Rock2Recovery, a UK charity that provides support to serving and previous members of the armed forces and emergency services and their families, has announced the launch of a branch in Jersey.
Rock2Recovery Jersey (R2RJ) will bring together serving members of the armed forces, veterans and 999 communities and assist and coach them if they are suffering from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder related to their time in service.
R2R’s mission is to save lives by reaching out to distressed veterans and their families, providing free and confidential coaching sessions that are aimed at preventative interventions and assistance.
Over the past five years, the UK-based charity has held an average of 19 sessions per week in Jersey and has now set up a permanent presence in the island.
Lee Madden, who served in the British Army and as a police officer in Jersey and UK, is the Chair of Rock2Recovery Jersey. Lee said: “We often read about serving personnel, veterans and members of the blue light emergency services who have sadly taken their own lives because they’ve not felt able to reach out and talk about the issues they are facing. Life is stressful enough on its own but living with the aftermath of trauma witnessed while serving in our armed forces and emergency services adds extra pressure and stress and can become a vicious cycle. In our experience, reaching out and making the necessary changes to get back on track can make all the difference for those who are suffering and there is clearly a need in Jersey for a charity like this to continue its valuable work.”
The support group, which is actively seeking sponsorship in Jersey to fund its services, is assisting 158 people in the island including members of the police, fire and ambulance services.
Lee, who attended an insight event with the charity at the Ministry of Defence in London last week, added: “Many of us who have served and have experienced our own struggles will know that it’s easy to put off getting help. Having a permanent presence in Jersey means that our veterans and 999 community will have dedicated help for when they need it most. Rock2Recovery Jersey’s approach is fast and reactive and, with the help of our friends at the UK charity, we want to make the process of getting help quick and simple for the people we help.”
Pictured: Left to right – Lee Madden, Jason Fox and Charlie Hobson
