Veterans Connect North

22/08/2026

Sometimes the best reset starts with something that needs fixing.

A bike on a stand.

A set of tools.

A problem to solve.

And somewhere along the way, a weekend starts to come together.

We're creating something a little different in Cumbria for veterans and blue-light workers.

A weekend built around learning practical bike-maintenance skills — getting hands-on, understanding how things work and leaving able to do things you couldn't do when you arrived.

No awkward icebreakers.

No pressure to talk.

No need to know your derailleur from your disc brake before you turn up.

Just bikes, tools, practical skills, Cumbria and good company.

Whether you ride every weekend, haven't been on a bike for years, or simply fancy learning something useful, you'll be welcome.

A weekend that just works.

More details coming soon.

Know a veteran or someone in the blue-light community who'd enjoy this?

Tag them below or share this with them.

20/08/2026

How many times have you heard "man up", "suck it up buttercup" or "just crack on, its life". Well no. it's not life and no we don't just "man up", "shouldn't you be at home in the kitchen" or "this is mans work".

Every man and woman deserve to stand next to each other as equals.

As a sufferer from various Mental Health issues it grips my s**t when you're told to "man up". This is why I'm happy to work with Veterans Connect North as their Ambassador to promote to other Veterans and Blue Light Service members what we do.

We have already ran a successful Moving Forward programme earlier this year, a RYA Powerboat course, RYA Dinghy course and we have another sold out Powerboat Course in 2 weeks.

We are now looking for delegates to attend our second Moving Forward programme in October, both Veterans and Blue Light Services are welcome, there is a small investment of £50 to secure your place.

If you need some chill time to reset, reground yourself, get some much needed head space from the rat race they call life or simply fancy a refresh of what you already know then jump on.

www.veteransconnectnorth.co.uk/activities

Gary Pettit Kev Hartley Godfrey Owen Armed Forces Bikers Veterans Charity UK (Supporters page) LANCASTER EVERYTHING Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs Kendal Everything Debbie Marie Veterans' Foundation SSAFA Cumbria Royal British Legion, Holker Street, Barrow in Furness Club page Help For Veterans UK Westmorland and Furness Council

18/08/2026

Over the weekend, Veterans Connect North delivered something truly powerful, our RYA Level 1 Sailing Weekend designed to give Veterans and our Blue Light Services purpose, connection, and a fresh sense of direction.

The impact goes far beyond learning to sail.

It’s about confidence, belonging, and the positive shift that comes from spending time with people who understand your journey.

We see it every time.

When veterans and our blue light workers come together, support each other, and push themselves in a new environment, the effect on mental health and wellbeing is real.

Don’t just take our word for it listen to what the participants have to say in this video.

Their voices tell the story better than any brochure ever could.Purpose. Community. Progress.

That’s what Veterans Connect North is all about.

17/08/2026

Sailing 101 by Kev Hartley and Matthew Aspinall ...... movement 1 leading into movement 2 where the bum cheeks tighten and as well all saw movement 3 is aqua aerobics 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

17/08/2026

Debbie Marie was heard saying "look ive found this boat on ebay"

16/08/2026

Another fantastic weekend YMCA Lakeside, congratulations to our newly qualified RYA Level 1 sailors, a special thank you to Rob and Matty who delivered the course. See you all again in 3 weeks for the next powerboat course ... photos and videos to follow

15/08/2026

The suns out, boat rigging in process and everyone is super excited to get on the lake

12/08/2026

So many people wanted VCN to fail but once again we have a fully subscribed third course on the bounce with a full booked fourth course in September !!!

All without a single referral from any from ANY Veterans organisation.

There is a waiting list available via our website if you or any other veteran wants to put their name down for future Powerboat, Sailing, Bike Maintenance courses along with our Moving Forward programme.

12/08/2026

This is a video of Kanye West that has always inspired me -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzlKja1ySzo

I always wonder what I would say if we could not fill our sailing courses -

WELL I guess we will never know...

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/08/2026

Matt has four military charity organisations in his corner in Cumbria —yet the opportunity he needed was the one he found himself.

Matt has support from four different military charities—but somehow, our courses were never mentioned to him.

That isn’t about blaming individual caseworkers.

They do incredibly difficult work, often with limited time and an overwhelming number of services to navigate.

But it does show why veterans shouldn’t have to rely on a single route to discover every opportunity available to them.

Matt found us by coming directly—and he’s very glad he did.

If you’re a veteran looking for your next step, don’t be afraid to explore your options for yourself.

Sometimes the course, community or opportunity that makes the difference is the one you discover directly.

Know someone who might benefit? Send them our way.

If you are supported by a military charity or caseworker in Cumbria - have they told you about what we do?