Connecting with Blesma Members across the six counties of Northern Ireland comes with unique challenges.

Political and historical sensitivities are entwined with the dynamic progress of a region committed to a positive future. For Blesma Support Officer Steve Burton and Outreach
Officer Fiona Morrison, that means extra considerations when it comes to building awareness of the Association’s offer and support.

“Some Members have been totally immersed in the historical challenges of living in Northern Ireland, and understandably remain cautious about personal security and who they engage with” says Steve.

“However, the Members’ enthusiasm and desire allow us to maintain the same approach here as we do across the UK; we are focused on helping people live fulfilling lives and
enjoy the camaraderie of other Members.”

Blesma’s role in Northern Ireland includes offering financial, practical and emotional support to its Members and their families. Steve, who has been the region’s Support Officer since 2016 (and who is also responsible for Scotland and the Republic of Ireland) provides advice and support on any issue affecting a Member’s health or wellbeing. His expertise includes
prosthetic and mobility issues, and Blesma regularly contributes to the provision of wheelchairs, stair lifts, and home and garden adaptations so that Members can remain as mobile and independent as possible.

Steve is also responsible for liaising with statutory and third sector agencies on behalf of Members for specialist advice on matters ranging from housing to grants and assistance with the additional costs and hardships of disability.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is not wholly supported across the six counties due to the historical and political sensitivities,” says Steve. “So it has been vital to forge relationships with key agencies such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Department for Communities, and Musgrave Park Hospital Limb Centre.

“We have also secured a seat on the Department of Health Armed Forces Liaison Forum and a full member seat on the Northern Ireland Veterans Support Committee (NIVSC). This allows me to engage at the strategic and operational levels with the Department of Health, and also gives me access to the Northern Ireland office on veterans’ matters through the NIVSC. This engagement is important, and allows us to raise awareness of Blesma and the needs of our Members.”

 

 

 

Steve is assisted on a daily basis by Fiona Morrison, one of 10 Outreach Officers deployed across the UK, who joined Blesma two years ago. She admits to having “loved every minute of it” since – from organising events and liaising over practical support to just “sitting a while”, sharing a cuppa and a chat with isolated Members and Widows to provide that vital human contact.

“I was born and bred in Northern Ireland so have grown up with the sensitivities here,” she says. “We have achieved a lot in terms of outreach in the last two years; from initially sitting in a Member’s home asking what their interests were and what their expectations of Outreach looked like, to scoping local facilities and amenities and then developing an activities plan that has led us to where we are today – organising activities and events, and encouraging Member-led activities.

Last year, for example, one of our Members ran a six-week smartphone photography workshop to show other Members how to edit, enhance, and apply digital filters to their photographs. The sense of community here is growing all the time.”

Fiona, a former Army Welfare Worker, has organised breakfasts, lunches, coffee mornings, trips out and, during the coronavirus restrictions, baking sessions and competitions, online quizzes and model making sessions. Events are coordinated in a central location or ‘mirrored’ in different counties to give as many Members as possible the opportunity to join in.

“Members really value the activities we put on because they provide the same sense of camaraderie that the Members had when they served. But it is important for them to enjoy events with their families, too. They feel their partner or spouse, who has supported them
throughout, deserves to be there with them.”

Northern Ireland shares a border to the south and west with the Republic of Ireland, and is home to 56 Members and Widows, aged from 31 to 95, who live across an area that covers 5,456 square miles.

“Our Members have a variety of needs and levels of engagement – as you would expect – but our aim is to offer something for everyone,” says Fiona, who started work as a typist at RAF Aldergrove straight from school, taking a career break to set up a business with her husband before returning to the MoD, when she joined the Army Welfare Service and began
volunteering for the NSPCC schools service.

“Relationships have grown and strengthened over the last two years, and it is important for our Members to know that Blesma will endeavour to meet their specific needs. For some, getting together is important, whether that is to take part in an activity or just to
enjoy some company. Some Members are unable to attend events, so visiting them at home to have a chat and listen to their stories is important."

“Home visits are reassuring at any time of year, but particularly over the winter months which can be a lonely time for many. A visit can make such a difference to someone, and it is rewarding when you say goodbye and they tell you that you’ve brightened up their day."

“Blesma is now firmly on the map in Northern Ireland and we regularly get invited to meet groups, give talks, and collaborate with other organisations,” says Fiona, who is supported by eight volunteers including her husband, Lachie.

“We stay very active on Facebook and through the Blesma Connects app, and Steve and I are always available to assist and support our Members.”

But even though they have come a long way in a short space of time, the team in Northern Ireland aren’t standing still.

“We have made great advances in the last four years, and prioritising an Outreach Officer
for Northern Ireland has been key to our success,” says Steve. “The membership is flourishing and developing into a close family-style community."