Newsletter
September 2022
BEHIND THE SCENES
TEAM TRP IS GROWING
We're very excited to announce that we've just hired three new members of staff.

We can't wait to welcome them to the team, and look forward to introducing them to you next month!
... AND CONSTANTLY LEARNING
As a remote-working team, we always love an opportunity to get together in person. This month, we used the time to work on developing our skills, by having Misty, our Marketing & Communications Officer, provide social media training. Keep an eye on our socials, to see if we put our new-found talents to use!
This month, we've also had incredible conversations with incredible people:

  • Kerry Gospel, Armed Forces Covenant Lead at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Hannah Snart and Kelly Major from We Are With You, an addiction support service for the Armed Forces community
  • Simone Francoise Reid, Assistant Regimental Adjutant at The Coldstream Guards Association

Thank you to each of you for taking the time to talk to us, and we very much look forward to working with you in the future.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Thank you to William Patrick Porter at Thames Valley Partnership, who joined us to deliver domestic abuse training to members of our network.

This month we were joined by representatives of Combat Stress, Recruit For Spouses, Unit Welfare Offices, Defence Gardens Scheme, Shropshire Council and NHS, and we thank you all for your attendance.

We have a limited number of places available for our next session, taking place on Thursday 13th October (1pm - 2.30pm).

If your organisation would be interested in attending, please email [email protected]
CAREER PURSUIT 2022
This month, our members were given the opportunity not only to be recognised, but to be heard, thanks to Helen Massy and the team behind Career Pursuit magazine.

Caring for a physically or psychologically injured loved one can be a demanding role in itself, and that’s before the added pressure of finding - or maintaining - employment.

Read the full article to find out what our members had to say, and to hear about the support that we can offer you:
MEMBERS' EVENTS: COMING UP
Dan Arnold | Veteran and PTSD Sufferer

Having worked in the veteran support arena and now the NHS, Dan Arnold has hosted talks internationally on trauma and PTSD.

Dan will be using his own lived experience to provide first hand knowledge and experience on coping with PTSD, and how best to support a loved one with their PTSD.
Dr Anouk Houdijk – DClinPsych, BSc (Hons)

As a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist from Op COURAGE, Dr Anouk Houdijk specialises in veteran trauma recovery.

Anouk will be joining us to offer her professional advice on how best to support a loved one experiencing mental health concerns.
Monthly Members' Meet Ups
Our virtual meet ups give members a chance to connect face to face, without the pressure of having to make alternative care arrangements or travel plans. The calls are relaxed and informal, and members can drop in at any point during the call. There's no pressure to stay for the full hour - just grab a brew, and pop in when you can.
Tuesday 18th October | 8pm - 9pm
Wednesday 16th November | 8pm - 9pm
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
With all of our regional WhatsApp groups now up and running, we're on the lookout for members who would like to become Volunteer Regional Coordinators.
This role will mainly involve keeping the groups active and sharing relevant information, and all Coordinators will be closely supported by the team. If you would be interested in volunteering for the role, or if you would like to discuss it in more detail, then please pop us an email and we’ll be in touch.
KNOCK ON THE DOOR: YOU'RE INVITED
We are very much looking forward to joining Shell Shock Media and Northern Hub for Veteran and Military Families Research next month, to explore how bereaved military families are notified - and subsequently cared for - following death in military service.

The talented team who brought us 'Shell Shock' have now drawn on research published in the Knock on the Door Study to produce a contemporary pilot drama, and everyone is invited to attend the first public reading.


Date: Tuesday 11th October
Timings: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Location: Victory Services Club, London
This preview reading of 'Knock on the Door' will be followed by a panel discussion with audience participation, hosted by Prof Matt Kiernan and Dr Gill McGill from Northumbria University, and including representation from:

The Ripple Pond
War Widows Association
SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity
Cruse Bereavement Support

We look forward to seeing you there, and please do spread the word amongst your networks.
LITTLE TROOPERS THERAPY PROGRAMME
Little Troopers is about to launch a brand new Therapy Programme in England, to support the mental health and wellbeing of Forces children.

The tri-service Little Troopers Therapy Programme, delivered in collaboration with The Owl Therapy Centre, will offer a number of free one-to-one psychotherapy sessions and community therapy groups for those who feel particularly impacted by the challenges that military life can bring.

Families will also be able to learn how to better support their children at home, via an on-demand session available to parents.

The video and referral forms will be available on the Little Troopers website from 1st October 2022.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Operations Manager
Member Support Officer
Service Delivery & Development Officer
Marketing & Communications Officer
Our office hours are 9.30am - 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The Ripple Pond is proud to be supported by the following funders:
Registered Charity Number 1161224 | Scottish Charity Number SC046402