal visits by Lee are so important when it comes day-to-day problems, no matter what they may be", said the 67-year-old.

Offering individual support is a huge part of Lee's daily work load, ensuring his participants are feeling okay and being an ever-present figure for them who understands the difficulties of post-military life and how best to manage it.

Kevin went onto say the main reason he has benefitted from the Foundation's support is "knowing that I can call Lee anytime and also the friends I have made, who have all come from the same military background as I, is amazing.

"I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Lee and the rest of the team who work tirelessly to make our lives easier."

Lee said that "working with Kevin has been a pleasure and knowing that our support has had a big impact helping him make new friends."

If either yourself or someone you know is a former or current member of the Armed Forces, please do not hesitate to get in touch via: lee.geraghty@afcfylde.co.uk or attend any of the above sessions.