Latest news from our team at We R Blighty!
- We R Blighty
Big news for our community! We R Blighty is thrilled to announce our recent partnership with Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT). As a newly minted Community Research Partner, we are stepping into a significant role that underscores our commitment to improving mental health services and support across Kent and Medway.
Why This Matters
KMPT has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive adult mental health and learning disability services, serving a local population of 1.8 million. Their dedication to delivering exceptional care is a mission we share deeply at We R Blighty. Through this partnership, we aim to contribute our bit towards enhancing the mental well-being of our community, leveraging KMPT’s research-driven approach to service improvement.
Insights from Nat Farley, Research Community Involvement Facilitator at KMPT
We R Blighty: KMPT R&I Salutes You!
“In January of this year, I had the great privilege of meeting Sam, a veteran who is supported by a Community Interest Company, We R Blighty – an organisation not only supporting veterans, but founded by a veteran, Ben Mills. Sam spoke about the positive difference We R Blighty have made to his life. This has included providing him with a boat, docked in a marina, that he can call home as well as finding employment and regaining some of his self-worth. Sam explained that the mental health of veterans often goes unsupported due to the lack of awareness among professionals in recognising the challenges veterans face when leaving the forces. It can be re-traumatising for veterans to have to constantly recount their experiences to someone on ‘Civvy Street’; a thought echoed by other veterans.
Inspired by Sam’s story, I contacted We R Blighty, spoke with Ben and was delighted when him and his colleague, Jo, agreed to a signing a Community Partnership Pledge with the Research and Innovation Department at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT). Working with We R Blighty means that we can further empower veterans and affect positive change within mental health research and services.
KMPT Research and Innovation are proud to be Community Partners with We R Blighty and will be collaborating on events and projects to help raise awareness of the organisation and the mental health of veterans. KMPT Research and Innovation and We R Blighty are looking to hold a ‘DIY SOS: Boat event’ to refurbish two boats that will help prevent more veterans from spending another night on the street.
The partnership between KMPT Research and Innovation and We R Blighty will not only continue to help save the lives of veterans, but through our joint research we can help more veterans feel physically and mentally safe.”
Nat Farley, Research Community Involvement Facilitator at KMPT
Get Involved
This partnership opens new avenues for our members to engage in meaningful mental health research projects and initiatives. It’s more than a collaboration; it’s a call to action for those who wish to make a difference in mental health care.
For more information about our exciting new journey with KMPT, visit Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.
Together, let’s pave the way towards a brighter, healthier future.
