S02E14 - Scott May & Sheldon Rogers (YV & sub-branch Toowoomba) - Part 1
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Andy speaks to special guests Scott May and Sheldon Rogers from Young Veterans Toowoomba and RSL Sub Branch initiative .  We joined the conversation with Scott and Sheldon talking about their experience as President and Vice President of the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch.  Scott was worried about the perception of old style RSL Legacy type buildings upon the psyche of returned vets who maybe attempting to engage with the organisation.  RSL front door entries  are heavily into memorials as a general statement and we know that’s out of respect however  it’s daunting  to young vets to walk into such a heavy atmosphere seeking help and support for PTSD and anxiety.    They may be there in a fragile mindset at the time.   Thus a new concept was needed to fill the gap for a different demographic.   A place they have named The Hub.  The idea was formulated for  a non confrontational and flexible space to grow and be defined by those who would use it Sheldon adds.    

 In  an effort to make the area fresh, inviting and homely, lounges and a kitchenette were added to the concept to make room for further actives such as meetings, advocacy etc.   A great initiative towards over coming  PTSD  avoidance and potential trigger environments, with the objective to just get Young Veterans in the door.    Welcome them in, relax and link them with supports and engaging activities.   All  reasons for them to return.   Scott and Sheldon were on the same page regarding their proposed idea but they had to pitch it to the “establishment” and come out with something that wasn’t moulded by the RSO.    Young Vets want and need  hospital welfare teams, advocates and not a club that may put demands on them to help when they are not well enough to be in that space.   

“So Sheldon, how did you get involved with Young Vets and meet Scott” asks Andy.  After a night out with the boys late December at the local RSL Toowoomba, a plan was hatched to build an endurance race car.  There was talk of  flying pineapples, race car days and the garage nights after wards that have developed into a welfare initiative.   Their partners and families are seeing real  benefits as well.  As more connections come through friends and acquaintances so does financial sponsors.  So it is growing organically and can pivot as needs become evident.

 Andy rounds up the  first segment thanking Scott May and Sheldon Rogers but there is a burning question that hasn’t been asked.   Join us for Part 2 when Andy  talks about female vets and their investment in The Hub .   

Contact -  Scott May / Sheldon Rogers Facebook - Young Veterans Toowoomba) | TRSL Sub-Branch)Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS)) | Lifeline) | RedSix app)"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

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