Millway House Supports Battle Buddies Project for the Veterans

Andy Barker started Battle Buddies at Millway House. He used to be a staff sergeant in the Army nursing corps. This plan connects residents to military personnel. The residents either served or have links to the military. Battle Buddies links them with current or former military staff. The project provides friendship and support to residents.

It lets them remember good times in the armed forces. Andy started it after helping a friend with cancer. His friend had served in the military too. Andy created the plan. He didn’t want others to face that alone.

“Battle buddies” means partners in the military. They support each other during tough times. Andy wants to support veterans in the community. Andy contacted care homes near Tidworth.

Sarah Holland saw the benefits for Millway House residents. Sarah coordinates activities and wellbeing there. Andy went to Millway House in December. He wished residents a happy Christmas. Andy promised to return for a coffee morning later.

He came back with two other service members. Ben Jones has served 22 years in the Royal Engineers. Natasha Day has served 10 years as a paramedic. Sarah said everyone enjoyed talking about military links.

Millway House has eleven veterans living there now. They served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Others were in the Women’s Land Army. Stories from the past were shared. New friendships started.

Andy plans regular coffee mornings for the residents. He will connect veterans with their old units. He wants to expand Battle Buddies later. He needs to fully launch the pilot at Millway House first. He said Battle Buddies links veterans together.

It also connects them with serving people. Veterans can then maintain military connections. This is important for their support.