Addressing the effect of poor mental wellbeing in security needs to remain a primary focus for leaders in the sector.
Therefore, we are delighted to be holding a follow-up to our Mental Health – Security’s Invisible Enemy event in May, this October, to maintain the momentum and keep the conversation about these vital issues at the forefront in the minds of leaders across the sector.
During our previous event, alongside hearing from experts in the field, Corps Security committed to a selection of pledges to address our sector’s ongoing mental health impact. We invited the industry to join us and commit to these pledges, too, so how did it go?
You can read about our commitments from the last event, here.
What to expect at this event…
During this event, we will provide an update on the activities planned and undertaken concerning the agreed pledges from the last meeting. Additionally, once again, we will have a raft of dedicated speakers imparting their knowledge about mental health and how we, as leaders, managers, and business owners, can understand and take action to protect our colleagues and break the stigma.
Alongside 20-minute presentations from our experts, our host will chair a panel discussion and Q&A at the end to answer your questions.
Please check out the speaker information on the full event schedule.
The event is from 14:00-16:00, with Networking and Refreshments from 16:00-17:00.
Tickets and Delegates:
Tickets for this event are free and open to anyone in the security sector working in executive or management positions, HR/people managers, and those in the FM sector and media with a vested investment in security.
The event is taking place in the King Harald room at the In and Out Club, London.
You can reserve tickets for yourself and your colleagues, here.
Schedule of Event:
14:00-14:10: Introduction and Opening Remarks with Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security
14:10-14;30: Introduction to impact of mental health on society with Dr Tina Cartwright
14:30-14:50: Understanding mental health conditions affecting our colleagues with Combat Stress
14:50-15:20: Providing workplace services to improve colleague mental wellbeing with Martin Jervis from Thrive Mental Wellbeing
15:20-15:30: Progress so far and the future with Chris Middleton from Corps Security and Security Minds Matter
15:30-16:00: Panel Discussion and Q&A with host Jay Evans
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mental-Health-in-Security-Are-We-Doing-Enough.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-09-20 15:50:132023-09-20 15:54:28Mental Health in Security: Are We Doing Enough?
For the next in the series of Mental Health in Security blogs, we will address two of the most common mental health conditions affecting our colleagues in the industry, Anxiety and Depression.
You may wonder why we haven’t included stress; this is because stress is not considered a mental health condition – something we will explain – so we will dedicate a future blog to stress in the coming months.
Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace
1 in 6 people in the workplace are dealing with a mental health problem, whether anxiety, depression, or stress. When suffering from a mental health issue, it can affect performance and people being at their best.
Businesses operate better with a healthy and happy workforce. In security, a pressured job with unexpected curveballs and potentially dangerous situations, it is vital that our colleagues are motivated and focused, something that can be extremely difficult when also dealing with poor mental health.
Therefore, we must understand what to look for in our colleagues and provide them with the proper support as and when they need it.
Understanding Anxiety
We have all felt the effects of anxiety in our lives. It can manifest in several ways, with differing effects on the individual. It can also increase in severity, leading to more extreme symptoms such as panic attacks over time.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is described as fear and unease, which is quite natural in some situations. It is an entirely natural response to pressure, feeling afraid or threatened – something many security officers may experience as part of their day-to-day role. Anxiety becomes a bigger problem when the person begins to worry about little things or relatively normal situations, leading to intense and overwhelming feelings that then interfere with daily life.
Noticing the Signs of Anxiety in Colleagues
Anxiety can affect a person’s mind, body, and behaviour, leading to feeling tearful and avoiding situations or people that can be a trigger. In security, this could result in some potentially dangerous situations escalating unnecessarily.
Common noticeable symptoms include:
Looking tired and unrested.
Being more irritable where it appears out of character.
Shaking, trembling, or sweating more than usual.
Not being able to concentrate.
Unable to make decisions or “passing the buck.”.
Constant drinking and complaining of a dry mouth.
Talking and worrying about the past or the future or thinking something terrible is going to happen.
