MEET THE TEAM
My name is Shirley Simmons and l am the founder and current Chair of the Bury Veterans Hub-Cafe, est. 2018.
Firstly I am extremely proud to have a remarkable trustee and volunteer team, without whom this project would never have developed into what it is today. These people have seen me at my lowest, never judge, and always supported me. That’s why I know we are all in good hands.
Military background none, l’m was married to an ex-matelot, with a father-in-law ex Royal Navy and 2 brother-in-laws one 1RRF (killed in NI Nov 1974) and a Merchant Navy Officer.
So as you can see, this civilian was surrounded by the military in lots of ways.
My personal passion, are the NI Veterans, in an era of the time, when they were told to “man up and get on with it”.
This is where my own personal experience of loss, like veterans, come into it’s own.
Watching and experiencing your heart being torn apart, as others did, and still do, is something no one ever fully gets over.
This is where my journey begins, by turning my experience into building a pathway for helping, sharing, acknowledging and talking, has to be far better for everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Over the years l continually recognised the vulnerability of some veterans transitioning into civilian life from the services, also the lack of support for mental health, addictions and isolation once in Civi-Street.
This is why I knew the Hub was needed ....
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“Together we matter, together we help, together we succeed”
Shirley Simmons
Hi I'm Sam Phillips, Welfare Support for Bury Veterans Hub. I am married to a Veteran and have 7 children. I have been working in a Veteran based environment for over 3 years, helping people with many different issues they face in life. I began this type of work when I was a Caseworker for ssafa ( soldiers, sailors, airman's families association). I assisted clients in receiving funding and services in order to make their lives better. I also built up a great network of outside agencies in which I could sign post Veterans to should they need further help. Some of the things I can help with are Benefits, Financial Assistance, Mental Health, Criminal Justice and Employment.
Sam Phillips
Hello, my name is Paul Andrews, I served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from 1968 - 1984. During which time I was posted to Berlin, Paderborn, Hamer, plus numerous tours in Northern Ireland, I also survived the M62 coach Bombing on the 4th Feb 1974. Finishing off training recruits at the Queens Division Depot Bassingbourne.
Paul Andrews
My name is Gary Best, I'm a 56 yrs old veteran who served for 11 years with the 3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets. During my time with them I had postings in Celle, Colchester, Gibraltar and Dover. I completed 2 active tours of duty in Northern Ireland, I then left regular service in June 92 .
I returned to Bury, Lancashire where I was born and brought up and took employment as a heavy goods driver. I also joined the territorial army enlisting in the local fusiliers regiment at Castle armoury, Bury. I was diagnosed with PTSD about 7 years ago. I became a member of the Bury Veterans Hub, and I'm the first to admit that individuals from within that hub have helped me when I've been at my lowest. I have attempted suicide on 5 different occasions but thankfully have failed on each attempt. I'm now also a part of the Bury armed forces veterans breakfast club, and attend whenever I can. I really do think we benefit from the Bury Veterans Hub, as its a place where people can feel safe and chat with like minded people who understand them and don't judge them.
I'm presently living in Liverpool and work as a shunter for B&M retail Ltd.
Gary Best
My name is Barry Phillips, secretary for the Bury Veterans Hub.
Who am I? I come from humble beginnings, the eldest of six kids to Shirley and Carl Phillips. I grew up in Salford and joined the Army in 1993, I originally joined the parachute regiment but I would class my parent unit as the Royal Green Jackets.
During my time with the Green Jackets I did operational tours and exercises in Cyprus, Bosnia, Italy, Jordan, Canada, Falkland Islands and South Georgia. I spent the last 3 years of my army career in a tri-service group in Northern Ireland working with the RUC, special branch and other British intelligence agencies. I left the British army in 2000, just short of 8 years service moving back to Salford.
I am now living and married to an old school friend and between us we have 9 kids. We live in Bury and both have a big influence within the Bury Veterans Community.
Barry Phillips
My name is Eleanor. After studying a BTEC Diploma in Care I worked in several care homes. Since then I have worked in various customer service roles and I currently work as a member of bar staff at my local Wetherspoons. It is here where I came into contact with the Bury Veterans Community and was very happy to be asked to become a Trustee for the Bury Veterans Hub, so I could offer even more to the Veterans Community.