Two new support groups for military men and women will launch in Scunthorpe next week.
The groups have been set up by veterans’ charity Hull 4 Heroes to help ex or serving personnel with their mental health and provide a place to talk.
GEO and LISA carry the names of two local former soldiers who sadly took their own lives at a young age.
The LISA group, for women, will begin on Monday 6 March and the GEO group, for men, on Wednesday 8 March.
Both groups will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the brand-new Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe which is located at 186 on the High Street. There is no need to book, just turn up.
Paul Matson, founder of Hull 4 Heroes, said: ”The GEO and LISA groups, named after George Ellis and Lisa Bateman, are designed to bring together serving and former military men and women so they can talk among people who understand them.
“Both groups have been running in Hull and Barton for the last 12 months and we have been working with the family of George and Lisa to help them to continue to grow. They are both immensely proud that their children’s names are hopefully helping to save the lives of other military men and women.”
Portrait picture of George Ellis.
George’s father Adrian previously said last year: “I don’t know why George took his life. I know that he was really upset by his friend’s death.
“He was in tears and couldn’t believe that one of his friends had taken his own life.
“I think it must have been some sort of tragic accident, almost like a spur of the moment event.
“It is so important for people to talk about their problems. Too many young soldiers and veterans are taking their own lives and we must do something to stop this.
“Military people are quite adamant they can’t share their experiences with civilians because they just don’t know what it is like; they need to open up to like-minded people who have been there.”
Paul Matson added: “We have been planning to expand the talking groups for a while but have been looking for the right venues. When we were offered to use the space at the new Armed Forces Hub in Scunthorpe it couldn’t have been a more perfect time or setting.
“These groups have already saved lives and we hope that Scunthorpe will be the first of many new groups across the region and the country.”
The support groups are also gaining the support from celebrities such as Nick Knowles and retired Rugby League international Keith Senior.
Nick Knowles tweeted: “George ‘GEO’ Ellis and Lisa Bateman both took their own lives with no warning, now more than ever this is urgently needed, get this in every city.”
Retired Rugby League international Keith Senior also added his support on Twitter and said: “Outstanding from Hull 4 Heroes, the more platforms available to help people, the better. If you are in the military in the Scunthorpe area, then get along to this and help it grow.”
To find out more about the LISA and GEO groups contact the Armed Forces Hub by emailing armed.forces@northlincs.gov.uk or Hull 4 Heroes on 01482 534483.
You can find out more about Hull 4 Heroes on their website.
Picture of Lisa Bateman on patrol.
