Ex-EastEnder Natalie Cassidy visits veteran centres

1 hour ago

Chloe Hughesin Shropshire

News image — Natalie Cassidy visited the Battle Back Centre in Shropshire

RBL Natalie has light brown hair in a ponytail and she is sitting in a basketball wheelchair, holding onto one part of a basketball. On the other side is a man who is an amputee and has one let - he is sitting in a basketball wheelchair and has his hand on the ball too — Natalie Cassidy visited the Battle Back Centre in Shropshire

Former Eastenders star Natalie Cassidy has been praised by two Royal British Legion (RBL) care services sites in the West Midlands as part of a new documentary.

Cassidy was inspired by her time spent looking after her dad before he died and trained as a carer for new BBC show Natalie Cassidy: Caring Together.

She worked with staff and veterans at Galanos House, in Warwickshire, and the Battle Back Centre in Shropshire.

"Natalie was so passionate about caring for others and willing to learn about my own experiences in the health and social sector - she embraced the whole experience and fully immersed herself into our community," said Amy Cotterill, from Galanos House.

Galanos is a residential care home for ex-servicemen and women and their spouses, offering nursing, residential, palliative, dementia and respite care, alongside day services at Poppy Lodge.

Cotterill, 27, mentored Cassidy during her time there, introducing her to the specialist care offered, and getting her involved in daily activities.

RBL Natalie is standing at a table with a blue apron on, watching an older man with white hair and black glasses knead dough in a silver bowl. A woman is standing beside him and an older man and woman are sitting at the table near them, also wearing blue aprons. A younger man also sits at the table — Cassidy got involved in activities at Galanos House, including bread making

She also got an insight into the site's dementia care services, and changed into pyjamas to help with residents' bedtime routines.

"I believe it's important for people to understand the work we do at Galanos House, as care work can sometimes be misunderstood or unfairly stigmatised," said Cotterill.

"I hope the documentary highlights how meaningful and rewarding a career in care can be, and the positive impact it has on the lives of those receiving support."

'Natalie really embraced the spirit'

Meanwhile, the Battle Back Centre in Shropshire supports wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through adaptive sport and adventurous activities.

These include wheelchair basketball, archery, climbing and cycling.

Coach and Army veteran Gordon Perry, introduced Cassidy to the site's multi-activity course and showed her how the sports and group activities support physical and mental health.

"Having the spotlight on recovery services can only be a good thing, showcasing to those who have served and are serving that there is somewhere for them to get help and support," he said.

"Battle Back is a very special place, and I think Natalie really embraced the spirit of what we do here and I hope people can see how life-changing it can be."

The two centres will appear in episodes five, six, and seven from 1 to 3 June on BBC One.

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