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Catch up on the latest edition of our newsletter, or have a browse though our past issues to see what The Ripple Pond Team have been busy with over the past few months.

Our latest newsletter

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Latest Newsletter

A hand reaching out for support with the title of our blog post

Learning to accept help:

Overcoming the stigma of receiving support Caring for an injured veteran or serving person is a role that demands strength, patience, and...

A forest with the sun shining through the trees

Lessons from nature:

Life as a military carer is a journey of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering strength, and nature, bizarrely also reflects this.

Rewriting my story:

As military carers, our stories are often shaped by dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering support for our loved ones that have served.

5 68 9

We recently had the privilege of recording a podcast with "Shelve Your Boots" podcast. Sarah, once Member, now staff team member spoke openly about their journey as a family, navigating support for her husband with a diagnosis of PTSD, and talks about the support The Ripple Pond now deliver.

If you've been curious about what we do, wanting to hear some stories and honest conversation we'd encourage you to take a listen.

Available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/5uogPpeYCl8?si=GXD3rR6NTtpjA0mX

Also available on🎧Spotify and Amazon Music

For more information about The Ripple Pond, make sure you check us out at www.theripplepond.org

@shelveyourboots

Here at The Ripple Pond we’re supporting #ArmedForcesDay to show our appreciation for the brave women and men who put their country before themselves to protect our way of life and the families who stand behind them.

As part of Armed Forces week, The Ripple Pond are proud to launch their Summer edition of the Thinking Family free emagazine. Jam packed with low cost family activities, articles to help families communicate, navigate rainy days and keep teenagers engaged. Give this a go. Share with a friend or five. Let's together help families thrive.

www.theripplepond.org/thinkingfamily

#heatwave #emagazine #armedforcescommunity

Today is #ReservesDay and at The Ripple Pond we want to show our appreciation for those who serve as Reservists and remind the families that The Ripple Pond’s support is for them too.

Our CEO, Rodger Cartwright says: “Almost 20% of the UK Armed Forces are reservists. The Armed Forces would not function without them. They are critical to the safety of our nation.

They are people you might pass while shopping, working, or going about your everyday life, often without ever knowing they serve. Alongside their civilian roles, they carry another responsibility, one that helps keep us safe.

That role also comes with risks and disruption, not just for them, but for those around them. Without the love, understanding, and support of their families, many of these reservists simply would not be able to serve.

Families are not separate from this contribution, they are an integral part of our nation’s defence.”

Funding announcement

We’re happy to announce that we have received funding from the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to continue the work that we are doing in supporting RAF families that are looking after a physically or psychologically injured serving person or veteran.

@rafbf We really appreciate their support and look forward to working more closely together over the coming months.

On the 14 June 1982, the Falklands War ended. Today we want to remember those still affected by both this war and other conflicts; those who lost their life, those who were injured and the families who continue to support and live with these memories.

This photo from 1982 was taken by Soldier Staff Photographer, Paul Haley who tabbed and hitched lifts in in helicopters following 5 Brigade across East Falkland arriving in Stanley ahead of the CO of 22 SAS to negotiate the Argentinian surrender on 14th June 1982.

For Imagery only “Paul Haley© Crown copyright 1982” UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2022 Licence: https://ow.ly/oWB450Z9Orp

Building Carer Friendly Communities starts with us in our friendships and wider families. If someone you know is caring for a loved one with service-attributable injuries, you might wonder what to say or do.

The truth? It’s often the simple things.
Here’s some things you could try :

✔ Stay present – Don’t disappear because you’re unsure what to say.
✔ Offer specific help – “I’m free Thursday, can I drop off dinner?” works better than “Let me know if you need anything.”
✔ Understand cancellations – Plans may change last minute. It’s not personal, it’s not because they don’t value you, sometimes caring comes first.
✔ Check in – Not just during crises, but on ordinary days too. Ask specific questions and take time to really listen.
✔ Listen without trying to fix – Sometimes carers need to be heard, not advised.
✔ Include them – Even if they can’t always attend, being invited matters.

Caring can be isolating. A ten-minute coffee, a message saying “I’m thinking of you,” or sitting quietly together can mean more than you realise.

You don’t have to solve everything. Just don’t step away.

Together, we can build communities where carers feel seen, supported and never alone. 💛
#CarerSupport #MilitaryCarers #BuildingCarerFriendlyCommunities #TheRipplePond

This #CarersWeek we’re proud to launch our new Understanding Injury Family Resources for our Members

These age-differentiated, interactive conversation guides and prompts are designed to help families explore and understand injury together, creating safe spaces for honest conversations, connection and support.

If these resources could help your family, why not become a Member?

