Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland

Recovery in Layers Inspired by Nims Purja’s Project Possible, Andrew rebuilt his body and mind step by step. From walking laps to challenging himself in social situations, each small win added up to real progress. 🎧 Full episode: nivco.co.uk/podcasts/

Hitting Rock Bottom When a stroke ended his military career, Andrew’s body and mind declined. Now he relied on crutches, a hearing aid, and glasses. A dark moment made him realise he needed to change his path. 🎧 Listen to Andrew's story: nivco.co.uk/podcasts/

Life Changing Event at 24 At 24, Andrew collapsed, seeing double and unable to move his left side. An ex paramedic spotted it immediately and called an ambulance. He was rushed to hospital with a suspected stroke. 🎧 Hear the full episode: nivco.co.uk/podcasts/

Great to meet yesterday with @Communities_NI alongside Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to discuss the upcoming Veterans Support Helpline. This is about breaking down barriers, not creating advantage, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant.

A Royal Joke During President Higgins’ visit, the Irish Guards’ mascot got a new tunic. Andrew had minutes to dress him, and the Duke of Edinburgh joked if the Irish linen would outlast the British. 🎧 Watch the full episode: nivco.co.uk/podcasts/

Six Week Old Recruit Andrew was handed a big responsibility when he became the Irish Guards’ mascot handler to a six week old wolfhound puppy named Domhnall. 🎧Hear the story behind one of the Irish Guards’ most famous mascots in Andrew's podcast: nivco.podbean.com

Never Completely Safe Andrew remembers stepping off the Chinook at Patrol Base 3 on his first day in Afghanistan. In the middle of the base stood a white cross, a stark reminder that you’re never completely safe. 🎙️ Listen tomorrow: nivco.podbean.com

🎙️The @niveteranscomm was back on the Once a Warrior, Life Beyond the Uniform podcast mic, recording by powerful stories from the veterans community. Featuring Lord Dannatt, Michael Donaldson & Gillian Lyall sharing experiences from operations, service & supporting veterans today

Afghanistan at 21. Andrew was 21 when he was deployed to Afghanistan. It was what he had trained for but the reality brought a mixture of excitement and fear. Watch Andrew's full podcast when it goes live on Friday. 🎙️ @NIVeteransCommissioner/podcasts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@NIVeteransCom…

Sandwiches for Soldiers. Next on our podcast: Irish Guards veteran Andrew Steed recalls how, as a child, his Granny packed extra sandwiches for soldiers when they were passing the army checkpoint. Full story coming soon 🎧 nivco.podbean.com

Today @niveteranscomm & staff attended the Memorial Day for the Victims of Terrorism at Stormont, hosted by Timothy Gaston MLA. Victims & families from across the UK & Ireland gathered to remember those lost to terrorism & reflect on its lasting impact. A dignified, moving event.

Brotherhood of the Army Deep bonds are formed in the army, that stand the test of time. Her advice to young girls thinking about joining the army? Go for it! 🎙️ Listen to the full podcast here: nivco.podbean.com/e/the-war-that…

No Support In Northern Ireland At The Time Tricia shares the heartbreaking truth: there weren't enough understanding mental health services in Northern Ireland at the time. Tricia's full podcast is available to stream: nivco.podbean.com/e/the-war-that…

The War Hasn't Left Me Tricia talks about the harsh reality of the ups and down of PTSD and how many years later it still affects her. Listen to Tricia's full story here: open.spotify.com/show/7wPbeAigo… #PTSD #PTSDAwareness #CombatMedic #AfghanistanTour

Last week Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA confirmed that War Pensions will now be disregarded in Affordable Warmth Scheme assessments. A positive step that improves access for vulnerable veterans & upholds the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring no veteran faces disadvantage.

After the Tour.. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Tricia began to drink heavily and acting completely out of character. Her Mum urged her to see a doctor after realising that something wasn't right. Watch Tricia's full podcast here: nivco.co.uk/podcasts/

Nothing Can Prepare You Tricia Robinson, former Combat Medic, opens up about the devastating reality of witnessing casualties of an IED, one of the hardest experiences of her life. 🎙️ Tricia's full story is live now: nivco.podbean.com/e/the-war-that…

Time was Running Out Tricia Robinson recalls the horror of an explosion going off earlier than expected and the race to reach the injured man, knowing he may only have minutes to live. 🎙️ FULL EPISODE LIVE TOMORROW: nivco.podbean.com #IED #NIVeterans #CombatMedic

First Casualty: A Double Amputee In The War That Never Leaves You, the latest episode of our podcast, Tricia Robinson, former Combat Medic, shares the reality of facing her first serious frontline casualties in Afghanistan. 🎙️ Live this Friday. nivco.podbean.com

📣 The latest Northern Ireland Veterans Newsletter is now live! Catch up on news, opportunities, community highlights & support for the Armed Forces family across NI. Put the kettle on and have a read ☕ 🔗 nivco.co.uk/wp-content/upl… Please share to keep our community connected.