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UCLan students extend ‘hand of friendship’ to military veterans

Posted on - 11th November, 2022 - 7:00am | Author - | Posted in - Ashton-on-Ribble, Charities, Education, Preston News, Proud Preston, UCLan
Claire Grant, Becky Steel, Bob Grant, Dr Gillian Rayner, veteran Luke Mulvany, Ebonnie Field and Dig-in gardener Clive Marshall. Pic: UCLan

UCLan student ‘befrienders’ have teamed up with the local military and a blue light charity to offer a ‘helping hand’ to veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.

Students have worked with local veteran charity Dig-in to help make a wooden wreath, poppies and Tommy figures. The wooden wreath will be laid at UCLan’s Preston Campus this Friday in the university’s Remembrance Day service.

Known as the ‘Bloomin’ Marvellous’ project, its mission is to reduce loneliness and isolation within the military and blue light communities by creating a space where veterans can learn new practical skills in gardening and woodwork – and friendship and comradery.

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Veteran Luke Mulvany works with UCLan psychology student Ebonnie Field. Pic: UCLan

Bob Grant, the project officer at Dig-In, said: “I think we’ve all benefitted from this project. As veterans, we’ve all been through our own troubles and getting to know the students has brought a new perspective to life. We’re speaking to young people about everything but military life, and it’s refreshing.”

The student volunteers from psychology or counselling-related courses have joined the project as befrienders to the veterans to broaden their understanding of mental health support. Final year psychology student Ebonnie Field is one of nine student befrienders who volunteered for Bloomin’ Marvellous.

She said: “I’ve extended my befriending duties and now volunteer weekly with Dig-In because I’ve enjoyed the experience so much. I’ve learned a lot from speaking to the veterans.

“It’s taught me that mental health support isn’t just for a clinical setting. It can also be community-focused.”

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UCLan psychology student Ebonnie Field talks to veterans at Dig-in. Pic: UCLan

Veteran Luke Mulvany has visited the Dig-In charity for the last 18 months and has worked closely with the UCLan student befrienders.

He added: “I really enjoy being part of a team again and contributing to the community through Dig-In. Getting to know the UCLan students has been beneficial in many ways. I’m learning about their aspirations and experiences and thinking about life differently.”

Bloomin’ Marvellous has been organised by both charities and the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES), based at UCLan. The partners are planning other projects to benefit local veterans, UCLan students and the wider community.

For more information, contact Claire Grant at info@diginnorthwest.org.

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