Enjoying the Old Comrades experience
The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been a place of Veteran support and community for over 300 years, following its founding by Charles II for people struggling with infirmity or age. Three centuries later, nearly 300 Chelsea Pensioners still live within the Royal Hospital and continue the legacy and tradition of this historic community.
Instantly recognisable through their scarlet uniforms, the Chelsea Pensioners are an iconic part of British heritage and often seen out and about in London.
Now, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is extending its reach, with a varied Veterans’ Outreach programme and digital presence working to connect Veterans throughout the UK. Chief among these is the online community platform ‘Old Comrades’, a free to use, Veteran only website that brings together old and new friends.
Through this, Veterans can connect and join a supportive network, surrounded by people with similar experiences. Users can select their regional area for local news and events, join groups based on hobbies and interests, and access practical health and wellbeing assistance.
Unique
Monthly themes mean that the conversation’s always flowing and something that makes the Old Comrades online community truly unique is the chance to chat live with a Chelsea Pensioner. Through text and exclusive video, Veterans can learn about life in the Royal Hospital and take part in its continuing heritage. This feature was particularly effective during the Christmas period, a time that has historically been difficult for Veterans struggling with loneliness and isolation.
Digital Outreach Community Manager, Zoe, oversees the live feature, but Chelsea Pensioners produce and host the weekly session, where they “tell stories about their Military and personal life, finding connection, understanding, and humour over shared experiences”. A year into the project, Zoe and the Veterans’ Outreach team are delighted that the Old Comrades live events are becoming such a beloved part of the Old Comrades experience.
“Veterans watching, turn up and tune in each week to enjoy the conversations held with various guests, and with over 20% of the members having watched a ‘Live’, the live events are proving popular and continue to grow” says Zoe.
Connection
The Old Comrades and the Chelsea Pensioner Veterans’ Outreach programme are committed to helping Veterans live better lives for longer, through connection and activity. Before arriving at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, many of the Chelsea Pensioners felt alone. Now within the security and community of the Royal Hospital, many Chelsea Pensioners are eager to help those who need extra support and urge Veterans to join this unique online community.
“Having met lots of Veterans that are on their own, my advice is contact us, get in contact with Old Comrades, get in contact with the outreach, because we’re here for you.” Paul, Chelsea Pensioner
Visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea website for details about the Veterans’ Outreach programme.
Join the Old Comrades community
To sign up to the Old Comrades online community, search for Old Comrades via your mobile phone app store or go to: oldcomrades.com. There you can create an account with your name, email address and a password, after which a code will be sent out to verify your details. Add a photo to personalise your account, then answer the four following questions:
What was your Service number?
What was your rank?
What was your Service? (Army, Navy, RAF, Merchant Navy)
What is your current age?
How did you hear about us? (Be sure to mention Civvy Street Magazine.)
Your answers will be reviewed within 48 hours, then you can get connecting!
Contact: VeteransOutreach@Chelsea-Pensioners.org.uk if you need any assistance, or find out more about the Royal Hospital Chelsea at: www.Chelsea-Pensioners.co.uk
