Providing support to the veteran community

East Kent Mind’s Veterans Reminiscence Project supports the wellbeing of veterans, reservists and the adult family members of the armed forces.

Veterans living in the Thanet and Canterbury City Council districts of Kent are eligible to join the project, which will initially run for eight weeks. Not all sessions are open to spouses and family members.

Participants will be involved with:

• Ways to wellbeing – informal discussions on improving mental health and reducing anxiety.
• Arts and crafts – building and painting model Aircraft and Hornby tanks and planes.
• Memorabilia – visiting Charlton Football Club Museum.
• Sport – Trying out walking football or bat and trap with the option to join a team and play regularly.
• Participants will have opportunities to record memories of their life experiences which can be used to support the wider veteran community and the next generation.

Sessions will take place from 6pm to 8pm on selected Wednesday nights at Spring Lane Community Centre, Canterbury.

Seating capacity is limited so to book your spot please email simondolby@eastkentmind.org.uk

Barbara Munns, Canterbury City Council Armed Forces Covenant Officer, said: “The project is going to support the health and mental wellbeing of veterans and it’s going to offer them lots of activities, such as model building, sports and arts and crafts. It’s a really exciting project and we’re really happy to be involved with it.”

Tea, coffee and cake will be available for a £1 contribution.

Funding for the pilot project has come from the Kent and Medway Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Fund managed by Kent County Council’s Suicide Prevention Team.

Click on the video below to hear Veterans’ Champions in the Canterbury district talk about East Kent Mind’s new veterans Reminiscence Project