Friends of the Royal British Legion Band of Wales
The friends of the Royal British Legion Band of Wales are focussed on raising public awareness and gaining public support and coordinating fundraising for the bands performances. Through the funds they raise they are able to support musical activities. Hosted by the Friends of the Royal British Legion Band of Wales, Guitars for Veterans provides relief to struggling veterans through the healing power of music and community. “Veterans shouldn’t have to face the challenges of PTSD in silence or alone”, says G4V Chairman, Tim Sturges, “We all know that whilst music itself is an international language, it’s also a healer and is therapeutic, especially when playing an instrument. The actual charity itself started in 2018”, Tim continues, “While the G4V project has only been active for about 18 months it already has over 50 members. Whilst G4V is geographically based in Wales, members are both male and female, from all ages, ranks and nationalities, as long as they have served just one day in the military anywhere in the world, they can join the group.”
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Total raised so far £4,718
+ est. £310.75
Supporters
86Fundraisers
0Who Are We?
Guitars for Veterans (G4V) is a small project with just 4 paid members of staff, but, with the support from funders and our wonderful volunteers it is slowly spreading across Wales. Currently the project supports 15 groups, we would like to expand that to 25 groups by the end of 2023. With your support we will be able to provide veterans suffering mental illness within our communities a brave space to find the healing power of music. Provide space to share their skills and somewhere to talk. Providing a guitar, access to lessons and support to learn a new skill.
"I have seen first-hand the impact that this programme has had on Veterans in the community. This has been something that they can focus on, find their own place in the community and have a shared passion with like-minded individuals. I have seen their mood lifted and a look of pure joy. Recently, when a veteran struggled with an acoustic because of their arthritis they were loaned an electric guitar ? I cannot express in words the joy that was on his face. This veteran has recently lost his wife and the ability to have something to focus on has changed his outlook. I cannot recommend this project highly enough." LR
Our Aim is:
We aim to provide our veterans with the opportunity to find calm and peace in a welcoming environment by supplying free tuition and instruments. The guitar can become a companion always there in the corner of the room, 24/7...
"In my experience you are never alone if you have a guitar! It is a companion, a constant source of achievement and sometimes frustration! but in that lies the benefit. Its company when you're alone and a common language when amongst friends". - ME
Why?
Evidence has shown how effective music and playing an instrument can be to bring our people back from the horrors of mental illness and PTSD. We desperately need funding to expand this project across Wales and to help more veterans come back home.
"The veterans who have received their guitars have found by learning a new skill it has focused their attention creating a positive outlet and improving their mental health. It's a great project that benefits veterans and adds energy when the groups get together." AL
"I have been watching the confidence of the group grow as they start putting the chords together." PB
"We are looking to increase the group size and want to give out more guitars soon, thanks for bringing this great project to us." Volunteer
"I’ve just received my guitar from Guitars for Veterans - Wales. Never played before, but in just a day it’s made me think about something other than the black dog following me around " our newest member.
"Going to G4V is the highlight of my week. Since starting, my son's become interested and we both had guitars for Christmas- it's been great encouraging each other to learn. In the group we spur each other on as the weeks have gone by we feel more comfortable in each other's company and have started talking more and opening up. Having these chats to others is a really positive thing on lots of levels. I was apprehensive at first, but I've been warmly welcomed and really looking forward to meeting up with the guys. We've been bought together by learning to play guitar, but that's not the most important thing. It's the social side of things that really makes a difference to me."
Please help us to achieve our goal help us to make a difference to Veterans in Wales.
