Paula Massey

Paula Massey is the founder of Guardians for Heroes CIC which was set up to support veterans with their mental health and wellbeing through woodwork, arts and craft. This allows them to develop a wide range of professional and personal skills, as well as helping with their overall health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation.

Alongside the activities, Guardians for Heroes save mobility aids from being scrapped. Their veterans and volunteers are involved in the entire process of cleaning, repairing, refurbishing and upcycling preloved equipment. This project helps the environment via the circular economy, helps to reduce falls in people’s homes, reduces hospital visits, allows people to leave hospital sooner and frees up hospital beds.

Paula says:

“[Guardians for Heroes] came about due to my lived experience of mental health: … it’s easier for me when I’m actually physically doing something. Plus, it brings people out into an open space, gives them skills, breaks down social isolation, and integrates them with their community.”

Read her story to learn how Paula’s community project is freeing up hospital beds, upskilling veterans and helping the environment, all in one fell swoop.