Veterans Supporting Veterans
dr gill le page
dr gill le page
dr gill le page
VCN SERVICES DIRECTOR
I founded The Veterans Community Network in 2019 and, as well as the founder member, I am VCN Service Director. I have over 25 years’ experience working in mental health and substance misuse services with both the statutory and third sector providers. Prior to this current role, my last post was working in the NHS as a Service Manager in substance misuse services.
SHER GEORGE
dr gill le page
dr gill le page
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PEER MENTOR
Hello, I'm Sher and until recently I was a Veteran Liaison Officer in Northamptonshire providing assistance to Veterans in my care. Having worked with the Army in both Germany and Cyprus, as well as being an Army wife, has put me in good stead in understanding how military mentality works so that I recognise th
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE PEER MENTOR
Hello, I'm Sher and until recently I was a Veteran Liaison Officer in Northamptonshire providing assistance to Veterans in my care. Having worked with the Army in both Germany and Cyprus, as well as being an Army wife, has put me in good stead in understanding how military mentality works so that I recognise the issues that sometime befall Vets when they enter ‘Civvy Street'. In my new role, within the Veteran Community Network, I will continually strive to provide specialist support and champion our Veterans who have served their country.
Wilf bamford
EMILIE lE PAGE
EMILIE lE PAGE
PEER MENTOR CLUSTER LEAD: WEST
I am a veteran of the army having served with the RAMC for 9 years.
Since leaving the army, I have worked as a nurse in various organisations including Prisons and the NHS.
After taking early retirement in 2023, I decided to have a change of direction away from nursing and look to how I can support my former co
PEER MENTOR CLUSTER LEAD: WEST
I am a veteran of the army having served with the RAMC for 9 years.
Since leaving the army, I have worked as a nurse in various organisations including Prisons and the NHS.
After taking early retirement in 2023, I decided to have a change of direction away from nursing and look to how I can support my former colleagues who like me, are veterans of military service. I am delighted to now be one of VCN’s peer mentors, working as the Southeast Thrive Together Network Cluster Lead – West, covering Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.
EMILIE lE PAGE
EMILIE lE PAGE
EMILIE lE PAGE
GENERAL MANAGER
I work part time as a self-employed member of the VCN team as the General Manager for VCN, working on all the business administration elements to support VCN in the background. I have approximately 14 years experience in a variety of administration roles, a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies, qualified to Associate
GENERAL MANAGER
I work part time as a self-employed member of the VCN team as the General Manager for VCN, working on all the business administration elements to support VCN in the background. I have approximately 14 years experience in a variety of administration roles, a BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies, qualified to Associate Level CIPD Membership in Human Resources and an AAT Certificate in Bookkeeping with plans to further my education in order to continue to provide additional support to VCN in the near future. I have personal experience living with and supporting a Veteran within close family and therefore have an understanding and appreciation for the support and service that VCN offers to Veterans.
PAT HASLAM
Paul Dunkley
Aaron Clark
VCN CHAIR PERSON
Coming from a military background it was natural that I joined the WRAC back in the early seventies, marrying a soldier who served for 22 years and raising two children in the military environment.
Before retirement, I worked for a local NHS organisation and part of my role was Armed Forces Covenant lead which led to the
VCN CHAIR PERSON
Coming from a military background it was natural that I joined the WRAC back in the early seventies, marrying a soldier who served for 22 years and raising two children in the military environment.
Before retirement, I worked for a local NHS organisation and part of my role was Armed Forces Covenant lead which led to the organisation achieving the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.
In 2017, I was named as the most inspirational woman in Northampton for my commitment to improving the health and pastoral care of Veterans in the county.
Aaron Clark
Paul Dunkley
Aaron Clark
VCN TRUSTEE
I am a highly experienced professional with a multi-expertise skill set from roles within mental health, training and delivery, programme management and supporting service leavers. I possess a wealth of knowledge in wellbeing, mental health and leadership across several fields. I am a huge advocate for effective collaboration,
VCN TRUSTEE
I am a highly experienced professional with a multi-expertise skill set from roles within mental health, training and delivery, programme management and supporting service leavers. I possess a wealth of knowledge in wellbeing, mental health and leadership across several fields. I am a huge advocate for effective collaboration, holding a strong portfolio of clientele, including educational establishments, community groups and businesses/charities in both 3rd sector and commercial environments. Being a Trustee at VCN is the perfect role for bringing together a combination of my passions and being a part of the decision making processes that ensure service users receive quality support through progressive and development provisions.
