The Association is changing. To make sure Members continue to get as much support as possible a brand new Area – West – has been created, bringing the number of Areas to nine. The other eight have all reduced in size to ensure each BSO is responsible for as few Members as possible.

“Following the Trustees’ decision to invest in the BSO team, the BSO Areas have been reviewed, and a number of boundary and Area changes made as the size of the areas is reduced,” explains Heather Nicholson, Director of Membership Services.

“Reducing the size of Areas will enable BSOs to spend more time supporting individual Members and Widows. It will also allow Support Officers to generate closer relationships with existing partners and seek out new collaborations with those who can improve Members’ access to other specialist support and services.”

As part of the changes, Blesma welcomes two new BSOs. Former Staff Sergeant Sam Wileman succeeds Charley Streather in the Midlands, while former Captain Tom Hall heads up the new West region.

Tom began his 29-year military career in The Coldstream Guards before transferring to REME in 1988. He has served across the world, including a tour of Afghanistan as Garrison Sergeant Major in 2009, and has also worked at the Personnel Recovery Unit in Brecon. “My role in the PRU allowed me to work with  – and help – many wounded, injured and sick soldiers, including amputees,” says Tom. “I have worked with Blesma before, and I love how helpful and caring the Association is, and how fast it works for its Members and Widows.”

Tom was so impressed with Blesma that he sent his CV into Chadwell Heath almost two years ago, asking to be kept on file in case a job came up. “I’m passionate about helping veterans and have always wanted to work in the charity sector, so Blesma is the perfect fit. I’m looking forward to being a strong voice for those Members who can’t speak for themselves,” says Tom.

Also settling into her new role as BSO Midlands is Sam Wileman. Sam served in the Royal Signals and the Army Welfare Service for 15 years, during which time she was posted across the UK, as well as to Northern Ireland, Germany and Afghanistan. She currently lives in Coalville, Leicestershire with her family. “Through my previous job at the Army Welfare Service, I’d got to know about Blesma and the support it could provide. I’ve already supported several amputees as an Army Welfare worker, so I’m hoping that the knowledge and experience I have will lend themselves to the already fantastic service that Blesma provides,” says Sam.

“I’m aware that I will be the first female BSO the charity has had for a while, but I’m used to working in a male environment and really wanted to continue to work with serving and ex-Service personnel. I’m really excited about joining Blesma – I have heard nothing but great things about the charity, the staff and its Members.”

Get in touch with your BSO