Friends of The Veterans Cottage

13/06/2026

Today, we remember James Ashworth, a soldier of the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.
On 13 June 2012, in Nahr-e Saraj, Afghanistan, Guardsman Ashworth led from the front under intense fire. He repeatedly put himself in danger to protect his team, drawing fire and pressing forward against insurgents. His actions saved lives.

He was just 23 years old.

There’s a tendency to use words like “hero” without fully sitting with what that means. This was a young man who made a decision, in real time, to put others before himself—knowing the cost.

At The Veterans Cottage, we don’t just remember the medal.
We remember the man. The sacrifice. And the families and friends who carry that loss long after the headlines fade.

Rest in peace, Guardsman Ashworth VC.
We will remember.

04/06/2026

PTSD doesn’t just affect one person.
It affects the whole family.

Whether your background is RAF, Navy, Army, Reservist, or any other service—
to the ones supporting, holding it together, and trying to understand—
we see you.

It can be exhausting. It can feel isolating.
You don’t have to carry it on your own.

At The Veterans Cottage, you’re welcome here too.
A safe, supportive space where you can talk, breathe, and be heard.

Reach out. We’re here for you as well.

26/05/2026

06/05/2026

We had the pleasure of welcoming Positive Earth Community to the Veterans Cottage during their incredible charity walk from Ely to West Yorkshire 👣

They’re currently raising funds to open a micro-pub and community space focused on mental health and wellbeing — something we’re fully behind. Spaces like this truly matter.

It sparked some real conversations around mental health, connection, and how important it is that we look out for one another. The COVID years separated so many of us, and we’re still feeling the effects — but things are looking up.

More people than ever are stepping forward, creating CICs, building community-led support, and making a difference where it’s needed most. That can only be a good thing.

We wish them all the success on their journey — and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way 💚

Find out more about what they’re doing here:
https://positive-earth-community.com

MentalHealthAwareness

30/03/2026

There’s something really special about women coming together, slowing down, and just being. 💛

Today at the cottage, Kayleigh, Kirsty, Colleen, Morgan and Rebecca joined us for a beautiful wellbeing day filled with relaxation, connection, and plenty of laughter.

We started the day with a relaxing soundbath, allowing everyone to fully unwind and settle into the space.
The girls then experienced a mix of nurturing treatments including hot stone massage with the lovely Julia using Neal’s Yard products, Lynette’s powerful shamanic drumming, and back,neck & shoulders massages… before we gently closed the day with a heart-opening cacao ceremony.

But more than anything, it was the energy in the room that stood out. The conversations, the giggles, and the bond between friends. You could really feel the joy of simply spending quality time together.

This is what it’s all about. Stepping away from the busy world and giving yourself permission to relax, reset, and reconnect — with yourself and with each other.

If you’ve been thinking about doing something different with your friends, send us a message we can create a bespoke wellbeing day for you ☺️

18/03/2026

Self-care isn’t selfish… it’s essential.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time to rest, breathe, reset and look after your wellbeing isn’t a luxury—it’s what keeps you going for everyone and everything else in your life.

At RCW Wellbeing, we see it all the time—people running on empty, putting themselves last. But when you start showing up for you, everything begins to shift.

So this is your reminder:
✨ It’s okay to slow down
✨ It’s okay to say no
✨ It’s okay to choose yourself

Because when you’re well, you’re stronger—for your family, your work, your community… and most importantly, for you.

Accessible, affordable wellbeing for everyone 💛

15/03/2026

A little thank you from us to all blue light/care services – NHS staff, therapists, carers, fire service, armed forces and veterans.
For the rest of March we’re offering 50% off wellbeing sessions. These always book quickly, so please message to secure your slot.

Discounted Treatments
✨ Reiki – £20 (1 hour) / £15 (45 mins)
✨ Seated Acupressure Back Massage – £12.50
✨ Foot & leg Massage – £12.50

Next Week Availability w/c 16th March

Tuesday
3:30pm, 4pm 5:30pm

Wednesday
11am, 12:30pm, 2pm & 5pm

Friday
6pm

If you know someone in a caring role who would benefit – please tag them or share this post so they can take advantage of the offer.

04/03/2026

We have a limited number of subsidised wellbeing sessions available at the cottage for just £10.

🕊 Deep relaxation
🕊 Nervous system reset
🕊 Calm, grounding space just for you

Available this week:
Thursday: 2pm | 3pm | 5pm
Friday: 10am

📞 Call 01536 639041 to book
Or message us directly to secure your space.

Every session not only supports your wellbeing — it also helps us continue our work supporting veterans in our community.

Calling All Nurses, Mental Health Workers, Carers, Support Workers & Therapists!
You spend your days holding others, listening deeply, caring endlessly…
now it’s your turn 💛

We’re offering subsidised wellbeing sessions especially for you, for just £10:

Back shoulder & head massage
Reiki healing
Foot or hand massage
90-minute mindfulness session, meditation, mandala rock painting or create your own intention jars

This is your invitation to switch off, breathe, and be looked after for a few hours.

No fixing. No giving. Just receiving.

Tag someone who cares for others!

💫 Limited subsidised spaces available
📩 Message to book now

08/02/2026

Calling All Nurses, Mental Health Workers, Carers, Support Workers & Therapists!
You spend your days holding others, listening deeply, caring endlessly…
now it’s your turn 💛

We’re offering subsidised wellbeing sessions especially for you, for just £10:

Back shoulder & head massage
Reiki healing
Foot or hand massage
90-minute mindfulness session, meditation, mandala rock painting or create your own intention jars

This is your invitation to switch off, breathe, and be looked after for a few hours.

No fixing. No giving. Just receiving.

Tag someone who cares for others!

💫 Limited subsidised spaces available
📩 Message to book now

08/02/2026

As we head into the end of the week, remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out — just take the next kind step for yourself.

At RCW Wellbeing, we offer gentle, accessible support including:

🌿 Reiki energy healing

💆 Massage therapy

🧠 Coaching & hypnotherapy to rebuild confidence

🕯️ Relaxation, calm, and space to breathe

🧘🏼‍♀️ Group guided meditation

🧑🏻‍🎨 Creative activities

Be kind to yourself today. Set up next week for you to feel calmer, stronger, and supported.

📩 Message to book

💚 RCW — relaxation • confidence • wellbeing