International Women's Day: Zoe Talks Support For Veterans
March 14, 2025Posted by:
My name is Zoe, and my journey has been one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. For nearly three years, I have had the privilege of working at PeoplePlus and I actively participate in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives for Armed Forces and veterans. This is where my passion truly lies.
My desire to support others and help them reach their full potential has always been a guiding force in my life. With a keen sense of justice and a belief in taking action, I embarked on this path early on. I got married and became a mother as a teenager, standing by my husband, an Armed Forces member who faced the silent battles of Gulf War Syndrome and PTSD. The stigma surrounding mental health meant he often self-medicated, and sadly, he has since passed away.
During our time together, I was fortunate to contribute to early years education, laying the groundwork for preschool provisions and creating opportunities for older children of service personnel. I also ran breastfeeding support and parent groups, striving to create a supportive community for military families.
My journey has been filled with various roles in military and family welfare, all while managing the challenges of frequent relocations - my eldest child attended 29 different schools! We even tried boarding school, but it wasn’t a fit for our family. I continued to pursue my passion for helping others by co-founding a company with my best friend that hosted global students in the UK.
Tragedy struck again when my husband was injured in a roadside explosion during his second tour in Iraq. This experience opened my eyes to the realities of being a caregiver, a role I didn’t fully recognise I was fulfilling for years. Appalled by the lack of support for veterans and their families, I founded Therapies4Forces, which began as a small initiative and has grown to include over 400 volunteers, providing free therapy for veterans and their families. The success of Therapies4Forces has been recognised nationally, with various awards but I owe it all to the dedicated volunteers who share this mission.
I've also been active in steering the direction of mental health services for veterans and families through my involvement with NHS England. Education has always been a dream of mine, and I returned to university as a mature student, balancing the responsibilities of being a carer and a mother of six. I earned a degree in health and complementary therapies, followed by a BSc in Health and Community Management, and a Master’s in Global Military Veteran and Family Studies. Along the way, I've pursued various qualifications, including chartered Manager leadership certifications and safeguarding training.
If I could sit down and have a coffee with my younger self, the best advice I would give my younger self is to love deeply, show passion for your causes, and remember that nothing lasts forever. Every day is a special occasion - so wear your best shoes and embrace each moment with gratitude.
My story is one of hope, determination, and the belief that we all have the power to effect change. I am committed to continuing this work, advocating for those who need it most, and inspiring others to do the same.
March 14, 2025Posted by:
