Catterick Garrison Veterans Information Hub (iHub) and Historical Archive: A Lifeline for Veterans and a Beacon of Community Engagement:
At the Armed Forces and Veterans Information Hub (iHub) in Catterick Garrison, we are committed to providing essential support services and fostering a strong sense of community for veterans across the region. The iHub serves as much more than a support centre; it is a lifeline for veterans who may be grappling with mental health challenges, loneliness, and isolation. Through a deep understanding of the protocols required to access vital information, help, and guidance, the iHub ensures that veterans receive the support they need to reconnect with their purpose and community.
Monday Morning Coffee Morning: A Place to Belong
One of the key elements of the iHub’s success is our weekly Monday morning coffee session. These gatherings are far more than a casual get-together; they offer veterans a safe, welcoming space to relax, grab a brew, and share some banter. It’s an informal setting where veterans can enjoy a sense of belonging while reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, shared stories, and light-hearted humour, making the coffee mornings an important fixture in the lives of those who attend.
More than just a social outlet, the coffee mornings provide emotional support in a relaxed, understanding environment. Veterans check in on one another, share advice, or simply lend an ear to listen. This mutual care helps build an empathetic community that makes a significant difference in veterans’ lives. For those feeling isolated, this sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to “have a brew and a natter” with others who understand their journey can be transformative. The sessions allow veterans to not only gather for friendly banter but also offer a caring space where they can be themselves, feel heard, and be valued for their experiences.
The Catterick Historical Archive: A Sense of Purpose Through History
The iHub is also home to the Catterick Historical Archive, a group of veterans with a shared passion for local history and heritage. This initiative allows veterans to engage in meaningful projects that challenge their minds and provide a sense of purpose. For many veterans, mental health challenges such as isolation and depression can lead to feelings of purposelessness, but the Historical Archive group combats this by offering veterans something tangible to work on and a reason to get up in the morning.
Meeting regularly at The Beacon in Catterick, the Archive group delves deep into local history, researching significant sites, buildings, and events. One of their notable projects involved digitally mapping out the old Sandes Soldiers Home, a building with immense historical and architectural significance which has now been listed with Grade II status. Veterans created a virtual, cloud-based tour of the building, allowing local schools and the wider community to explore its history remotely. This digital mapping project not only served as an educational tool but also provided veterans with a sense of pride and accomplishment as they contributed to preserving the local heritage.
Collaboration with Defence and Access to Military Sites
The veterans’ historical research has been enriched by a close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Defence Estates, and the Defence Archaeologist. This collaboration has allowed the veterans unprecedented access to MOD properties and historical sites around Catterick Garrison, including Grade II listed buildings and areas of historical interest that would otherwise be off-limits to the public.
One intriguing discovery made by the veterans involved a landing strip from a 1960s military map of the Catterick training area, which no longer appears on modern maps. Using GPS technology and the map-reading skills honed during their military service, the veterans were able to locate the site, shedding light on a forgotten chapter of Catterick’s military history. Such projects, combining military expertise with modern technology, have not only uncovered significant historical insights but have also provided the veterans with a renewed sense of purpose.
Community Engagement and Educational Impact
The veterans’ efforts extend beyond research, with their work having a profound impact on local schools and the community. The Catterick Historical Archive Room was officially opened by the Leader of North Yorkshire Council, with local schoolchildren, veterans, and teachers from Risedale School in attendance. This event marked the start of a long-term collaboration between veterans and the local community to preserve and share Catterick’s rich military history.
Additionally, the veterans have organised whole-school assemblies focused on pivotal moments in military history, particularly around Remembrance and Armistice. These assemblies engage students with history while fostering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who served. Veterans have also organised literature, creative writing, arts, and design competitions around historical themes, such as D-Day 80, encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with the past.
History and Heritage Exhibition: Preserving Local Heritage
One of the standout achievements of the Archive group was the creation of a History and Heritage Exhibition, displayed at the Garrison Library for two months. The veterans, supported by the MOD, Garrison Headquarters, and local military units, curated the exhibition, which included a vast array of photos, historical documents, and locally found Roman artefacts. The exhibition, officially opened by the Garrison Commander, was a major success, attracting local schoolchildren, veterans, and the general public. For the veterans, this was a moment of pride and accomplishment, further cementing their role in preserving and sharing the local heritage.
Commemorative Projects and Long-Term Legacy
Thanks to a 10-year licence agreement with the Ministry of Defence, veterans will work closely with local schools to develop History and Heritage boards commemorating important local sites, such as the old Catterick Camp Military Railway. This collaboration ensures that Catterick Garrison’s history is not only preserved but celebrated for future generations. Veterans will continue to play an active role in shaping the community’s legacy by documenting historical sites and digitally mapping out buildings of significance, preserving the area’s rich heritage for future generations.
The Veterans iHub: A Lifeline for Many
The Veterans iHub, officially opened in 2022 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been a cornerstone of veteran support in Catterick Garrison. Fully supported by the military, the iHub operates from the Garrison Community Centre and provides a comprehensive range of services, including mental health support, housing advice, employment guidance, and more. The impact of these services has been profound, with veterans crediting the iHub with saving lives, particularly in combating suicide and addressing isolation. Veterans now have a safe space to turn to, knowing they are part of a community that understands their struggles and is committed to offering support.
The iHub also organises day trips and away days, offering veterans the chance to break out of their routine, socialise, and combat feelings of loneliness. These excursions provide much-needed breaks from daily life and have made a significant difference in improving veterans’ well-being. Additionally, the iHub regularly invites other support services, such as North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Centre, Op COURAGE, and the local healthcare trust, to offer veterans a broad spectrum of assistance. This collaborative approach ensures that veterans have access to a menu of support services tailored to their needs.
Our Vision and Goals for the Future
Our overarching goal at the iHub and Catterick Historical Archive is to empower veterans by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement and personal growth. We aim to:
- Combat isolation and improve mental health: By offering veterans a structured environment to collaborate, we address the detrimental effects of loneliness and provide a sense of purpose that improves their overall well-being.
- Strengthen community connections: Our partnerships with local schools and the wider community foster a deep sense of belonging for veterans, helping them reintegrate and feel valued for their contributions.
- Preserve local history and heritage: Through commemorative projects, veterans ensure that the rich history of Catterick Garrison and its surrounding areas is preserved for future generations.
- Promote lifelong learning: Veterans engage in research and educational projects, developing new skills while rediscovering a love of learning that boosts their confidence and self-esteem.
Looking Forward: A Lasting Legacy
As we continue to work on these projects, our focus remains on ensuring that every veteran who engages with the iHub and the Catterick Historical Archive feels a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and connection to their community. By preserving the rich history of Catterick Garrison, veterans not only find healing and structure in their own lives but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate.
The Veterans iHub and the Catterick Historical Archive are more than just support services, they are a testament to the enduring spirit of our veterans and their invaluable contributions to both the military and civilian communities. Through care, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose, the iHub continues to be a beacon of hope, helping veterans overcome challenges and thrive in their post-service lives.
Editor.