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.
Tina Griffiths
Tina Griffiths
Tina Griffiths
SOICAL ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR & OLDER VETERAN ENGAGEMENT LEAD
I began working for VCN early in 2021. My grandfather served in the Royal Navy, and my father was in the RAF for 22 years and served in Ascension Island during the Falklands War. I have had first-hand experience of military family life, living in quarters, and moving and cha
SOICAL ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATOR & OLDER VETERAN ENGAGEMENT LEAD
I began working for VCN early in 2021. My grandfather served in the Royal Navy, and my father was in the RAF for 22 years and served in Ascension Island during the Falklands War. I have had first-hand experience of military family life, living in quarters, and moving and changing school each time my father was posted. I worked for the MOD for 5 years at an Army Reserve centre where I attended drill nights and was actively involved in all aspects of the recruiting process, during which time I gained valuable knowledge about the military family, and working alongside regular and reserve soldiers, I gained an excellent understanding of the transition into, and out of military life. I have worked as Communications Assistant for the EMH group in the East Midlands, where I worked closely with a Special Interest Group of residents to improve communications and to ensure they got the information they needed through the website, annual report to residents, and a quarterly residents magazine. I attended training on Equality and Diversity, and Disability Awareness in order to remove barriers and offer appropriate support to co-workers as well as residents. I have been a Group Leader with the MKU3A, a charity whose aims are to advance the education and personal development of people who have retired, since June 2018. Run by the voluntary efforts of members, who offer opportunities to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups, I run the Food4thought and Music Appreciation groups.
EMILIE lE PAGE
Tina Griffiths
Tina Griffiths
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. For queries and further information about VCN, please do not hesitate to contact myself via email: admin@vcn.org.uk
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.
Richard Browne
Hannah Cruickshank
Hannah Cruickshank
VCN TRUSTEE
I have been a passionate advocate for military charities for many years, having worked as a software and security specialist across many sectors, including defence.
Upon retiring early in 2024, I decided that some of my free time should be dedicated to working with a charity involved with the military and, having met a number
VCN TRUSTEE
I have been a passionate advocate for military charities for many years, having worked as a software and security specialist across many sectors, including defence.
Upon retiring early in 2024, I decided that some of my free time should be dedicated to working with a charity involved with the military and, having met a number of VCN members at a local event, I asked if there was some way I could help.
My strengths are an odd combination of technical and creative. I am a proper geek, but also a published author with a portfolio of social media clients in differing sectors. I believe that this, along with my experience of working for both multi-national and smaller businesses, working in start-ups and the largest organisations on the planet gives me a unique perspective. I have built and sold several businesses myself, and so my credentials as a director are proven.
I bring to VCN a combination of business-savvy and creativity which I believe will benefit both VCN and it’s clients.