The Always a Rifleman Programme
A veteran led programme for members of The RIFLES family. I'm a member of the central team of volunteers.
Always a Rifleman →Veterans
The Work Behind the Work
Simplicity in Mind exists because of veterans, not despite them. Around 60% of what happens here is unpaid, veteran-facing work – funded by everyone who pays for coaching or a workshop.
Armed Forces Covenant
Simplicity in Mind is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and holds Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status – the highest tier awarded for supporting the armed forces community.
What this has meant
This work has included one-to-one mentoring, referrals into further support, and trustee work with veteran organisations. It has, at times, made the difference between someone getting through a genuine crisis and not.
BRAVEHOUND
A Scottish charity providing assistance dogs to veterans with mental health problems. I serve on the Board of Trustees.
BRAVEHOUND →In their words
From the forces community
“During a period of personal upheaval I reached out to Dave as a fellow Rifleman when I did not know where else to turn. He provided me with an unbiased view of the turmoil I was experiencing and helped me to rationalise the thoughts and feelings that I was struggling to make sense of.”
“Even though I’m no longer under his command, or a serving soldier, Dave still provides me with support and advice which makes me feel that I’ve not been forgotten.”
“It’s the fact that they feel completely safe, without any judgment and that I feel no need to explain myself. […] knowing I can just pick up the phone without any explanation really puts my mind at rest.”
“For the first time I reached out for help and while many stepped up to the plate, for which I will always be grateful, Dave Hill stands out far above those other amazing people. He helped me find calm, clarity of thought and accept the reality of my situation.”
Are you a veteran?
Around 60% of what happens at Simplicity in Mind is unpaid work supporting veterans and the military community. If you have served, please don't let cost be a barrier.
Drop me a line to start an informal conversation.
If you need help right now
- In an emergency, call 999.
- Samaritans: 116 123, free, any time of day or night.
- Combat Stress helpline for veterans and their families: 0800 138 1619, free, 24 hours a day.
- Combat Stress helpline for serving personnel and their families: 0800 323 4444, free, 24 hours a day.
- Always A Rifleman Programme, for Riflemen including those from the antecedent regiments: 0800 470 0941, 24 hours a day.
Questions
Common questions from veterans
How This Keeps Running
There's no separate charity structure here – the veteran work is funded directly by paid coaching and organisational work. Every client conversation and every workshop booking supports it.