Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are occasions dedicated to honouring members of the armed forces, especially those who have lost their lives in service. This day is not only about commemorating fallen soldiers but also about recognising the ongoing contributions of the armed forces and veterans and the importance of community support for those who have served.
In Gloucestershire, the significance of this day is heightened by the participation of local veterans and organisations like the Gloucestershire Carers Hub. One notable volunteer from the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, is a veteran of The Royal Green Jackets and 2 Rifles, who has served in Iraq twice, as well as in Northern Ireland and Kosovo. Our volunteer will be laying a wreath on behalf of Gloucestershire Carers Hub.
The Gloucestershire Carers Hub supports Carers from the armed forces and veteran community, offering resources and assistance to those who have served or are serving along with their families. With a dedicated Armed Forces and Veteran Community Lead, they ensure that veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. If you are part of this community or are supporting someone who is, reaching out to the Gloucestershire Carers Hub can provide valuable assistance and connection.
As we observe Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, let us take a moment to reflect.
If you are supporting someone call 0300 111 9000, email carers@peopleplus.co.uk or visit www.gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk
PeoplePlus Supports Poppies to Paddington
This morning, on Armistice Day (11 November, 2024) at 8:31 AM, Joe, one of our dedicated volunteers from the Gloucestershire Carers Hub, placed a poppy wreath from PeoplePlus at Stroud train station as part of the ‘Poppies to Paddington’ event. Now in its fifth year, Poppies to Paddington, organised in collaboration with The Veterans Charity, featured ten Great Western Railway (GWR) services carrying hundreds of wreaths from communities across the network. Upon arrival in London, these wreaths were laid at the war memorial in Paddington Station ahead of a Service of Remembrance, honoring those who served.
Joe, who served for 12 years in the Armed Forces, was joined by other former service members placing wreaths on behalf of various organisations, including the Royal British Legion. Joe’s own military career began in the Royal Green Jackets, which later became part of the Rifles, and he was deployed to Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Iraq twice. During his second tour in Iraq, he was seriously injured by an IED, which led to his medical discharge. This experience has deeply influenced his volunteer work, as his family suddenly found themselves taking on caring roles during his recovery.
Now, Joe gives back to the community by volunteering with the Gloucestershire Carers Hub. “Volunteering for the Carers Hub allows me to give back. Without my family, especially my wife, being my Carer, I wouldn’t have been able to progress in my ongoing healing process and deal with the implications of my injury,” Joe shared.
We are immensely proud to honor and support those who have served and continue to serve. We are also currently renewing our pledges for the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming our commitment to veterans and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made not only by service members but also by their families.