All of our VCN Peer Mentors have undergone a 40 hours accredited Veteran Peer Mentor Training Program and the two day accredited MHFA England Training. VCN's guiding principle is to 'do no harm', so all Peer Mentors have regular supervision with the Service Director to ensure that their skills remain safe and effective.
To find out more about how the MHFA Training undergone by all VCN employees can help you, please click the button below.
VCN SERVICES DIRECTOR
I founded The Veterans Community Network in 2019 and, as well as the founder member, I am VCN Service Director. I have over 25 years’ experience working in mental health and substance misuse services with both the statutory and third sector providers. Prior to this current role, my last post was working in the NHS as a Service Manager in substance misuse services.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PEER MENTOR
Hello, I'm Sher and until recently I was a Veteran Liaison Officer in Northamptonshire providing assistance to Veterans in my care. Having worked with the Army in both Germany and Cyprus, as well as being an Army wife, has put me in good stead in understanding how military mentality works so that I recognise th
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PEER MENTOR
Hello, I'm Sher and until recently I was a Veteran Liaison Officer in Northamptonshire providing assistance to Veterans in my care. Having worked with the Army in both Germany and Cyprus, as well as being an Army wife, has put me in good stead in understanding how military mentality works so that I recognise the issues that sometime befall Vets when they enter ‘Civvy Street'. In my new role, within the Veteran Community Network, I will continually strive to provide specialist support and champion our Veterans who have served their country.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR
I began working for VCN early in 2021. My grandfather served in the Royal Navy, and my father was in the RAF for 22 years and served in Ascension Island during the Falklands War. I have had first-hand experience of military family life, living in quarters, and moving and changing school each time my father
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR
I began working for VCN early in 2021. My grandfather served in the Royal Navy, and my father was in the RAF for 22 years and served in Ascension Island during the Falklands War. I have had first-hand experience of military family life, living in quarters, and moving and changing school each time my father was posted. I worked for the MOD for 5 years at an Army Reserve centre where I attended drill nights and was actively involved in all aspects of the recruiting process, during which time I gained valuable knowledge about the military family, and working alongside regular and reserve soldiers, I gained an excellent understanding of the transition into, and out of military life. I have worked as Communications Assistant for the EMH group in the East Midlands, where I worked closely with a Special Interest Group of residents to improve communications and to ensure they got the information they needed through the website, annual report to residents, and a quarterly residents magazine. I attended training on Equality and Diversity, and Disability Awareness in order to remove barriers and offer appropriate support to co-workers as well as residents. I have been a Group Leader with the MKU3A, a charity whose aims are to advance the education and personal development of people who have retired, since June 2018. Run by the voluntary efforts of members, who offer opportunities to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups, I run the Food4thought and Music Appreciation groups.
GENERAL MANAGER
I work part time as a self employed member of the VCN team as the General Manager for VCN, working on all the business administration elements to support VCN in the background. I have approximately 10 years experience in a variety of administration roles, a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies and is currently underta
GENERAL MANAGER
I work part time as a self employed member of the VCN team as the General Manager for VCN, working on all the business administration elements to support VCN in the background. I have approximately 10 years experience in a variety of administration roles, a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies and is currently undertaking AAT examinations in Bookkeeping this year in order to provide additional support to VCN in the near future. I have personal experience living with and supporting a Veteran within close family and therefore have an understanding and appreciation for the support and service that VCN offers to Veterans. For queries and further information about VCN, please do not hesitate to contact myself via email: admin@vcn.org.uk
VCN TRUSTEE
Coming from a military background it was natural that I joined the WRAC back in the early seventies, marrying a soldier who served for 22 years and raising two children in the military environment.
Before retirement, I worked for a local NHS organisation and part of my role was Armed Forces Covenant lead which led to the orga
VCN TRUSTEE
Coming from a military background it was natural that I joined the WRAC back in the early seventies, marrying a soldier who served for 22 years and raising two children in the military environment.
Before retirement, I worked for a local NHS organisation and part of my role was Armed Forces Covenant lead which led to the organisation achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
In 2017, I was named as the most inspirational woman in Northampton for my commitment to improving the health and pastoral care of Veterans in the county.
VCN TRUSTEE
Born and bred in Guernsey, there was always a high probability that I would land up working in the finance sector. Fortunately, I have been kept sane over the past 40 years by working with good people who share similar values. Realistic about the demands placed on senior executives and how these can conflict with family commi
VCN TRUSTEE
Born and bred in Guernsey, there was always a high probability that I would land up working in the finance sector. Fortunately, I have been kept sane over the past 40 years by working with good people who share similar values. Realistic about the demands placed on senior executives and how these can conflict with family commitments, I have settled for a quieter life of late and focused on maintaining a healthy work life balance.
I have no direct experience of the forces but I fully appreciate the work that VCN does and am delighted to contribute what administrative assistance I can to the Board of Trustees, staff team and all of VCN's beneficiaries.
After graduating from Leeds University in 1981 I started off a career in finance as a trainee accountant with one of the Big Four accounting practices. I then gained a further qualification as a Company Secretary in 1995. Various senior roles in banking and fund management followed, including stints as company secretary and compliance officer with a range of listed and private equity funds. In 2009 I was awarded a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southampton.
In my spare time, I enjoy dinghy sailing.
VCN TRUSTEE
I have worked in communications for the last 20 years, first with Network Rail before supporting the NHS. I have supported the handling of high profile events such as the Gray Rigg rail disaster, swine flu and most recently COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Although I have no direct experience of the forces I hav
VCN TRUSTEE
I have worked in communications for the last 20 years, first with Network Rail before supporting the NHS. I have supported the handling of high profile events such as the Gray Rigg rail disaster, swine flu and most recently COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Although I have no direct experience of the forces I have worked with veterans and understand the value of the work VCN does to support veterans. I plan to bring my communications experience and expertise to VCN, and hope it makes a small contribution to the organisation.
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis or emergency, you should either call your GP or go to your local A&E department.
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Registered Address: Veterans Community Network | The Cock and Pullet Ltd, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LS
AWARDED ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CENTENARY AWARD 2021