Their Story

Blesma Support Officer Midlands: Vanessa Lucas

Vanessa (more often Ness!) has worked previously for many years in HR, before moving across into Community Engagement supporting families within the military community, and then joining Blesma; she brings with her a wealth of experience and transferable skills.

Originally from a small village in the Cotswolds, Vanessa has moved around the country with her husband who is a serving Officer in the Royal Signals, before settling in Staffordshire.

Ness is a keen cook and enjoys entertaining and spending time with her family and friends, gardening and going to the cinema.

Have a question or need advice?

Your local Blesma Support Officer is here and on hand to help provide advice and support; practical, emotional or financial. Please contact them in the first instance whenever you want to get in touch with Blesma.

M: 07825536363 

bsomid@blesma.org

Your local Outreach Officer is also available for support, feel free to contact them.

Joanne Sanders

 Hi I’m Jo, your new Midlands Outreach Officer.

I’m originally from the North East but have made Nottinghamshire my home for the past 17 years.

I’ve had a varied working life (which I won’t bore you with now!) and found my place in community and charity work about five years ago. Starting as a Member Pioneer for Co-Op, connecting local charities and community groups to support each other and build stronger, happier communities and then with Nottinghamshire Mind as Partnerships and Promotions Lead where I looked after all things fundraising, building relationships with businesses, statutory services and other charities and promoting the charity’s local support and wellbeing services. I’ve spent the last year with Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance as a Community Fundraiser where I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the charity’s supporters and many past patients who have experienced major trauma and live with life changing injuries.

I had no real understanding of the military until I met my girlfriend almost 2 ½ years ago who served 23 years in the RAF. Getting to know her and her military family has given me insights into the unique relationships built in the military. Seeing how difficult it can be to adjust and find a place in civvy life after discharge, I knew I wanted to be part of an organisation supporting veterans and I’m so pleased to join Blesma.

I’m a mum of two boys who make me proud every single day and my girlfriend’s daughter completes our family.

I like music, dancing, walks in the sunshine and the occasional cocktail. Oh, and beating the kids on Mariokart (which hardly ever happens!)

I’m really looking forward to getting to know you!

M: 07741 845429

outreachmid@blesma.org