10/10/2026
🚐🌊 16 travellers, bumpy roads, windswept hair, wonderful company and a reminder of why Veterans Voyage matters! 💙
What a fabulous day we’ve had exploring North Devon with Veterans Voyage!
16 of us set off from Plymouth for a day of fresh air, friendship and adventure – although the minibus journey was certainly a little bumpier than anticipated! 🤣 Let’s just say Devon’s roads gave us all a good shake-up along the way!
☕🥓 First stop – Barnstaple!
Our morning began with a fantastic gathering hosted by The Veterans Charity.
Thanks to Danny and his team, and the funding they’d secured, we were treated to a complimentary breakfast roll and cuppa while enjoying the opportunity to meet representatives from a wonderful range of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community.
It was lovely to catch up with familiar faces, make new connections and learn more about the support available through organisations including Solace in Devon , DMWS, RMA and many others.
A brilliant example of collaboration in action – different organisations, each with their own strengths, coming together with a shared purpose of supporting veterans and their families.
🌊💨 Next stop – Westward Ho!
And goodness, was it windy! 😂
We enjoyed a rather blustery walk along the seafront, taking in the beautiful North Devon coastline while the wind did its very best to rearrange everyone’s hairstyles!
Then it was time for some lovely food and great company at the Waterside Inn. 🍽️🥂
Good food, plenty of chatting, shared stories and lots of laughter. Sometimes the simplest pleasures really are the best.
💚 But today was also World Mental Health Day, and something happened that perfectly captured why Veterans Voyage exists.
While we were out and about, we met a local lady who had previously served in the RAF.
During our conversation, she shared that one of the things she struggles with is having a limited circle of people around her.
Later, she joined us for a drink over lunch.
Such a simple thing. A friendly conversation, a warm welcome, a drink and some company.
But to us, it was one of the most meaningful moments of the day.
❤️ Because sometimes it’s not about where you go. It’s about having people to go with.
For many veterans, leaving the Armed Forces can mean losing the camaraderie, shared experiences and sense of belonging that were once such a big part of everyday life.
And loneliness or isolation doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or circumstances.
At Veterans Voyage, we believe passionately in the power of connection.
💙 Having something to look forward to.
💙 Getting out of the house and enjoying new experiences.
💙 Sharing stories, memories and laughter.
💙 Making new friendships and reconnecting with old ones.
💙 Discovering organisations, opportunities and support within our community.
💙 Feeling welcome, included and part of something.
Our day trips, social events and holidays aren’t simply about visiting new places. They’re about creating opportunities for friendship, companionship, connection and belonging.
You don’t need to be struggling with your mental health to benefit from a little more friendship and connection in your life.
And you certainly don’t need to know anyone before joining us!
Whether you’re a veteran, serving personnel, family member or friend, there’s always a place for you at Veterans Voyage.
We don’t promise to fix life’s challenges, but we can offer a friendly face, a listening ear, something to look forward to and plenty of opportunities for laughter and shared experiences.
And sometimes those little things can make a really big difference. ❤️
A huge thank you to Danny and everyone at The Veterans Charity for welcoming us this morning, to all the organisations we had the pleasure of meeting, and of course to the wonderful people who travelled with us today.
And to our new RAF friend who joined us for a drink – it was lovely to meet you. We hope our paths cross again! 💕
If today reminded us of anything, it’s that sometimes the smallest moments of connection can mean the most.
Here’s to more adventures, more laughter, more friendships and hopefully a few smoother roads next time! 🚐🤣
💙 Veterans Voyage – more than a journey. Friendship, connection and a sense of belonging.
Fancy joining us on a future adventure? We’d love to welcome you!
Follow our page to discover our upcoming day trips, social events and holidays.
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