Membership gives you access to:
- Family support resources
- Peer support communities
- Wellbeing workshops
- Interactive support designed to strengthen the whole family

Because no family should navigate recovery alone.

Find out more about becoming a Member today. www.theripplepond.org

#CarersWeek #FamilySupport #VeteransFamilies #Wellbeing #PeerSupport #Community

With grateful thanks to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for funding this project.

It's great to work in partnership with Midlands Op COURAGE, who recognise that behind every injured serving person or veteran is a family, on the recovery journey with their loved one.

This carers week, whether you consider yourself a carer, a supporter or a concerned family member, we want you to know that there is support out there. If you're supporting a veteran or serving person who is navigating injury, trauma or having a tough time, family support matters. Not only that, it exists. So find out more today: www.theripplepond.org

“It’s Carers Week 2026. We’d love to invite you to help us celebrate carers in military families and across the UK who give their all for those they love.

Families play a crucial role in a loved one's recovery. Recovery from service attributable injury is complex and it takes time. Families need our support, as they give theirs.

Military families may not call themselves carers, but they are a vital support network. Help us do more and make more of a difference for the families that need it: Share our post, donate to our work or get involved

#CarersWeek #CarerFriendlyCommunities”

At The Ripple Pond, we know community matters, that’s why we create spaces for connection, whether through peer support, wellbeing workshops, creative events, or online peer connections. Being connected with others is transformative.

Carer’s Week next week talks about the importance of Carer Friendly Communities… if you are supporting a loved one who was injured or experienced trauma in the British military or is struggling to adapt to civvy street… we are here for you. A community that understands your needs. Why not reach out today?

Find out more: www.theripplepond.org

Members say it best:

“I feel supported, listened to and seen. There’s not enough help for the spouse or family of veterans; The Ripple Pond is filling that gap.”

This is why we do what we do.

Supporting a loved one navigating injury and trauma in the #armedforcescommunity can sometimes be lonely, but there’s a community ready to support.

Want to find out more?

Drop a comment, send us a message, or visit www.theripplepond.org to find out more.

You don’t have to face things alone.

#FindOutMore #CommunitySupport #YouAreNotAlone

Supporting a loved one isn’t a quick journey.

It takes time, patience and it might be up and down.

It doesn’t stop after 6 weeks, 6 months, or even 6 years.

That’s why we’re here, not for a moment, not with a deadline, but for the whole journey.

No matter where you are on the path, you’ll find community, understanding, connection, and support with us.

Because you don’t have to do this alone.

To find out more visit https://www.theripplepond.org/how-we-help.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that mental health matters, for every one of us, and especially for those in the military community and the families who stand beside them every day.

This week, we’re encouraging you to take three simple but meaningful steps:

1️⃣ For yourself
Do one thing that boosts your mental health. It could be taking a pause, singing in the rain, giving yourself a moment of self-care, or picking up a creative hobby you’ve forgotten about. Looking after yourself is not a luxury, it’s essential.

2️⃣ For someone else
What is one thing you could do to support someone else’s positive mental health? Reach out for a coffee, go for a walk together, or take the time to truly listen. Small acts of connection can make a lasting difference, especially for those caring for loved ones in the military community.

3️⃣ For all of us
Individual actions matter, but they’re only part of the story. Use your influence, whatever that might be, to make a difference. You could give your time, share your skills, raise awareness, or support charities working to ensure military carers and families receive the mental health support they deserve.

Together, we can build a community that’s better. Our mission: That those supporting a loved one who’s recovering from injury feel: seen, heard and supported.

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MilitaryCarers #MentalHealthMatters

Members say it best:

“The Ripple Pond and its Members have been a lifeline when I have been in crisis, but also on a day-to-day basis. I feel part of a community where I will always have a voice and there are people to listen.”

This is why we do what we do.

Supporting a loved one navigating injury and trauma in the #armedforcescommunity can sometimes be lonely, but there’s a community ready to support.

Want to find out more?

Drop a comment, send us a message, or visit www.theripplepond.org to find out more.

You don’t have to face things alone.

#FindOutMore #CommunitySupport #YouAreNotAlone

Honoured to have attended the Celebrating Forces Families Awards evening as finalists this year.
It was a privilege to be recognised alongside so many incredible individuals and organisations doing such meaningful work in support of forces families. A huge congratulations to all of the winners and finalists, your dedication, compassion and impact are inspirational. We’re proud to be part of a community so committed to championing those who serve and the families who stand beside them.

#CelebratingForcesFamilies #ForcesFamilies #AwardsFinalist #Congratulations

“The Ripple Pond have been a huge support for me. Knowing they were there when times were bad and letting me know what other support was out there if I needed gave me a feeling of hope. When times aren't bad, they are still always there. I could talk to them, and they understood the situation their support is and was invaluable. These situations that we live in are a roller coaster and we never know when a good day is going to turn into a bad day. Knowing The Ripple Pond are there at the end of the phone or a message away stops the feeling of isolation and knowing someone is there for you.”

