Representatives from the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust inclusion team attended the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the City Centre on Saturday.
The event celebrated Armed Forces Week with our staff present to promote the Armed Forces and Veterans sessions we offer.
We are incredibly proud of providing continuous support to ex-servicemen and women in Cumbria.
The CST were rewarded for their work with Veterans at the beginning of June, achieving the Ministry of Defence Silver Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Regular Wednesday morning and Thursday evening sessions alongside a monthly breakfast meeting have proved increasingly popular, providing opportunities for Veterans to meet up with like-minded individuals while reminiscing about their time in the Forces.
Life after serving can be especially challenging for ex-servicemen and women.
Adapting back to regular civilisation is a stark contrast to life in the Forces, which can lead to social isolation, feeling a lack of purpose and the struggle to replicate the close comradeship implemented during active service.
The Armed Forces and Veterans Club officially launched in March 2022, ticking off a long-term goal for the CST, and the group has blossomed as an outlet for members to combat any negative effects of leaving the Forces.
In November 2023, the CST expanded their work with the Veteran Community by adding another session on a Thursday, meaning the group could meet twice a week.
The meetings allow the Vets to combine their two passions in Carlisle United and the Armed Forces, while having the opportunity to take part in fitness sessions or excursions to the likes of Watchtree Nature Reserve or the Cinema.
Dawn Harker is one of the individuals who frequently benefit from the Vets sessions.
Harker began her service career at an early age, joining the Women's Royal Army Corps in 1980, shortly after her 18th Birthday.
She trained as a Stewardess, learning how to serve royalty, high-ranking officers and ordinary members of the public, who may have attended events such as Wimbledon or Trooping the Colour.
In 2021, Harker and her husband moved to Carlisle, where she joined the weekly Vets meetings while supporting the Armed Forces Covenant Group at meetings within the council and is an active member of the Royal British Legion.
Speaking on the impact of the group, Harker said: "Becoming a member of the Veteran's group at CUFC has been a great experience.
"I feel that the camaraderie between those who attend is amazing as the Veterans are from all 'Services' and all walks of life, and we get on well together.
"The Wednesday mornings are fun from a keep-fit point of view, and the Thursday afternoon social brings everyone together for a catch-up and a chat."
Community Director of Governance, Safeguarding and EDI, Teresa Mulholland, added: "Carlisle United Community Sports Trust are truly honoured to provide sessions for our Armed Forces Veteran Community.
"Our staff love organising the sessions and listening to their truly inspirational stories, and we have built up a great rapport with our participants."
If anyone would like to attend the CST Veterans sessions, please email Ryan.Godderidge@carlisleunitedcst.co.uk or Teresa.Mulholland@carlisleunitedcst.co.uk for further information.
