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Armed Forces Day 2024

Published on 1 Jul 2024

We celebrated Armed Forces Day at events across the country this weekend, coming together to show our support for our Armed Forces community - both past and present.

In Rustington

It was wonderful to see everyone who visited our stand at Littlehampton Armed Forces Day. Visitors had the opportunity to chat with us about our work, try on our Sim Specs, and meet our inspiring blind veterans and volunteers. 

We were particularly honoured to welcome the Chairman of Rustington Parish Council, Jamie Bennett, who experienced tunnel vision through our simulated spectacles, with guidance from Rustington staff member Annabel.

Our blind veterans also stopped by to visit and enjoyed a break at our stand, soaking up the atmosphere and the sounds of the military bands. The day was such a success that we even ran out of some leaflets.

A man is wearing a pair of glasses as he stands in front of a stall, a member of staff faces him from behind the stall as she talks
Chairman of Rustington Parish Council, Jamie Bennett, wearing a pair of Sim Specs.
Blind veteran Win is leaning on a walker as she talks to a volunteer standing next to a Blind Veterans UK banner
A Blind Veterans UK gazebo and stall, decorated with banners and merchandise with a small crowd gathered round
A group of blind veterans sitting on chairs in a field, next to a Blind Veterans UK stall

Staff, volunteers and blind veterans at our Rustington Centre of Wellbeing stall

In Llandudno

Armed Forces Day at our Llandudno Centre was a fantastic event, despite the rainy weather. We hosted a coffee morning, joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Llandudno, and representatives from across the Armed Forces including the Conwy County Sea Cadets and Army Cadets.

We had a great turnout, with visitors, volunteers, and blind veterans coming together to show their support. 

Blind veteran John is holding a cane and smiling as he stands next to volunteer Derek
Four women holding up cup cakes and smiling as they gather round for a photo
Two men wearing sailor caps and waterproof jackets with a label which reads: "Sea cadets"

Blind veterans, volunteers and staff at our Llandudno Centre coffee morning

Across the community

We are proud to have been present at events across the UK, showcasing our work and connecting with communities.

Two members of our community team standing underneath a Blind Veterans UK gazebo, and behind a stall decorated with merchandise and D-Day portraits
Our Community Team ready at our stall in Plymouth, proudly displaying our D-Day veteran portraits

Plymouth

We had a fantastic day down at Plymouth Hoe. The amazing weather brought the crowds out, and it was a privilege to showcase some of the portraits from our D-Day 80 exhibition, which were a real talking point. 

Aaron giving a thumbs up, smiling, dressed in army camoflauge
A Blind Veterans UK stall at Armed Forces Day, with several people standing in front of it speaking to staff
Crowds gathered near a lighthouse and multiple flying flags at Plymouth Armed Forces Day,

Our team at Plymouth Hoe Armed Forces Day, engaging with the crowds

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, we had a great Armed Forces Day with our new volunteer Megan. Blind veteran Alan joined us with some relatives, proudly wearing his medals. Blind veteran Gary also made it along and enjoyed a welcome rest at our stand. We had visitors from our friends at the Defence Garden Scheme, making it an all-round great day meeting lots of military families.

Two blind veterans standing at the Blind Veterans UK stall
Community Support Worker Karen and Volunteer Megan
Four women smiling and standing in front of a Blind Veterans UK stall at Armed Forces Day

Community Support Worker Karen and volunteer Megan welcoming visitors at Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day

Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe Armed Forces Day was a wonderful day with lots of people and veterans stopping by to say hello. Blind veteran John joined our team in the morning and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with other veterans and the general public, as well as enjoying some free cake, sausage rolls, and a cup of tea.

 A blind veteran wearing dark glasses with a Blind Veterans UK member of staff, who is wearing a branded t-shirt. They stand, both smiling, at a decorated Armed Forces Day stall.
A military vehicle featured at one of the stalls at Armed Forces Day
A military band entertaining the crowds

Wellbeing Support Worker Andy pictured with blind veteran John, enjoying the stalls at Scunthorpe Armed Forces Day

Bridgwater


In Bridgwater, the Armed Forces Day event was a success despite the grey and chilly start. There was a good turnout with lots of interest in our Sim-Specs, and the sun came out in the afternoon!

A person wearing a bear costume dressed in military camouflage joined by two members of Blind Veterans UK staff
A person parachuting next to a large Union Jack flag

Staff from blind veterans posing with the Help For Heroes mascot at Bridgwater Armed Forces Day

Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support and make these events so memorable!

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