We were privileged to welcome Paula Massey from Guardians for Heroes to our recent Llanishen Rotary Club meeting, where she shared the remarkable work this veterans’ charity is doing across Wales.
Guardians for Heroes is a grassroots organisation dedicated to supporting veterans, emergency service personnel, and community members who are struggling with mental health issues and PTSD. What makes this charity particularly special is their hands-on, therapeutic approach—using woodwork, arts, and crafts as powerful tools for healing and recovery.
Paula explained how the charity operates on the principle of “Veterans Helping Veterans,” creating a supportive community where those who have served can find understanding, camaraderie, and purpose. The organisation accepts donations of mobility equipment, wood, clothing, and furniture, which they use to help veterans in need, and they’ve recently acquired their first mobile support vehicle to provide 24/7 assistance.
The therapeutic benefits of creative activities like woodworking cannot be overstated. For many veterans dealing with invisible wounds, the opportunity to work with their hands, create something meaningful, and connect with others who truly understand their experiences provides a vital pathway to recovery.
Paula’s passion and dedication to this cause left a lasting impression on all of us at the meeting. It’s inspiring to see local organisations making such a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country and our communities.
If you’d like to learn more about Guardians for Heroes or support their work, visit guardiansforheroes.org.uk.
Llanishen Rotary Club is proud to support local charities making a difference in our community.