I am the Staff Social Club Administrator here at Newcastle Hospitals, ensuring our 8,000 members have the best experience possible accessing a range of ticket releases, onsite fitness centres and lottery draws. My husband, Gareth is currently serving within the Royal Navy as a Communications, Information’s, Systems Engineer.
In 2019, Gareth was deployed on HMS Duncan for a 6-month deployment around the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Before he left, I was supported in securing a number of days unpaid so I could spend more time with him before he departed which at the time was hugely appreciated.
During his deployment, there were long spells with no contact at all which was extremely hard. At the time, we also suffered a close family bereavement. Not having my husband home to go through this time was difficult to say the least. I am grateful to my management at the time for the support and comfort she gave me, providing an impartial shoulder to cry on and have a rant to will stay with me forever.
To make things harder, at approximately 7-8 weeks, just before he was due to return home, the trip was unexpectedly extended for a further 3 months, where the ship then headed for the Gulf. This meant he would end up being away from home for a total of 9 months during that year.
Coming into work day to day was a fantastic and helpful distraction, which kept me busy. However, there were times when it would hit me and all I wanted to do was speak to my husband and have him home and safe. Despite this, my direct management hugely supported me and at times when I just needed to go out for some fresh air or have a moment to myself and this was encouraged with no questions asked.
Once Gareth returned home, I pre-planned my annual leave and had the opportunity to apply flexible working into my week with the amendment of my working hours to allow more time with him whilst he was on leave. This was amazing and hugely appreciated.
Just being recognised as part of the Armed Forces Family and Network within the trust makes me proud and proves that there is an understanding of how Armed Forces family life can affect you.
