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New breakfast club begins for city's veterans

Sarah Wakefieldin Bradford
News imageBBC Fiona is smiling and is wearing a black dress with white flowers on it. She has short blond hair in a bob style and is standing in front of a tea and snack window, selling hot drinks and toast. There are Union flags in the background along with a man with grey hair, grey t-shirt and a cup of tea who is looking at the camera.BBC
Fiona Mattison, from the trust, wants to provide a welcoming space for veterans to build friendships

Veterans and armed forces personnel in Bradford are hoping to build friendships and access support at a newly launched breakfast club.

Organised by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the first of the monthly gatherings took place in the Horton Wing at St Luke's Hospital on Friday.

Fiona Mattison, veterans lead at the trust, said the club offered an important chance for those who had served, or were still serving, to talk openly.

She added: "There's an old saying - nobody knows a veteran like a veteran and it's a very interesting niche group of people and a safe space."

News imageChristine is smiling and had blond hair in a bob which stops just below her chin. She is wearing a gold necklace and a black top which has little red and white spots on it. Behind her a few people standing an talking.
Christine James said she wanted everybody to feel welcome at veteran social events

The trust explained the event aimed to "bring together members of the armed forces community in an informal and friendly environment, offering an opportunity to meet others with shared experiences, build new connections and learn about support services available locally".

It is also open to reservists and military family members as well, the trust said.

Veteran Christine James was among those who attended.

The 67-year-old from Bradford said: "I did used go to another veteran's group and lets say, as a transgender woman, that I was not always made to feel welcome by some other veterans, but those attitudes have begun to change.

"Everybody should feel welcome to come along to these events and the organiser of this club has made it very clear that everybody should feel welcome."

News imageDouglas is smiling at the camera and is wearing a white shirt which is open at the collar and has short grey hair. He is sat in front of pink flowery wallpaper, a green plant and a wooden bench.
Douglas Morrison used to serve in the Royal Mechanical Engineers

Widower Douglas Morrison, 66, said he enjoyed the chance to meet up with other people for some company.

"Everybody is welcome, whether you've served one day in the forces or whether you have served 40 years," he said.

The trust was recently re-accredited as Veteran Aware, recognising its ongoing commitment to supporting former and current service personnel.

It first achieved accreditation in 2023 from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance - an NHS-led programme that helps healthcare providers better understand and support members of the armed forces community.

Coun Chris Howlett, Bradford Council's armed forces champion, said: "As word gets about, we will hopefully get more and more coming to this event.

"Once you build up a relationship, veterans have more confidence to come to you with issues."

The breakfast club will be held every last Friday of the month on the Horton Wing of St Luke's Hospital.

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