The RCT Valley Veterans group is celebrating after claiming two Tidy Wales Awards 2023 in recognition of all their hard work in the community, assisting ex-Armed Forces personnel and their families.
At an awards ceremony held in Cardiff, Valley Veterans won the Nature’s Heroes Award and the overall Outstanding Achievement Award.
The Council, which works closely with Valley Veterans, congratulates the award-winning group on its double success at the Tidy Wales Awards 2023.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “It is wonderful that all associated with Valley Veterans has received this national recognition. As a regular visitor to their Breakfast Clubs, I know they carry out sterling work in their communities on behalf of former Armed Forces servicemen and women, and their families.
“We owe so much to our Armed Forces, past and present, and we will never forget the sacrifices they have made and continue to make. Valley Veterans are worthy winners at the Tidy Wales Awards 2023, and I congratulate them on their double success.”
The Tidy Wales Awards 2023 are organised by the charity Keep Wales Tidy, which is committed to working with local communities across Wales to protect our environment now and for the future. Its vision is for a beautiful Wales cared for and enjoyed by everyone.
Valley Veterans is a veteran-led organisation, supported by the Council and based in Rhondda Cynon Taf. It was founded over 10 years ago as an informal support group for PTSD sufferers. It is now a vibrant community hub with more than 140 active participants.
Valley Veterans hosts an Armed Forces Breakfast Club every Thursday, attracting up to 60 veterans each week.
Paul Bromwell, Chief Executive of Valley Veterans, served in the Welsh Guards and is all too aware of the serious effects of returning to civilian life once leaving the Armed Forces.
Living in the Rhondda, he says he had no professional help available to him when he returned from the Falklands War in the 1980s and has since suffered with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Paul Bromwell, Valley Veterans Chief Executive, said: “We are completely overwhelmed with these two awards and send our heartfelt thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, all the contractors, funders, supporters and our volunteers on contributing to this achievement.
“Being a veteran living in Rhondda Cynon Taf, I feel so lucky today to have the support of the Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service. It’s comforting to know that us veterans have such amazing support behind us.”
For more information on Valley Veterans, contact the group via email at enquiries@valleyveterans.org or by calling 07733 896 128.
Posted on 18/05/2023