Invictus Games double-medal winner joins our Trust as Peer Support Worker

Our Trust is delighted to welcome a new member in the Peer Support team, but we had to postpone his start date as he was busy winning medals at the 2023 Invictus Games!

David Argyle is a Peer Support worker, attached to the team through Combat Stress, who we work in partnership with. Combat Stress support the Op Courage service throughout the north of England as part of a collaborative partnership. As David is a veteran himself, this provides the service with a unique insight into the military culture through his lived experience.

Having given 20 years’ service in the RAF, David achieved a great deal. Not only did he receive the Royal Air Force (RAF) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, he has also represented the RAF Rugby League ‘A’ Team. Most recently however, he was selected to represent Team UK at The Invictus Games 2023. Performing fantastically, David was awarded a silver in wheelchair rugby and bronze medal in wheelchair basketball at the games!

As a Peer Support Worker, David can bring his wealth of experience and understanding of the issues facing veterans and help address where engagement has been difficult or where ambivalence is present. Peer Support Workers are highly connected to many veteran/military-specific organisations, services, support services, community groups and can support clients with their re-integration back into their community and accessing other veterans across the country.

David’s passion for the progression and development of people and services is of huge value to the Trust. He also does voluntarily work for the Prince’s Trust as a Personal Mentor to young people, passing on his skills and knowledge to help young people develop. David’s personal experiences can provide empathy and understanding whilst optimising veteran engagement and bridging relationships between veterans and NHS services.

Our Trust has also recently been reaccredited with the Veteran Aware award and the appointment of David is another fantastic step in how the Trust is improving and pursuing effective services for all veterans.