Dereck Hardman, Founder of the Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Clubs, recognised by PM
Mon 3rd June 2019
Dereck Hardman was presented with a Points of Light Award by Graham Stuart MP on June 1st on behalf of the Prime Minister for his inspirational volunteering which is making a positive change in his community. Dereck's award was for providing peer support to veterans and members of the Armed Forces through the Breakfast Clubs, which he started in Hull and which are now held nationally and internationally.
Dereck pioneered the idea of meeting over breakfast with fellow veterans and servicemen in 2007. By 2014 he realised how the Breakfast Club concept could help reinforce the aspects of camaraderie which is fostered by the Armed Forces and reduce social isolation often experienced when people leave or retire. There are now 27,000 veterans and service personnel who meet for peer support at 300 Breakfast Clubs. The AFVBC's are free to join, held in safe spaces in a relaxed atmosphere, enabling members to return to the 'tribe'. The Beverley Club meets at The Angel, which is where Dereck's award was made - rather different from the garage where the first club met!
Dereck is the 1185th recipient of a Points of Light Award - every day, the Prime Minister announces the name of someone in the country who is to be presented with the award, which celebrates, encourages and promotes volunteering and the value it brings to the country. Previous local recipients include Paul Matson of Hull 4 Heroes, who was at Dereck's presentation. You can read the full citation at https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/armed-forces-and-veterans-breakfast-clubs/
The Beverley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club is run by Simon Bailey who can be contacted on baileysimon205@gmail.com
If you know someone who could be a Point of Light, write to the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street or visit the Points of Light website www.pointsoflight.gov.uk The Points of Light awards honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.
