My coach trip for 40 veterans taught me how powerful connection can be
I’ve just returned from organising a five-day coach trip for 40 members of the military community – and the impact it had on those who took part was powerful to see.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, supporting individuals and communities is central to what we do. And through my voluntary work with Plymouth Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, I had the opportunity to show that commitment in a very practical and meaningful way.
Over the past 10 months, I’ve been organising a five-day coach holiday for 40 people from the military community. With the support of several individuals and organisations, including Bolt Burdon Kemp, the Breakfast Club was able to raise more than £9,000 to make the trip more accessible and inclusive for those who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend.
The idea for the trip came from conversations within the veteran community. Several individuals shared that they had not been on holiday for many years. For some, this was due to financial constraints, for others, it was a loss of confidence or the absence of a partner who had previously taken the lead in organising travel.
These are not uncommon experiences.
While much attention is rightly given to the more visible challenges faced by veterans, such as access to healthcare or legal support, there are also quieter issues that can have a significant impact on wellbeing. Social isolation is one of them.
The aim of this trip was simple: to bring people together.
Over the course of five days, the impact was clear. During visits to the National Arboretum, Warwick Castle, Leicester, Cadbury World and National Space Centre, participants formed new friendships, reconnected with others, and gained confidence in social settings. The shared experience provided a sense of belonging that is often difficult to replicate in day-to-day life.
Some moments brought that impact into sharp focus.
One veteran’s wife shared that they had visited the National Memorial Arboretum several times before, and her husband would always find it difficult and emotional. This time, she said, was different. The experience felt special and, more importantly, he felt part of something. She said what had been created made everyone feel included and valued.
Another participant reflected: “Nothing and no one was left out, and the care taken was above the call of duty.”
Even small touches contributed to that sense of belonging. Being invited to take part in daily broadcasts with BFBS radio gave the group a shared moment of recognition and pride – a reminder that their stories and experiences matter, and that they are valued. This reflects the importance of initiatives that address the root causes of isolation, rather than responding only once problems have developed.
From a professional perspective, this aligns closely with the work we do at Bolt Burdon Kemp. Supporting individuals is not only about addressing immediate challenges, but also about recognising the wider factors that affect wellbeing and quality of life.
For me, as both a solicitor and a veteran, this project brought those two perspectives together. It demonstrated how targeted, community-led initiatives can make a tangible difference. Bolt Burdon Kemp’s contribution to this trip helped make that possible, and I am proud to have been part of it.
The success of the initiative has also highlighted the ongoing need for opportunities that bring veterans together in meaningful ways. There is more to be done, and this is something I hope to continue developing in the future.
