What is your experience in the Regiment?
I have spent 23 years in the Household Cavalry, joining in 1989 and have been carrying out Regimental Duties ever since. Operational tours include Gulf War 1991, Northern Ireland 1993, Iraq in 1995 and 2000 and Afghanistan in 2006 and 2010. I was an operational casualty in 2006 so fully aware of the support required from the Welfare team. Current role is Unit Welfare Office since January 2013 which provides welfare support
Talk me through your day
A day in the Welfare office is reactive and starts on welfare calls and then reacts to any issues, supporting families, soldiers and then signposting to organisations such as Army Welfare Service and the Foundation. We have now started a community engagement project so I am meeting with councils, local schools, which are all part of the army covenant for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. At the moment we are supporting the families of the guys on tour and sending updates to Afghanistan every two weeks.
What is the most challenging part of your role?
Trying to support everyone the best we can, we are unable to deal with everything so ensuring each issue is signposted to the correct organisation.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Seeing the outcome of the support and receiving a thank you
How does your work load changed when the Regiment are deployed to Afghanistan?
Much busier in supporting more families including when guys are injured and reassuring the families that the support is available. Making sure the guys on tour know their families are receiving the support they require.
What are some of the activities you do to support the families whilst the soldiers are on tour?
Legoland, Thorpe Park, Cinema trips and monthly Sunday lunches
Why is having a good Welfare team so important?
Need to reassure the soldiers on tour that whilst they have a vital role on deployment support is available to families and single soldiers who need Regimental support.
How does the HCF help your work?
HCF helps link guys coming back from Theatre and supporting serving guys who are at Headley court or in the recovery process. Remain a Regimental link with soldiers who are discharged and the guys have someone friendly to come to!!
The Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) cares for the soldiers, casualties, veterans, horses and heritage of the British Army’s most senior regiments.
Whether caring for soldiers injured on operations… Read more
Household Cavalry Foundation
HQ Household Cavalry
Horse Guards, Whitehall
London SW1A 2AX
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7839 4858
Email: info@hcavfoundation.org
To report a death please telephone:
+44 (0)1753 965 290
Membership is FREE to all serving members of the Household Cavalry and Life Guards and Blues and Royals Association members.