Battle Buddies: Trusted Service Companions & Veteran Support.

There’s something about a shared uniform that never really fades. 

Whether you served last year or last century, that sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than yourself, stays with you. For many veterans living in care homes, though, that connection can feel out of reach until someone knocks on the door and says, “I’m here for a chat.”

Royal British Legion Standard Bearer

That’s where Battle Buddies comes in.

Managed by our Bluestone Support Network, Battle Buddies connects serving members and recently retired armed forces personnel with veterans residing in care facilities. The goal is straightforward: to offer veteran support, warmth, conversation, and a sense of connection to those who might feel overlooked.

The focus is not on grand gestures or formal ceremonies (though those are important too). It's about sitting together, enjoying a cup of tea, exchanging stories, and reassuring someone that they are still valued by the community they once served.

For volunteers, it’s a chance to give something back in a personal, human way. For residents, it’s often a lifeline. We’ve seen it time and again, a veteran who barely speaks light up when someone walks in wearing a regimental badge. Memories return. Smiles appear. The silence breaks.

Battle Buddies is not merely a campaign. It represents a commitment to being present, to listening, and to showing up. And this is just the beginning.

If you’d like to know more, volunteer, or bring Battle Buddies to a care home near you, read on or contact us at info@fieldcrafting.com.

Veteran Support: How You Can Get Involved

Battle Buddies is powered by people who care — and if you have a connection to the military, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Who can volunteer?

If you’re currently serving or a veteran, or have a clear military link (for example, through a Corps or Regimental Association), you’re eligible to become a Battle Buddy. Volunteers must be 18 or over. Cadet units can also take part through group registration with their detachment or Unit.

👉 What’s involved?

You’ll visit local care homes for monthly coffee mornings, where you’ll chat with residents, share stories, and help bring back that vital sense of belonging. Many volunteers also get involved with additional activities like reminiscence projects, presentations, or veterans' events — it’s as flexible as you need it to be.

👉 What’s the time commitment?

We simply ask that you’re free to attend one coffee morning a month. Visits can be one-on-one or in small groups, depending on the care home.

👉 Where can I volunteer?

Right now, Battle Buddies is active in Hampshire and Wiltshire, with plans to expand nationally. You can suggest a care home near you, or we’ll help connect you with one. If you don’t have a particular home in mind, we’ll take care of the match.

👉 What checks do I need?

A basic DBS check is required. You can also volunteer if you’re already registered with a regimental or corps association. We’ll guide you through the process during your application.

👉 What’s the next step?

Just fill out an Expression of Interest form on our Forces Support Group page, or email us directly at info@fieldcrafting.com. Once we’ve received your details, we’ll arrange a short interview and introduce you to a local care home.

Not ready to volunteer but still want to help?

You can:

• Share Battle Buddies events and updates on social media

• Spread the word to local welfare officers, regimental groups, or care homes

• Help us raise awareness at local events

  
  

Whether you’re visiting a care home or helping us behind the scenes, you’re part of something that really matters. Because no veteran should feel forgotten — and sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply show up.

Because no one who’s served should ever feel alone in their later years.

Battle Buddies