What Jake has achieved in just three months is nothing short of extraordinary.
When I first met him, he was a shadow of himself. The journey began thanks to a referral from Russ Kiteley of the 617 Group, involving the invaluable support of Abi Joy Warburton, AFLO for the Vale of Glamorgan. Over the following two weeks, I started to notice subtle changes in Jake — a new spark, a shift towards positivity in what had been a difficult chapter of his life.
Jake then asked if he could volunteer. I remembered the words of the late Sergeant Major Joe Smiley: “Never stifle enthusiasm.” So I said yes.
I introduced Jake to various agencies, and one pivotal meeting was with The Bulldogs in Port Talbot, where a conversation with Ceri Stillwell became the catalyst for a dramatic, high-speed transformation. This was followed by a visit to the Riverside Retreat Veterans Camp in Llanddeusant — a turning point where everything seemed to click for Jake.
Then… silence. For a week, I didn’t hear from him and began to worry. But then a message came: “Meet me in Barry High Street.”
When we met, Jake shared his plan to open a Health Hwb. In just two and a half months, he not only made that vision a reality — he exceeded every expectation. The speed, determination, and sheer drive have left me speechless.
And here’s the best part: Jake is offering one day a month of free services exclusively for veterans. That generosity speaks volumes.
Jake may just be the most brilliantly unconventional BONKERS service user I’ve ever worked with — and I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished.