In the spotlight: Chris Jones

Chris has been a Blesma Welfare Volunteer, a position historically known as Welfare Rep, for 15 years and a Member for 54. He steps down from his role in September and has received another Blesma award for his hard work.

“I became a Welfare Rep for Gloucestershire in 2005. I had just been medically retired from the Civil Service, and after travelling around America and Australia for several weeks, retirement hit me like a brick. The phone never rang, I missed the social aspect of work, and I struggled with having so much free time. I began to look for a volunteer role and was on a Blesma activity when I learned that John Francis, the Support Officer for the South West at the time, was looking for a volunteer Member to cover the area. I used to be the honorary secretary for the Gloucester and Cheltenham Branch, so I phoned John. He gave me an interview over the phone and the rest is history!

In my time, I’ve worked under four BSOs. They’ve all had their own ways of working, but the way I’ve worked as a Welfare Rep has never changed. The role mainly involves looking out for Members. I keep in touch with them, make a visit every now and again, and report back to the BSO. I like to call it ‘being on patrol’. Often, it’s just about having a chat with people, but I will sometimes come across a Member who is struggling; perhaps with a prosthetic issue, disability or mobility problem, or perhaps they might be in need of a grant. I’ll offer a suggestion or, if it’s something simple like repairing a flat tyre on a scooter, I’ll do it.

The role has given me a lot of pleasure over the years – I’ve enjoyed travelling around the county and seeing different people. I’m the type of person who likes to help others. Members could call me any time – I’ve even worked on Boxing Day when a Member who was desperate for a scooter had a brand new one delivered in kit form and needed it assembling.

Knowing that Blesma is there for them makes Members feel happier. Being a Member myself, having lost my right leg while serving in the Army in 1966 before having two re-amputations on the same leg, I do like to give people the benefit of my experience. Recently, I’ve been helping a new Member who is 82 years old. It’s a shock to lose a limb at any age, so whilst the remit of a Welfare Rep is to try and see every Member in your area at least once a year, and follow those up with phone calls every so often, I’ve seen this particular gentleman about a dozen times now. I’ve tried to help him come to terms with losing a limb. The old saying; ‘Don’t try to run before you can walk’ rings true – that’s what I tell people.

On 31 August, I stepped down from being so readily available. I’m not finishing completely, and will still help out on the odd occasion, but I need to slow down a little as I have some health problems. It’s nothing too serious, but I have an optical problem and shouldn’t be doing any lifting. I don’t want to let anybody down, but some days I haven’t got the energy that’s needed. I recently received the Frankland Moore Trophy for the third time. The first nomination was in 2009 by John Francis, the second by Steve Fraser in 2017, and this time by Tom Hall. I found it rather embarrassing really, but it means a lot to be recognised and it is proof that I must be doing something right! The framed citations are proudly displayed at home.

I have really enjoyed my time as the Welfare Rep for Gloucestershire, and I would appeal to all our Members who can afford to spare a few hours to consider taking up the role. This is your Association, it was formed by wounded ex-servicemen getting together, so we mustn’t lose it. Everyone needs to work to keep it going. The BSOs and Outreach Officers do a great job, but the volunteer Welfare Reps offer that bit of extra support – I like to think we are the eyes and ears of the BSOs – it’s like a little bit of intelligence gathering. We have a unique Association; our ethos is Member helping Member. That’s the way it has always been and that’s the way it needs to continue.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Blesma Welfare Volunteer, contact your Blesma Support Officer or Outreach Officer