Paul Dunkley
Paul Dunkley
gary middleton
VCN TRUSTEE
As an introverted child, I grew up in Buckinghamshire from a working class ethnic minority background, unsure of what I wanted to do career wise and making poor life choices. By chance, I met the right person at the right time who guided me to where I am now.
I have had a successful career in the military. I joined the elite Roy
VCN TRUSTEE
As an introverted child, I grew up in Buckinghamshire from a working class ethnic minority background, unsure of what I wanted to do career wise and making poor life choices. By chance, I met the right person at the right time who guided me to where I am now.
I have had a successful career in the military. I joined the elite Royal Marines in 1986 and served for a distinguished 22 years. I left with the rank of Colour Sergeant.
After my military career, I continued by working in the challenging custodial sector from 2010. I enjoyed a fulfilling 10 years working as a Prison Officer in the courts and prison service environment. I eventually reached the rank of Supervising Officer.
I have also intermittently worked in the security industry for nearly 40 years. I attain enormous pleasure in communicating and helping other people.
Throughout my adult life, I have constantly proved time and time again that with commitment, motivation, discipline, and enthusiasm, I can succeed at senior management level and above. I have demonstrated that you can achieve whatever goals and objectives you set yourself, no matter what barriers are placed in front of you. I previously worked for 2 years with VCN as a Veteran Peer Mentor Worker until I retired. I found this work very rewarding and feel privileged to be offered a role as a Volunteer Trustee within the organisation. Looking ahead, I am so excited to still be part of the VCN organisation. I definitely believe that the work VCN accomplishes in supporting veterans, reservists and their families is truly commendable, and I genuinely want to continue being a part of it.
gary middleton
Hannah Cruickshank
gary middleton
VCN TRUSTEE
A career soldier, joining the Army Apprentices College Harrogate at 16 years of age and completing over 38 years’ service in the Royal Corps of Signals attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Service life has provided the opportunity to serve in many locations around the world, including on operational deployments across the
VCN TRUSTEE
A career soldier, joining the Army Apprentices College Harrogate at 16 years of age and completing over 38 years’ service in the Royal Corps of Signals attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Service life has provided the opportunity to serve in many locations around the world, including on operational deployments across the globe.
I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the many varied roles held during my military career that will help maintain the strong reputation that the Veteran Community Network has already established.
I truly value the opportunity I now have to contribute towards the development of the Veteran Community Network’s great work.
Hannah Cruickshank
Hannah Cruickshank
Hannah Cruickshank
VCN TRUSTEE
I have worked in communications for the last 20 years, first with Network Rail before supporting the NHS. I have supported the handling of high profile events such as the Gray Rigg rail disaster, swine flu and most recently COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Although I have no direct experience of the forces I hav
VCN TRUSTEE
I have worked in communications for the last 20 years, first with Network Rail before supporting the NHS. I have supported the handling of high profile events such as the Gray Rigg rail disaster, swine flu and most recently COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Although I have no direct experience of the forces I have worked with veterans and understand the value of the work VCN does to support veterans. I plan to bring my communications experience and expertise to VCN, and hope it makes a small contribution to the organisation.
Chris Hearn
Hannah Cruickshank
Hannah Cruickshank
VCN TRUSTEE
From a young age I was never far from a uniform or rank structure. So it was no surprise I followed my Grandfather into the R.A.F when I turned 17yrs old. I worked in various location both home and abroad centred round vehicles, close protection, fleet management and instructing. After 18yrs I took redundancy and joined the pol
VCN TRUSTEE
From a young age I was never far from a uniform or rank structure. So it was no surprise I followed my Grandfather into the R.A.F when I turned 17yrs old. I worked in various location both home and abroad centred round vehicles, close protection, fleet management and instructing. After 18yrs I took redundancy and joined the police spending nearly all my career in detective roles and travelling across the U.K. and Europe and eventually global matters as well. I am never far from my ever growing family, music, football and the gym. So when I retired early I looked for a new challenge and VCN and being around Veterans has given me a drive and passion, I feel at home with.