The monthly Veterans’ Hub at Chevrons Living, Fordingbridge’s retirement community is now free to attend after a generous donation of £500 from Ringwood and District Round Table, a Hampshire community group that gives donations to worthy causes.

Formed in 2019, the Ringwood and District Round Table is made up of young men, aged between 18 and 45, with the aim to have fun, make friends and try new things, all the while raising money for charity and getting involved in the local community.

Free of charge to all veterans and their families aged 18 and over, the Veterans’ Hub at Chevrons Living runs from 10 am – 12 pm on the third Thursday of every month. The friendly, informal event strives to provide a safe and positive environment for veterans and their family to socialise, make new friends, and enjoy a bacon or sausage bap cooked by Chevrons Living’s friendly staff.

Chairperson Francis Charlton and committee member Mark Frost, himself a former Marine, were both left hugely impressed by Chevrons’ commitment to the community. They visited the development at the last veterans’ hub to present the cheque to Chevrons Living’s CEO Barry Robbins. They also noted the retirement’s luxurious living spaces, exclusively designed for veterans and former emergency service personnel, and the new bed and breakfast facilities, which recently opened for short-term respite breaks for veterans and caregivers.

Mark said: “Our shared goal is not to become yet another ‘social club,’ but to put back into our community and to inspire others to do the same. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to donate £500 to Chevrons Living on behalf of the Ringwood and District Round Table. This donation will ensure that future Veterans Hubs will continue to be free to attend, making sure this vital service remains accessible to all.”

Barry said: “We are extremely grateful to the Ringwood and District Round Table for its generous donation. Having a Veterans Hub in the local area is extremely important, as it provides a safe and welcoming space for our veterans to come together, share experiences, and support one another.

“This kind of community engagement is invaluable in ensuring that those who have served our country continue to feel recognised and supported. The donation from the Ringwood and District Round Table will help us to expand our services and enhance the quality of our gatherings, making each event more meaningful for our veterans. We are committed to maintaining and growing this vital resource in our community.”

The next Veterans Hub will be held on Thursday, 16th May and there is no need to book ahead. For more information on Chevrons Living, or if you have any questions, please email admin@chevronsliving.com or phone 01425 200428.

Fordingbridge retirement development, Chevrons Living, will be offering free therapy for veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The respite and retirement complex will host Counsellor, Intuitive Life Coach, and Holistic Practitioner, Joanne Sims, who will be providing individual Rewind Therapy (RT) sessions. Sessions will be available twice a month to residents of Chevrons Living who meet the criteria for Rewind therapy.

These consultations will be conducted in a strictly confidential setting, assuring the privacy and comfort of all attendees.

Joanne, who launched her coaching and therapy service, Joanne Sims Wellbeing, in 2019, said: “I’m passionate about providing holistic and a ‘person-centred’ care approach for every person, and strongly believe that wellbeing is for all, no matter the person’s situation.

“By partnering with Chevrons Living in their ongoing commitment to supporting the well-being of veterans, we are pleased to offer these sessions at no cost to them, subject to an initial assessment prior to commencing their treatment. Additionally, the therapy is open to other individuals living with PTSD, for which a fee of £260 for assessment, treatment and follow up session will be applicable.”

Internationally recognised to rapidly treat PTSD, RT has been considered a successful alternative to many exposure therapies, as it does not require the patient to disclose any details of their trauma.

“People have seen great results with RT, as it efficiently helps traumatised individuals to reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that doesn’t require them actually discussing the traumatic incident itself which understandably appeals to many people – that’s why it’s known as closure without disclosure,” said Joanne. ” Most of the time, patients only need two or three sessions, and studies show that they experience a significant decrease in their symptoms on completion of the treatment.”

In the UK, approximately 6.665 million individuals are expected to experience PTSD or Complex PTSD during their lifetime. When reporting accurate figures, PTSD among veterans is challenging to quantify accurately due to underreporting.

However, despite the overall low incidence rate of PTSD at 0.1% (or 1 in 1,000 individuals), studies have identified a significantly elevated risk among military personnel who have been deployed to conflict zones such as Iraq or Afghanistan. Specifically, these veterans face a 70% increased risk of developing PTSD compared to those who have not been deployed.

Those living with PTSD can experience a range of symptoms, often debilitating. The condition can show up as unwanted memories, nightmares, and flashbacks of a traumatic event, making someone feel like it’s happening all over again. It can also lead to strong upset or physical reactions to things that remind them of the trauma, making them avoid certain places and feel very down or disconnected from others.

Barry Robbins, CEO of Chevrons Living said: “We believe that everyone who has served should have the opportunity to live with peace and tranquillity.

“Partnering with Joanne Sims Wellbeing to offer Rewind Trauma Therapy is a pivotal step towards providing the care and support that our servicemen and women deserve. It is just one of the ways we can show gratitude for their contributions, by ensuring they have access to effective treatments for PTSD.”

For more info on the Rewind Therapy at Chevrons Living, please call Joanne on 07470 598600 or email Joanne at admin@joannesimswellbeing.com

Chevrons Living in Fordingbridge has announced it is offering short-term respite breaks for veterans and caregivers across the South-East. The New Forest rental development – designed for active seniors, veterans and former emergency service personnel – is offering 3-, 5- and 7-night stays at a discounted, fixed rate of £100 per night, no matter the day or month.

With breakfast included, the initiative is specifically aimed at providing local caregivers aged 18+ with an opportunity for a much-needed respite, allowing them to recharge in a setting that combines style with comfort. Veterans who are looking for places to stay for short breaks are also very welcome.

Situated at the gateway to the New Forest, Chevrons Living has several designed studios – all with double beds and some with separate living areas. It also has two apartments – one suitable for two people and another that sleeps four.

All the accommodation is en-suite and comes with wardrobes, beds, furniture, and small kitchens or kitchenettes. Guests will also have access to a community ‘hub’ room, with local information and computer access as well as an elegant dining area with an in-house chef. There will be different catering options available from breakfast, half board and full board.

Outside, there are beautifully landscaped community gardens with a barbecue and patio area, while the crown jewel of the development is the stylish Elizabeth Bar. The bar will offer guests of Chevrons Living the chance to socialise or enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

Barry Robbins, CEO of Chevrons Living said: “Veterans and caregivers are the absolute heroes of our society. We are all about respecting and rewarding service at Chevrons Living. Caregivers offer an invaluable role within our communities, and we want to serve those who serve. With this initiative, we are not just offering a place to stay; we are providing a haven where they can find solace and rejuvenation. It’s our way of acknowledging their unwavering dedication and ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve.”

Barry added: “If you’re interested or know someone who might be interested in a short break, please call us on 01425 200 428 or email reservations@chevronsliving.co.uk. We’d love to show you around the development and share what we have to offer.”