A new collaboration from Oldham Athletic will support the mental health of veterans through free, weekly sessions.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between Oldham Athletic Community Trust, Oldham Athletic Veterans and Armed Forces Supporters Group, and Oldham Athletic Football Club.
The Brass and Blue Minds scheme has been launched ahead of the annual Remembrance Tie and will be available to those within the local community with a military or blue lights background.
Support will be available through free, weekly sessions which will be an open forum for shared experiences where individuals can discuss their challenges and victories in a safe, supportive environment with others who have similar backgrounds.
The project will be led by Oldham Athletic Veterans & Armed Forces Supporters Group founders Garry Brown, Mentor Level 2 Qualification, volunteer with SSAFA mentoring and coaching service personnel transitioning from military roles back to civilian life, and Steve Johnson, Ex RAF Tornado ground crew and Trained Mental Health First Aider.
Sessions will be held at Boundary Park every week starting on Tuesday, November 19, 7-8pm, but will be postponed if they fall on an OAFC home fixture.
Martin Vose, OACT head of community, commented: “We are delighted to be working with our key partners to establish this brand new community initiative, which we hope will provide a difference to those within the military/emergency services community who daily face traumatic situations.
"Over the past two seasons, we have formed a strong and positive relationship with Garry, Steve and the Oldham Athletic Veterans & Armed Forces Supporters Group and I am looking forward to building on this and developing our support to military veterans further through this new project”
Garry Brown, session lead, said: " Having served in Northern Ireland and Operation Granby, I can fully appreciate the emotions that can be stirred up by service.
"The RAF Regiment was a close unit given its size and small number of squadrons.
"Although my squadron tour of the Gulf ended in late 1990 before the conflict started in Feb 1991, Pre-war preparations were in full swing in securing bases, and perimeters and protecting fighter jets, fully equipped to be called upon and deployed at any time.
"Saying goodbye to your family and not knowing what lies ahead is something that I deeply appreciate having experienced myself.
"This new project ‘Brass and Blue’ is to extend our current hospitality to Veterans, Armed Forces and Blue Light Services within the club.
"Offering respite every week over a brew and a biscuit amongst friends, have a game of pool, darts or just enjoy the company.”
Steve Johnson, session co-lead, added: “This is an incredibly important project and fortifies what we try to achieve daily within our roles in the group.
"I have served not only on Operational tours with the Royal Air Force but also on the RAF's Aircraft Salvage & Recovery Flight.
"As you can imagine, there's little that can prepare you for the sights and experiences you come across in those roles, and even in my civilian occupation, the aftereffects of serious accidents and suicides are a regular task that I'm required to carry out.
"As a Mental Health First Aider, including my inevitable battles with deterioration of Mental Health due to the roles mentioned above, I believe I can bring another skill level to the project and help so many people within the community that will use the facility."
Tony Dawson, a military veteran, said: “As a veteran, I’ve witnessed the weight that memories from armed conflict can stay with you long after service.
"Initiatives like Brass & Blue Minds remind us that we don’t have to carry that weight alone.
"Brass & Blue Minds is more than a support group; it’s a place where we can share the highs, the lows, and everything in between with others who truly understand.
"Oldham Athletic is building a space for us to find strength in each other, and that can make all the difference. We are incredibly grateful."
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