Royal Naval Association Swansea Branch

27/10/2026

Are you a military veteran who may be struggling with life after the armed forces, or do you know someone who is? Did you know that free specialist mental health support is available, and that you can self-refer?

Veterans NHS Wales is a specialist mental health service for ex-Armed Forces personnel across Wales. In Swansea Bay, we offer trauma-informed, evidence-based care tailored to the unique experiences of veterans.

We are designed to support veterans who have experienced mental health difficulties as a result of their military service.

Often our clients may not realise at the time, but what they have experienced and been exposed to can have a significant impact, years after leaving the military.

Although we are experienced in working with trauma, especially military trauma, we often work with various other clinical presentations such as depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, perfectionism and panic disorder. (Only if this is related to their military service.)

If you are a veteran, or you know someone who may benefit from our service, you can always contact us to discuss whether they would be suitable.

Self-referrals are accepted via the Veterans NHS Wales website: https://www.veteranswales.co.uk/veterans. Or referrals can also come from GPs and mental health teams.

Every veteran referred to us is offered a clinical assessment, where we work together to develop a personalised care plan. This may include therapy, signposting to specialist support, and guidance tailored to their individual goals.

To find out more about the Veterans service in Swansea Bay, visit our website: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/community-primary-care/mental-health/swansea-bay-veterans-nhs-wales-service/

26/10/2026

Good evening, Shipmates.

As we approach another important period of Remembrance, I have attached the programme and events posters for easy reference.

Over the coming days, I will be creating events for each activity. When these appear, I would be grateful if you could indicate whether you will be attending or not. This will greatly assist with planning and ticket allocations.

This is particularly important for the Festival of Remembrance Concert at Brangwyn Hall and the Remembrance Service at Swansea Minster. Tickets for these events are limited, and it would be wonderful if we could ensure our members are seated together wherever possible.

Thank you all for your continued support and participation. I look forward to sharing these important occasions with as many of you as possible.

Many thanks.

Si Piles
Branch Chair ⚓️

21/10/2026

Battle of Trafalgar - 21 October 1805

Today, Branch Chair and members proudly laid a wreath in honour of Major Lewis Rotely RM, leader of the Royal Marines aboard HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The courage of Wales was well represented on that historic day. Over 600 Welsh sailors and marines took part in the battle, including 86 from Glamorgan, while 31 Welshmen served aboard Nelson's flagship, Victory.
Swansea's industrial heritage was also closely linked to Britain's naval success. The city's world-renowned copper industry supplied material used to clad Royal Navy warships, helping Nelson sail faster and maintain a crucial advantage at sea.

18/10/2026

S/Ms events & dates for your diaries.

16/10/2026

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01/10/2026

🌺🌺🌺 CITY OF SWANSEA BRANCH 🌺🌺🌺

🌟🌟🌟 REMEMBRANCE EVENTS 2026 🌟🌟🌟

We are pleased to announce the City of Swansea Branch Remembrance events of 2026!

We have a full range of events taking place during remembrance period, including the Garden of Remembrance in the City centre, Remembrance services at the Cenotaph, Poppies to Paddington, a parade through the City on Sunday and our flagship event on November 7th the Festival of Remembrance held at the Brangwyn hall.

We are really excited to bring this busy programme to you all again, Swansea has been a fantastic supporter of Remembrance events with people from all ages and backgrounds getting involved and supporting us.

We will also be supporting the Poppy Appeal during this period and I’m sure that once again Swansea will give generously to support those who have served and their families.

We are also pleased to announce that last year the City of Swansea raised the most for the whole of Wales!!!!

This is all because of the generosity of the Swansea residents and visitors so we thank each and every one of you that put that small amount of change in the collection pots or used the card machines.

If anyone would like to assist this year please get in touch, we will be posting more information over the next few days about various events and poppy appeal collection opportunities.

Thank you for all of your support and commitment, let’s see if we can bring our communities together and be the highest fundraisers again this year.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Swansea Council
Enjoy Swansea
Swansea Minster
Councillor Wendy Lewis
Rob Stewart
Swansea Market
Brangwyn
Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea
High Sheriff of West Glamorgan
That's TV Swansea Bay
Swansea Bay News

17/09/2026

Shipmates FYI

09/09/2026

While the pirates were tasting Rum last night. A flock of Swansea WRNS were elsewhere putting into practice some dabber skills, no it wasn't painting by numbers.

09/09/2026

Sailors, WRNS & Rum ⚓️
September's monthly meeting was a little different and the embodiment of the RNA core values Seven Cs of Comradeship: Community, Connection, Commemoration, Care, Compassion, Companionship and Celebration.

We welcomed Julian from WelshSoul for a Rum tasting evening, great to hear the story of rum and the journey of Welsh Soul.

it certainly was popular. Some members brought disguises to enable them to go around the buoy 🤣

08/09/2026

Pension awareness week.

📢 Pension Awareness Week | 14-18 September | Tax & Armed Forces Pensions

Join our second webinar for the MOD on Tax and Armed Forces Pensions. Find out how key tax considerations can affect your pension and future financial planning. A valuable session for any serving personnel wanting to better understand their pension benefits.

Joining details are now live. No need to register just make a note in your calendar and join at the link on our website on the day.

➡️ https://forcespensionsociety.org/event/tax-armed-forces-pensions/

🌟 Your Service. Your Pension. Your Future.