This is one Member’s story of how our support helped them, we are here for all adult family members, for the journey. Our team are here for you, but more than that there’s a community of support and workshops, information and events to access.

To find out more visit https://www.theripplepond.org/how-we-help.

Thank you to all the professionals who attended our professional information and networking session yesterday!

Did you miss out? Not to worry, you can join our next one! Registration is already live at www.theripplepond.org/professional.

We would just like to say a massive well done to David and Steve who jumped off The Strat in Las Vegas and have so far raised £2440 for The Ripple Pond.

We love it when people choose to raise money for us and really appreciate your support. If you're interest in raising money for The Ripple Pond, please see our website www.theripplepond.org/giveback.

Supporting a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when there is service-related trauma. But families don’t have to face it alone.

Explore how we help families stay supported and connected:

To find out more visit https://www.theripplepond.org/how-we-help.

FINAL CALL! - Are you a professional working with families and carers of serving people and veterans?

Come and join our professional information and networking session on Wednesday 22 April at midday. Registration is now live!

Our Wellbeing Workshops are such a supportive place for bringing Members together to share experiences, learn practical strategies, and support one another through the ups and downs of everyday life. We recently hosted a Navigating Sleep workshop, exploring the needs of our Members to get rest. From sleep environments, to nutrition, routines and more, we covered loads and at the same time practiced together some mindful activities. This kind of support makes such a difference. Members really appreciated the togetherness and practical ideas

Here's to some restful nights!

If you're a part of #armedforcescommunity and supporting a loved one navigating injury or trauma from their time in the Armed Forces. You don't have to go it alone, we're here for you and there's a brilliant community ready.

www.theripplepond.org

Wishing David and Steve the very best of luck today as they take on the Las Vegas Sky Jump in support of The Ripple Pond 🙌

And a huge congratulations to David, who tied the knot yesterday, what a few days! 💍

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, you can do so here: www.justgiving.com/page/steve-downey-1

Our first SoulScape Mindful Art Studio course has come to a close, and what a journey it’s been ✨

We ended our time together with a gentle and reflective creative journalling session, “Once Upon a Line”. It was an invitation to explore our personal stories through words, marks, and meaning. Each line became a pathway into moments of challenge, resilience, growth, and hope.

Participants expressed the ups and downs of their journeys, honouring both the difficult chapters and the light that carried them forward. It was a powerful reminder that creativity can hold space for all parts of our story.

The image shared here is one participant’s deeply personal journalling piece, reflecting on the hope and support they’ve found through The Ripple Pond. Their story, like so many others, speaks to connection, healing, and the strength that emerges when we feel seen and supported 💛

Thank you to everyone who took part, shared, and trusted the process. Your stories matter, and it’s been a privilege to witness them unfold.

We are looking forward to running this course again in May.

Thank you to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their support in funding this.

#SoulScape #MindfulArt #CreativeJournalling #OnceUponALine #HealingThroughArt #TheRipplePond

Are you a professional working with families and carers of serving people and veterans?

Come and join our professional information and networking session on Wednesday 22 April at midday. Registration is now live at www.theripplepond.org/professional. @veteransfoundation @armedforcescovfundtrust #lloydsveteranscharity

In just a few days time, friends of The Ripple Pond, David and Steve are taking on the ultimate challenge! The day after his wedding, David and his cousin Steve will leap off the Strat Hotel in Las Vegas, the tallest free-standing tower in the U.S. at 1,149 feet – to raise funds for The Ripple Pond!

Their fundraising has just exceeded their target, but together, could we take it even further? What a cause! What an event! If you could spare just a little, it makes a massive difference!

🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/page/steve-downey-1

Alongside our Spring eMagazine (www.theripplepond.org/thinkingfamily), we’ve delivered 50+ gardening packs to families, filled with fun activities and sunflower seeds

Over the school holidays, families can grow together, create special memories, and take part in our sunflower growing competition 🌻

The joy this has already brought has been incredible to see!

A huge thank you to Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for supporting this project, helping bring moments of connection to those who need it most. ✨

#Community #FamilyTime #SpringActivities #SunflowerChallenge

As we move into spring and benefit from extended daylight hours, families managing the challenges of a loved one’s injury may find this an ideal moment to prioritise self-care. Consider exploring new ways to support your well-being.

For those assisting someone with service-related injury, trauma, or transition, learn more about our support services: www.theripplepond.org/how-we-help

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Learning to accept help:

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Rewriting my story:

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