Page 13 - EM-Issue-93

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£34,000 grants to help armed forces veterans across Essex
Combat2Coffee, a support organisation for Armed Forces veterans who may be struggling with life outside
of the services, is on the road and ready to help thanks to a grant of £34,000 from Essex Freemasons.
The money, donated via the Essex Freemasons Community Fund, has allowed the Combat2Coffee charity
to purchase and equip a new van which has been literally turned into a mobile coffee shop.
It will be used in every part of the county to help train ex-veterans in business skills, provide a social network for
servicemen suffering from a wide range of mental health issues – and for those that really warm to the coffee theme, the
chance to learn how to be Baristas.
Coffee has been the key for Colchester based Nigel Seaman, a former member of the Royal Anglian Regiment. After
being diagnosed with PTSD, linked to his army service in which resulted in him losing a foot, he decided to use coffee
as a vehicle to help others.
“We are here to offer training and development for veterans who may be under a rehabilitation
order or are looking for a little extra support,” said Nigel. “We work with former members of the
Armed Forces and their families to train them in new skills and assist those who need it with help
to find work placements or outreach support where possible.”
“The van, which would not have been possible without the help of local Freemasons, will enable
us to reach every part of Essex and help many more former veterans. The grant has made a real
difference to our work”
After serving with the Army for 12 years and being medically retired from his subsequent career as a prison officer, Nigel
began suffering from depression, anxiety and flashbacks from an incident experienced during his time on operations
with the armed forces.
He was referred to Combat Stress and after completing a 6-week trauma course, Nigel was further referred to Help
4 Heroes for ongoing support in the community. Since
then, the Help 4 Heroes organisation along with Combat Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee Founder with Colin Felton.
Stress have been the backbone of his recovery and their Essex Freemasons Charity Steward and Chris Lee. Member
support and encouragement have been the inspiration of Lodge XV which originally recommended the charity for a
for the creation of Combat2Coffee. grant.
Colin Felton, Past Provincial Charity Steward for Essex
Freemasons, commented: “Freemasons in Essex have
signed the Armed Forces Covenant to help and support
our servicemen and women, many of whom suffer
terrible mental health issues. This is a good example of
the kind of support we want provide and represents our
determination to be there for our veterans.”
“Nigel is doing incredible and inspirational work in the
community and I am delighted that we have been able
to help this charity expand it critical work across Essex.”
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