AN EVENING WITH THE SERVICES VETERANS WALK-IN CENTRE PORTSMOUTH Leave a comment
An evening to raise funds for the Veterans Walk-In Centre Portsmouth with some help from the charity BITE BACK which is administered by Dent-Tech. Lord Alan Stephen Wright (Dental Technicians UK Facebook Group) is dedicated to drawing attention to the plight of the Services Veterans and it was he who thought up the name BITE BACK to attract some attention from us in the technical end and the trade dentistry. The evening saw the presence of some dental folk and of course a lot of representatives and families of the Veterans support organisation. The evening was set around a James Bond theme and was a black-tie do with OO7 as the Hotel identification of the room for the evening.
Everyone attending was asked for a donation of £50.00. to go to the Veterans support fund. A very full turn out should hopefully help provide a generous amount towards this very fine cause. Food and wine were provided, and a good deal of interactive chatter soon filled the room. Alan had invited some Technicians and laboratory owners together with their partners and some dental companies were represented with Sharaz Mir of Blueprint Dental and Lucy Gabbitas and Paul Martin of Prestige Dental, who had come a long way south from Bradford to sponsor one of the main prizes which was a Yorkshire Hamper. Raffles were organised to add to the money total raised.
It was a good experience to be involved in such an enjoyable evening for a great cause. In the extended break we were entertained to a wonderful Bagpipe Solo from a young lady traditionally dressed in Scottish style. Later she was joined by a drummer and they provided a sufficient distraction, if it were needed. This is the first occasion for the Dental presence and the Bite Back support to be noted. It is clear that retired services personnel have not always received the best support from the government’s Defence ministry with too many finding the adjustment to civilian life really quite difficult. Together with the non-recognition of PTSD Syndrome which has meant the inability for many to resume living in a non-stressful situation in civilian life. They often join the forces as young people and cannot be fully prepared to be involved in and witness many bloody incidents affecting their friends and themselves in action.
The Centre in Portsmouth provides support and where necessary arranges treatment for medical conditions and potential drug abuse which can be a consequence of their experiences under fire. There were very many senior military personnel looking resplendent in their uniforms and with their medals and honours on display. A very good support of a worthy cause and a healthy sum of money raised.
