A LIFE-CHANGING group aimed at supporting armed forces members past and present is inviting people to attend its next meeting.
The Cumnock Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club is a way of supporting those who have served in the forces in re-adjusting to 'normal' life and sharing their stories and experiences with those who have lived similar experiences.
Having served in the armed forces for 24 years, Barbara Goudie-Bradford decided to set up the Cumnock group, which has now been running for seven years.
The group most recently met on Saturday, June 28 and meet on the last Saturday of every month at the 1906 at 10am.
Their recent meeting coincided with Armed Forces Day, with an open invitation for anyone who served in the forces to join in on the next meet-up.
Barbara said: "The club was formed in 2018 by myself, using the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs network for guidance and support.
"I had left the military in 2015 after 24 years of service and struggled to adjust to civilian life.
"My mental health was at an all-time low and I felt socially isolated having left a vibrant, busy life and found myself struggling to ‘fit’ in my new surroundings.
"So, I asked myself what the soldier in me would do. The answer was they would try to fix the problem rather than complain about it.
"I had recently volunteered to fundraise for Help for Heroes and whilst speaking to the public and fellow veterans, it became apparent there was nothing in our area for veterans or serving personnel to meet socially."
Having previously attended a veterans breakfast club in Irvine, Barbara then decided to set up a group nearer to home.
Barbara added: "So, I linked in with the network of Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs and we are now in our seventh year.
"All serving members and their family are welcome to attend, the only criteria to join is having served at least one day in HM armed forces.
"We have a Facebook page for the club and we invite new members to join and come to the monthly event if they are able.
"Some of our members don’t drive but we car share where possible. There are no fees, everyone simply pays for their own food.
"I would like to thank all serving personnel and veterans for their service and even if they only connect with us online, to let them know we are here to help, listen and laugh as necessary because it’s important to know we are seen even when we try to remain invisible."
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