Directory

Welcome to the official website of the Queen’s Royal Hussars Regimental Association. The Colonel of the Regiment and the Chairman of the Regimental Association send their very best wishes to all members in these unusual and unprecedented times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some members will have concerns about their health and possibly their economic security. Members are strongly encouraged to abide by the Government’s medical advisers’ instructions to minimise face to face social contact, only travel on essential journeys, and remain at home whenever possible. Members are also strongly encouraged to look out for each other in these difficult times. Many members communicate through social media, which is proving to be a useful tool for keeping friends in touch and for sharing a great deal of banter and mutual support. Some members, often the more elderly, do not use social media and are not connected to the digital age. For this group the telephone remains the main method of communication; members of our Association Troops are encouraged to support each other wherever possible. Unsurprisingly, the British Armed Forces have once again been called out in support of the civil authorities and are providing critically important support to the NHS. In this particular battle the NHS are in the front line as the main combatants, and therefore deserve all of our support and encouragement. Please be assured that the Regimental Association Trust and the Regimental Association are determined to reinstate activity once the Government has given the all clear. We have survived much worse. In the meantime, please look out for Old Comrades and try to keep in touch with as many as you can. Col Andrew Cuthbert Chairman of The Regimental Association The Queen’s Royal Hussars (The Queen’s Own and Royal Irish) Formed in September 1993 by merging The Queen’s Own Hussars and The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars, the senior light cavalry Regiment in the British Army is The Queen’s Royal Hussars (The Queen’s Own and Royal Irish).

A new and exciting project has been launched thanks to the funding of The Armed Forces Covenant Fund. This new Northern Ireland specific service will offer Alternative therapies along side traditional therapies. It is aimed at Veterans’ Families and Carers with all veterans eligible for assistance. Included in the range of therapies is Horticultural Therapy, Equine Therapy, Music Therapy and a range of psyco-educational courses. for more information download our brochure here

NATURE-BASED THERAPY COURSES Our flagship 8-week course, designed and developed by Liz in partnership with the Public Health Agency. 100% evidenced-based Facilitated by both a Horticultural Therapist, and experienced Horticulturist Designed and developed specifically to increase wellbeing and decrease depression & anxiety levels Emphasises the fascinating growing evidence base for using Horticultural + nature-based therapy as a therapeutic service Teaches a wide range of practical ways to reconnect with nature in a peaceful therapeutic setting Shows a wide range of ways to organically grown your own food, herbs and wildflowers – combined with practical ways to use these skills to increase and enhance your wellbeing Each of the 8 weeks is varied, hands on, accessible and practical Please note at the moment this is a referral based programme. We do not accept self-referrals. But please get in touch if you would like to refer a group, if you have any questions or would like more information.

Horses are quick to react to perceived danger but where no threat exists, go ‘back to grazing’. We use the same principle focus on helping people to develop a less reactive approach to situations and how to connect with others to create and maintain better relationship. It’s about life skills, coping mechanisms, decision making and creating a brighter future. Participants tell us that they feel much more hopeful and positive following their time with the horses. We also offer a free 6-week online follow up on-line course for veterans to help with establishing new, constructive practices. BENEFITS (FOR VETERANS) increased confidence coping mechanisms techniques for adjusting to new situations ability to dial up assertiveness rather than aggression breaking unhelpful behaviour patterns focusing on strengths focusing on where you are going rather than where you’ve been

The Not Forgotten Association Northern Ireland acts for the benefit of disabled ex-servicemen and women and our armed forces community. We provide outings, entertainment and respite breaks to veterans and their families. Our objective is to act generally for the benefit of service and ex-service personnel with disabilities or who are wounded, including the organisation or provision of items or facilities for leisure and recreational activities.

The Royal Artillery Charities embrace anyone who is or ever has been, part of the Regimental family. Every year, we help over 1700 Gunners and their dependants in their hour of need. The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund has been around a while and is there for every Gunner – both serving and veterans. But do you really know what it’s for and how it can help? Contact us for more details if you are a serving or ex sapper

WHO ARE WE? WHAT IS THE ROYAL ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION? The Royal Engineers Association (REA) is the Regimental Association of the Royal Engineers. Charity numbers 258322 and SC 041832. The original REA was founded in 1912 under the name of The Royal Engineers Old Comrades Association. Its name was changed to the Royal Engineers Association in 1952. WHAT WE DO The Aim of the Association is to promote and support the Corps of Royal Engineers among members of the Association by fostering esprit de corps and a spirit of comradeship and service, and by maintaining an awareness of Corps traditions. The Association also acts as a link between serving and retired members of the Corps and it provides financial and other assistance to serving and former members of the Corps, their spouses, widows and dependents who are in need. Grants, within Association Guidelines, are made to the Army Benevolent Fund and to other charities that further the objectives of the Association.

Branch History The Northern Ireland Branch was formed in March 1956 in Victoria Barracks (since demolished) in Belfast. The majority of the foundation Members were ex-war time Signallers, many of whom had joined the Territorial Army after the war. Over the years there has continually been a good mix of ex-war time, ex-regular, ex & serving TA Members. There has also always been a good mix of Commissioned, Senior and Junior ranks. Social Activities Social activities include various interesting speakers or demonstrations, discos, Annual dinner etc. Each year in June a number of Members attend the Royal Signals re-union at Blandford. On Remembrance Sunday the Branch Members attend church service with 40 (NIH) Signal Squadron (V).   We hold regular monthly meetings the third Wednesday of each month. If you live anywhere in Northern Ireland and would like to join us you would be most welcome!

The death of someone we love is likely to be one of the most distressing experiences we will ever face. When someone dies, a relationship is lost, a process of change begins, and we move towards a new and largely unknown situation. Our mission is to offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and to enhance society’s care of bereaved people. There are seven areas located throughout Northern Ireland: Armagh and Dungannon Area Belfast Area Foyle Area Newry and Mourne Branch Northern Area North Down and Ards Area Omagh and Fermanagh Area   Cruse offers face-to-face, telephone, email and website support. We have a Freephone national helpline and local services. Our services are provided by our network of 5,000 trained volunteers and are confidential and free. Cruse also provides training and consultancy for external organisations and for those who may encounter bereaved people in the course of their work.

AWARE is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland.   Derry /  Londonderry  Office   A Derry-born charity, we now have two offices; one in Londonderry and a second office in Belfast. AWARE has an established network of 23 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by our trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. We also deliver Information Outreach sessions and attend community events to give more information about AWARE and our services.   AWARE deliver mental health and well being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include our suite of Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid and Mindfulness. More information available on our web site

AWARE is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland. Belfast Office   A Derry-born charity, we now have two offices; one in Londonderry and a second office in Belfast. AWARE has an established network of 23 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by our trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. We also deliver Information Outreach sessions and attend community events to give more information about AWARE and our services. AWARE deliver mental health and well being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include our suite of Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid and Mindfulness. More information available on our web site

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.   People living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland who are calling from UK landlines and mobiles.   Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and help, in confidence. Lifeline counsellors are experienced in working with trauma, suicide, self-harm, abuse, depression and anxiety. You will receive immediate help on the phone. Should you need further support we can provide a face-to-face counselling appointment in your local area within seven days. Lifeline also provides support and guidance to families and carers, concerned friends, professionals, teachers, youth workers, clergy and communities. Remember, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just call. The Lifeline helpline is funded by the Department of Health.