Richard Luscombe Royal Navy veteran Nick Martin needed support after a traumatic brain injury, a heart attack, and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A former teaching assistant of 17 years and a dedicated volunteer who is always first to step in for others, this time it was Nick that needed a helping hand.
Nick initially contacted ‘Help for Heroes’, where Case Manager Larry Holmes supported him through his lowest points: “I have been working with Nick since 2016. He came looking for help as he had been diagnosed with PTSD and was recovering from a heart attack.
“I have seen Nick when he is in good place, and I have supported him when he has been at his lowest. He is always the first to volunteer and loves to help others.”
In 2020 Nick discovered the health and wellbeing support services available from Argyle Community Trust, first attending Argyle FIT, a 12-week programme supporting healthy weight loss and physical and mental wellbeing.
Long-standing mental health struggles and lockdown accelerated feelings of loneliness and isolation: “I have struggled for 40 plus years with survivors’ guilt,” explained Nick. “Social isolation became the norm for me for a long time. It also led to a severe lack of confidence and low self-esteem.”
A turning point came in the summer of 2021 when Nick was introduced to the Veterans Café at Central Park Hub, a dedicated session where veterans could connect over a hot drink with partner organisations on hand to offer advice. Nick fondly dubbed these his “brew and banter sessions.”
“I found that other veterans were extremely supportive and non-judgemental. When I am around other veterans, I feel secure and able to be myself.
“I wasn’t sociable at all, and all my leisure time involved solitary activities. I knew that needed to change. I had attended a couple of Argyle wellness and fitness clubs so felt comfortable being involved in the veteran sessions.”
The Hub at Foulston Park opened its doors in 2025. A dedicated, accessible, and welcoming community hub, open to all in the heart of Devonport. The Veterans Café had found a new, bespoke home: “Meeting regularly at Central Park, and now The Hub at Foulston Park, has been pivotal to me getting involved with several other organisations and activities.
“The staff at Foulston are all fantastic, and the two ambassadors, Jamie (Clewer) and Greg (Watson) are extremely supportive. I can’t wait to make use of the gym on Fridays too!
“My confidence and self-esteem have improved thanks to my participation in several veteran based activities, but it began with attending the Friday brew and banter sessions. I am now retired and enjoying a lot of free time.”
The future is extremely positive for Nick who represented Great Britain in the Invictus Games in the Hague, Netherlands in 2022: “I have just registered my interest in participation at the 2027 Invictus Games, and will continue performing with the Plymouth Armed Forces Choir, a veterans drama group at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Find out more about the Veterans Café, and the range of health and wellbeing sessions at the Hub at Foulston Park here https://foulstonpark.co.uk/the-hub/.
