THE Lieutenant-Governor has shown his support for the Jersey Joint Services Veterans Association and the “amazing community” that it looks after.
Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd attended a breakfast event held by the JJSVA at the weekend.
The association was created by former service personnel from all three branches of the armed forces and seeks to provide assistance to the local service community.
Dene Cassin, one of the JJSVA’s founders, said: “Among other things, we hold a monthly breakfast club which enables members of the veterans’ community to come together.”
He continued: “We provide other services, mental-health services and we have a dedicated helpline. Anyone who is in need, we can help them out and facilitate them to go to the correct agencies, be it for housing or pensions [for example] and signpost them to where they need to go.”
After nearly a decade as chair of the JJSVA, Mr Cassin is stepping back from the role and will instead become one of the charity’s governors helping to provide oversight.
Vice-Admiral Kyd said: “It’s really important, when you’re a veteran for whichever service, that you are always part of this amazing community of people who have served the nation and who have risked their lives.”
He added: “To come together, for breakfast or different events, is just lovely and it’s all about mutual support.”
Darren Blake, an ex-household cavalryman who served in the Blues and Royals, said the charity was grateful for the Lieutenant-Governor’s support.
Mr Blake continued: “He will meet you once and remember your name – he is very good at remembering what people have done and what service they have been in.
“It’s so nice that he is so in tune with all of us.
“He is a top man and is very well respected by a lot of people.”
