A message from our Chief Trustee - Linda Rudkin
The Rural Veterans Hubs was set up in December 2023 with myself and the local MAST General Practitioners as the GPs had identified that there were health inequalities in the veteran community. I became involved as I am a veteran and my husband is a veteran who is living with combat related PTSD and I was disappointed that there was nothing out here in rural Huddersfield that caters for our veterans.
With the local Anchor support at the Denby Dale Centre two sites were identified where we would have our monthly hubs. One is held on the 1st Tuesday on the month at lunchtime and the other on a Thursday evening so that veterans who work have the opportunity to attend. Outside of these meetings we also arrange socials, coach trips, meals out and walks.
We now have charitable status, and have 6 Trustees who are all happy to support and welcome any veteran to our hubs.
The ethos of these hubs is that no veteran be turned away, the hubs would be run by veterans for veterans and that these hubs would be a place of sanctuary, social activities and support services. We agreed that every veteran who attends the RVH would be treated with dignity and respect.
Should any veteran be having problems we would endeavour to help that veteran and if we were unable to we would signpost that veteran to the best possible help. Our veterans help each other in any way they can.
We have veterans living with combat related PTSD, PTSD, anxiety and depression and physical disabilities, bereavement, loneliness and some veterans who just like to come for the banter and to be with likeminded people. All are welcome.
So what do we do & what have we done?
We have a varied selection of speakers who speak about medical matters, local GP, Advanced Practitioner & Occupational Therapist from Barnsley Hospital.
Visits from representatives from: H4H, RBL, SSAFA, Op Courage, Walking with the Wounded.
We have had speakers on Diving ship wrecks, Metal Detectorist, Commonwealth War Graves, Local MP, Prison service etc.
Trips to the Imperial War Museum, The Arboretum, York Railway Museum Huddersfield Town Stadium visit and regular meals out in the local area.
Craft work, including wood whittling, wreath making for Remembrance and an art class, and have other craft sessions booked in for this year.
Attend Remembrance Services at Kirkburton Church
Gardening: at Denby Dale First School
And last but not least, we have excellent quizzes and not just ordinary quizzes.
We are planning lots more craft sessions, walks, meals out and trips away for this coming year and hope that if there is any veteran who wants to know more or looking to join us then please get in touch at ruralveteranshubs@gmail.com.
Linda Rudkin,
Trustee Rural Veterans Hubs