It does what it says – but what does that mean? Their mission is to put one veteran in front of another – to end the social isolation that so many veterans feel when they leave the ‘family’ they have known and lived among for so many years. Social isolation is a predominant factor in poor mental health and suicide in Armed Forces Veterans. For some, it is a chance to reminisce, but for others it is a lifeline. AFVBCs allow veterans to stay connected to their military psyche, be part of the family they lost, ending any isolation they feel so that leavers do not feel cast adrift in a world they have not experienced.
In France there are currently seven of these clubs. Three of these have joined forces to organise an event on Saturday 24th June for Armed Forces Day.
At this event, AFVBC are kindly raising funds for Cancer Support France – because we are a cause close to their hearts as they are, or should be, to ours. Therewill be a chance for us to explain our work on our own stand. However, to run the stand we need volunteers – an hour or two hours would make such a difference as there is currently only one person available.
The AFVBC branches concerned cover the areas of Aquitaine, Charente and Dordogne, so this could be used as an opportunity for local Associations to find new volunteers and supporters at this event and to get our message out to a wider audience.
If you could help on the day, please contact our President through her email address on our ‘Contact Us‘ page on the website.
Sue Smith – June 2023