Through Nigel’s 35 years of Naval Service with 20 years at sea, we gain insight into life onboard ship, how ‘you’re never alone but sometimes it can be quite lonely’ – social isolation resonating with many of us today. We hear how the Royal Navy provided a real sense of purpose and how routine and discipline learned in training still helps years later.
Nigel shares with us his memories of active Service in the Falklands in 1982, having had to abandon ship and deal with ‘survivor’s guilt’. We learn that this life-changing experience gave him a sense of perspective that reminds him today that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and despite Lockdown, the old ship’s crew of HMS Ardent has used technology to remember their 22 fallen shipmates.
Now CEO of Agamemnon Housing Association, provider of sheltered accommodation primarily for military Veterans and their partners; Nigel explains the challenges of Lockdown and how, by staff and residents adapting so quickly to changes in operations, the virus has not breached the properties. With most residents being over 70, many with underlying health conditions and shielding letters, the challenges continue, as does the hard work of Agamemnon in addressing issues of social isolation and loneliness while the residents’ usual programme of social activities are on Lockdown.
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This podcast is supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
If you’re a member of the Armed Forces community and need support with your mental health, Op Courage can help.
Or you could phone the Combat Stress Helpline on: 0800 138 1619
Company of Makers exists to support veterans and their families who are struggling on civvy street no matter how long ago they left the armed forces.
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