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Veterans United Against Suicide

By Jim Wilde

Hi Folks, in the way our troops and veterans are previous
treated. Whatever happens, the TV schedules.
As you read this, most will have either Media are interested in recording this, We are always
been on their holidays, or are still as I am sure it will be a pivotal moment on the lookout for
enjoying the wonderful spell of weather in how Veterans Services are delivered. new talent and broadcasters to join us.
that we are currently having. Having just Of course, the Sandbag Times will keep So, if you, or anyone you know fancies
witnessed one of the most heroic sporting you posted of any developments as they a shot on the radio, or wants to write
achievements - Ben Stokes saving the occur. or contribute to the magazine, be sure
Ashes test from ending early, I suddenly to drop us a line to one of the email
realise, anything is possible if you have As always with these things, nothing ever addresses below:
the support, resolve and determination to happens quickly, and with the MP’s all
see it through. away on holiday, now is the time for us dawnturner@sandbagtimes.com
to assemble and organise our methods of info@sandbagtimes.com
There is an awful lot going on at the attack! We need to be timely, accurate, jane@sandbagtimes.com
moment, and good things are starting to and most of all transparent with what jim@sandbagtimes.com
happen, as those in positions of power we do. Quoting anything other than pablo@sandbagtimes.com
start to listen to those in the Veterans the facts does no-one any favours, and
Community. The Sandbag Times is organisations can lose credibility if you As always, it is only through your
heavily involved in sponsoring the are just quoting for effect. The plight support and feedback that the magazine
upcoming English Veterans Awards to of many of these, organisations can be continues to flourish, and we thank
be held in Bristol on the 25 September jeopardized and doomed to failure by you for that. if you have any topics of
this year, where various individuals “inventing” figures to sensationalise their stories that you would like to see in the
will be recognised for their activity posts. We have seen suicide figures for magazine, the same applies, submit to
and support. I shall be in attendance this year quoted as being 100+, without one of above.
with the rest of the team from the any form of evidence to back up the
magazine, and look forward to meeting claims. This just brings into question Until next time, make sure you check on
some of the recipients. On that night, legitimate posts, and people then your brothers and sisters. Not everyone
I will also be attending as a member of question and doubt everything they see/ is in a position or of a mindset to ASK for
“Veterans United Against Suicide”. Our read. Currently our losses as I write this help, therefore be vigilant.
founder member Jeff Williams, has been stand at 48 which includes both Serving
shortlisted as a Finalist to receive an and Veterans, all of which are confirmed Jim
award for his ongoing and continued and verified by V.U.A.S. Of course,
fantastic work in raising awareness for they are most probably higher than this,
the plight of Veterans Mental Health, and but we cannot verify and confirm that,
championing the cause for the recording without the help and support of you
of veterans suicides, which currently folks, so if you have any information that
has not been undertaken by either the could help in recording thes losses, please
Ministry of Defence or the Government. let either Jeff Williams, or me know by
Well done to Jeff and the rest of the PM, email etc.
team at VUAS in getting to this stage,
and hopefully coming away with a well As the magazine restructures
deserved recognition and award. itself, it is intended to return
to the video podcasts that
It is rather timely, that as I write this, were a regular feature of our
VUAS have been invited, along with media channel, along with
a small team of like-minded Veterans new talent and broadcasters
to attend a meeting with Mr Johnny on our Radio Station.
Mercer MP, who heads up the Veterans
Affairs Office. This, it is hoped, will take Currently our radio broadcasts
place on the 5/6 September in London. are limited to evening shows
I will be attending as the Veterans hosted by Vossie and his “Mixed
United Against Suicide representative, Bag”, but we will be getting back to
and look forward to some meaningful mornings and evening shows, including
discussion that should effect change themed podcasts, in keeping with our

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