The transition from serving in the UK’s Armed Forces to civilian life presents multiple challenges. With little support on the ‘outside’, Veterans who are already struggling with mental ill health or PTSD often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope. With a pandemic and cost of living rises, there is an even bigger problem.
Outside The Wire is a specialist Veteran service from The Matthew Project, and offers a lifeline for Armed Forces veterans, current serving personnel and their families, across East Anglia. It is run mainly by Veterans.
From 2-3pm on Sunday 23rd April, Outside The Wire is hosting a Veteran Service of Reflection at St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich. The service offers an opportunity for current and ex-servicemen and women, along with their families, to give thanks to those who gave everything, and to demonstrate to those who remain their combined support for their future, whatever that may be.
The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady Dannatt MBE, will be accompanied by her husband Lord Richard Dannatt GCB, CBE, MC, DL. Lord Richard, a retired senior British Army officer, member of the House of Lords and Chief of the General Staff (head of the Army) from 2006 to 2009, when asked about his thoughts on this occasion said;
“The service on 23rd April will not only provide a moment for reflection but also a coming together of many of those in this county and region who have served our country together. Service in the Armed Forces forges a special bond amongst those who have served our Sovereign and the people of the United Kingdom in uniform. Please join us as we celebrate our Service for God, King and Country”.
There will also be uniformed representation from the Army, RAF and Navy and a bugler for the last post. Standards from across the military will be on display, with refreshments available afterwards. The service will be live streamed into care homes across the county and is expected to be well attended.
Pictured here are veterans from the North Norfolk and Norwich Veteran Support groups, and staff from Outside the Wire, on a recent trip to the WW1 battlefields of Ypres, Belgium.
For further information please contact [email protected]