Reading Force’s Laura Watson and Camille Campbell-Wild collected the bronze award on behalf of the charity for Veteran Group of the Year at the NI Veterans Awards ceremony in Belfast.
Laura reflected on the significance of the award:
“I am thrilled Reading Force received the bronze award for Veteran Group of the Year. It’s wonderful to be recognised for the amazing work we do, not only in Northern Ireland but also across the UK and Europe. It was fabulous to see many other charities and veterans with whom we work closely, also win awards during the evening.”
The shared reading charity, which supports serving and ex-serving tri-service military families in the UK and those based overseas, has been working with veterans in Northern Ireland since 2021. Laura Watson, Reading Force Ambassador for Northern Ireland, encourages and supports veterans and their families to use the charity’s free bespoke resources and chat about books. Veterans are also encouraged to participate in the charity’s supported book clubs.
“Our family has enjoyed the books our granddaughter Phoebe received. Her Granda rarely talks of his time in the army but thanks to Reading Force this part of our family history is no longer lost. Thanks so much for the joy Reading Force has gifted our family.” Veteran’s wife
“Reading force has helped me to get my grandchildren into reading and, when they stay over, they now ask for a bedtime story. It is helping the eldest one progress with her school reading and has encouraged the youngest one to develop his own story telling.” Veteran grandfather
Laura travels throughout the country to attend veteran breakfast morning, family days and roadshows, with the overall aim of affirming community, reducing social isolation and improving mental-wellbeing within the veteran community in Northern Ireland.
“I love having a chat with them and we talk about our backgrounds, The older veterans babysit their grandchildren, so they get great joy from picking a new book for them to read together when they next have them over. I look forward to meeting all the veterans I am yet to meet!”
Reading Force would like to recognize and thank The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland for making this work possible.
