Hastings based East Sussex Veterans Hub (ESVH) received national recognition from the English Veterans Awards 2020/21, at a special presentation evening and dinner, held in the Midlands on 15 September 2021.
The Veteran’s Awards promotes the positives from UK’s military veteran community. It focusses on the work of veterans for veterans, serving reservists along with organisations and companies that support ex service personnel. They aim to recognise and reward those involved in the areas of fitness, business, health and well-being , plus contributions to the wider community.
One award was for Veteran Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Bernard Stonestreet, Executive Secretary and Founder of ESVH, part of which is the 99/100 Group that supports veterans of HM Forces across East Sussex, suffering from PTSD, mental ill health, alcohol, and substance issues or having any involvement within the criminal justice system. This award was one of 12 Gold Awards made for various categories, covering both individuals and businesses or organisations from across the country.
A second accolade came as a particular surprise, at the end of the awards evening. It was for the Overall Champion of the English Veteran’s Awards, selected from the finalists of all 12 categories. This also went to Bernard Stonestreet, recognising the work of ESVH in support of veterans.