The Sandbag Times Issue No: 50

SBT NEWSDESK
SBT NEWSDESK
With Jim Wilde
Greetings
folks, and welcome
to the
festive season.
Is it me,
or has this year
been cut in half. I
can't remember time
passing so quickly. The staff
here at the magazine have managed to cram so much into this
year, it's hard trying to remember all the stuff we had to deal
with.
There have been some highs, and some lows, but we have
managed to keep the ship afloat. Pablo and Jane have had
their hands full with organising the relocation of the "Tommy
Atkins Centre", and all the logistics and infrastructure that
entails. Along with that, the Rewind Trauma Therapy operation
is getting under way, and by the time you read this we hope to
have a steady flow of veterans, keen to meet Dr Muss and be
helped by the fantastic opportunity that his system affords.
On the media front, we have managed to setup and successfully
broadcast interviews and podcasts to support the magazine. A
few teething problems posed issues in the beginning, but after
plenty of practice, and some willing volunteers, we have managed
to iron out the creases, and we have a very strong following,
and plenty of support for the new venture. Now that the
system is tried and tested, the plan is to take the show out on
the road, and meet plenty of our readers, and discuss "up close
and personal" the issues of the day. There is plenty of choice for
topics, from Brexit (if we really need to go there) and how it will
affect the military community. Also, the Veterans Strategy is
being rolled out. Some of you may have already received the
Survey for completion. It is an opportunity to "have your say",
and give feedback on what you think should be involved in the
process. This is definitely a topic that will run and run.
During the month of November, there was (and still is), a presence
at the Combat Stress centre (Audley Court) in Newport,
Shropshire. Gus Hales, a 62 year old Falklands Veteran, has
been trying to find out why he was discharged from their
care....on his doorstep, with no explanation, and no care package
to follow up. The talks still continue, with little progress
being made at this time. The story has made the press, and
also ITV and Sky News. It would appear, that the only resolution
in Mr hales opinion is for a full Public Inquiry into the systemic
failings of the organisation. A camp has been setup behind the
centre, resembling something like a military camp location....
remember those.....(shudder). It has sleeping accommodation,"pan
bash" area, cooks tent, and log burners for those that
are supporting the cause. It has been there three weeks now,
and could be there until Christmas if no solution or compromise
is found. Check out the "Minds At War" page on Facebook to
get the latest from "Stormin'" Norman McGuigan, how has been
instrumental in getting this subject noticed. Normans live broadcasts
keep folks up to date on events at Audley Court at regular
intervals.
The continuing rise in suicide figures still gives cause for concern.
At the time of writing, we have lost 64 of our fellow brothers
and sisters through Mental Illness, and PTSD related issues.
51 of those are veterans, with 13 serving. On the upside, there
appears to be a lot of activity around social media on ways to
address the issues. Icarus Online, are a small organisation that
run courses to train people up on its "Immediate Care
Practitioner" courses run by David Bellamy and Simon Maryan,
with great success. This coupled with the Rewind Therapy soon
to kick in, should be a welcome resource for those looking for
help.
I would like to say a big thank-you to Jeff Williams from
"Veterans United Against Suicide" for having the forsight and
commitment to setup the site, and give those in despair and
darkness, a small ray of hope to cling on to. Also my thanks to
Sarah Wells, Jules Bowley, Mia and Jen for supporting us
through quite a traumatic time. It means everything to the guys
out there.
Also, a big shout out to Davey Robb and his wife Bex for their
selfless commitment to helping the homeless in their area. Dave
is in the process of organising a system with ASDA at
Donnington Wood, Telford whereby folks that want to donate
items, and cant get into town, or just want to but something for
the homeless, can arrange it so that you can log on to ASDA in
Donnington Wood, and buy some items.....select the "Click and
Collect" option and pay.....and Davey and Bex will arrange to
pick the items up, and distribute them to the homeless.
Everything from sleeping bags, tampons, soap, shampoo, knickers,
socks......anything you would like to donate. Go find Davey
Robb on Facebook, and get the lowdown.... what a great idea at
this time of year!
Thats about it for this festive issue from me. As always, you can
catch me online on my daily broadcasts, or on my Facebook
Page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1647037391992638/.
Also, drop me a line at Jim@Sandbagtimes.com with any
images/topics you would like included in a future issue.
Have a great Christmas and New Year, and remember those that
are not so fortunate. It takes just a minute to check on someone,
and it may be all that is needed to make the recipient feel a
sense of worth and friendship.
Until the next issue, stay safe, and look after each other.
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