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Name: | Kim Newbury |
Age: | 25 |
Year of the Fix: | 2013 |
Location: | Tidworth, Wiltshire |
Campaign: | Support for mums with partners in the armed forces |
Having a partner in the armed forces can be tough, especially if you have young children.
I know how isolating it can be when your husband is away in Afghanistan for months on end. It is very hard to be on your own and it can get lonely.
A few of us have teamed up in Tidworth to start support groups and playschemes for mums and children from both military and civilian families. Setting up Tidworth Mums has helped us make friends and it has brought the community together.
I want to make a film to share our ideas with other women in similar situations in garrison towns around the country so that they too can combat loneliness.
My film focusses on the support groups and playschemes set up by Tidworth Mums. Members of the group and their children have been central to my Fixers project. They feature in my film.
I want to say a special thank you to the following members of Tidworth mums, who have played a major part in the project: Anna Brown, Laura Ashby, Jeannie Woodhall, Leigh-Ann Turner, Charlotte Blakemore, Kerryann Chadwick-Clarke and Vikkie Thomas.
Here are some of their comments:
Vikkie: ‘Our aim is to inspire other people as anybody can set a group up. All you need is like-minded people and then anyone can achieve it.’
Laura: ‘I’ve been talking to friends of mine that live in other garrisons. They say they wish they had what we have. I do feel quite proud of what we’ve achieved.’
Mark Francois, Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans
The Minister supports our Fixers project, and has encouraged us to share our ideas and create a DVD.
December 2013
Articles about my Fixers project appeared in the Andover Advertiser, the Hampshire Chronicle and the Salisbury Journal. Click on the newspaper names to read the stories.
September 2013
My story was featured in The Salisbury Journal. Click here to read the article.
My Fixers film was shown at a screening event at The Wellington Academy in Tidworth on 20th September.
Around 100 people came, including guests from the Army Welfare Service, local councils and wider community.
As well as showing the film and giving presentations about what Tidworth Mums do, we also had a dance performance.
After they had seen the film, we asked our audience to leave their thoughts, feedback and ideas on a ‘Graffiti Wall.’
Here are some of their comments:
'Well done ladies, you have done a wonderful job. Thank you for creating groups where all members of the community are welcome.'
'I thought you did really well. You are very confident and brave.'
'It's amazing how much you have grown and the benefits your work brings to the community.'
'Next a roadshow to spread the word across the country?!'
Hafsa Ur-Rehman
Ben Simms
Olivia G
Alexandra Garrick
Tilly and Bella
Lauren Taylor
Shannon Rawlings
Shano
Fixers
Chelsie Brown
Hannah Carter
Jade Kingdom
'Kate'
Mason Latey
'Ben'
Liam Thomas
Timothy Cranfield
Ethan Mcinally
Mary-Anne White and Lucy Wills
Meghann
Jack H
Becky