What to do if a colleague shows signs of anxiety
Approaching somebody about their mental health is a delicate and considered action. None of us are experts, but offering a listening ear is always the best start and can help them to open up to you.
Here are some things you can do…
Ask them if they are ok.
If it feels right, explain you are concerned and just wanted to make sure they are ok.
Do not apply any pressure to talk; this could make the anxiety worse.
Signpost them to a workplace EAP or Mental Health Service Provider.
If their work is being affected, privately speak to your manager or HR team to allow them to manage the situation on your behalf. Please don’t change how you are around them; treat them as usual and let your senior team and those with relevant training take over.
Understanding Depression
Depression is a complex issue and one that we cannot, without the proper training, identify in people easily. Depression often develops very slowly. Someone who is depressed doesn’t often realise or acknowledge that they are depressed.
Depression is often identified by a family member, loved one or carer – but can also become evident in a workplace team as your professional bond grows.
Someone who is depressed can show one, two or multiple signs, but it may only be noticeable to those close to them.
The Signs of Depression
There are lots of possible symptoms of depression, some of which only the person themselves can identify, but you may notice someone:
seems to be feeling down, or maybe tells you they have been down for a little while as a passing comment.
low confidence and self-esteem.
has lost interest in things they used to enjoy:
their job,
hobbies or interest
not attending work social events
is more fidgety or restless than normal,
looks anxious.
their speech and movements seem a little slower.
is either over-eating (constantly snacking) or has no appetite.
sleeping in and/or often late for work.
personal hygiene is slipping – they may appear unclean, teeth not brushed etc.
clothes or uniforms unwashed or not washed regularly.
has trouble concentrating on things like reading, watching TV or using a mobile phone.
There are also more severe symptoms, which require immediate escalation to management or HR, such as:
Signs of self-harm may be noticeable, such as on the arms but may be hidden on the legs or upper arms. This should be immediately and delicately escalated.
Suicidal thoughts – if any colleague mentions this in the workplace, it should immediately and delicately escalate.
If you need more clarification, seek help!
None of us are experts in mental health problems. Still, it is vitally important that we identify the signs and begin the journey of support for our colleagues.
If you are unsure or uncomfortable:
Seek assistance.
Speak to your manager.
Identify a mental health first-aider.
Contact the HR team.
For minor cases, ensure you have the details of the workplace mental health first-aiders, your EAP of mental health at work services, and your HR team.
If you are reading this and think you are being affected by either of these conditions, here are some excellent resources to take the first steps to improve your mental health. Remember, 1 in 6 of your colleagues will feel like you or may already be seeking help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Support websites and helplines:
The Samaritans. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258
Mind: You can find lots of advice and self-help information at www.mind.org.uk
All these services are completely anonymous, and no information will be passed to your employer.
Otherwise…
NHS 111 – Dial 111 from any phone and wait for instructions.
Contact your GP.
Or, in an emergency, dial 999.
Our next Mental Health in Security event will take place on International Mental Health Day, Tuesday 10th October. Registration will be open soon, but in the meantime if you would like to register your interest in attending or participating in the event, please contact:
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mental-Health-in-Security-How-to-identify-and-assist-colleagues-with-Anxiety-and-Depression.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-08-04 09:51:422023-08-10 12:46:25Mental Health In Security: How To Identify And Assist Colleagues With Anxiety And Depression
As PTSD Awareness Month draws to a close, we are keen to ensure the conversation about PTSD continues across our industry. Corps will continue to work with Combat Stress, SecurityMindsMatter and other leading experts to support you in your efforts to engage with mental health in your business.
To keep the conversation going, we thought an update online might be worthwhile to reference to, to continue to drive awareness in security.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health issue that arises following – as can be taken from the name – a traumatic life experience. That experience can differ, it might be related to relationships, life events, from birth and (due to the nature of the work undertaken by security officers) work related.
In an industry where our colleagues can face mental and physical challenges and be first on scene in what can be traumatising events, it is not surprising that in research undertaken by Professor Mark Button, our guest at our recent event, 40% of the security officers who were part of the study showed signs of PTSD. You can find the full research here.
Over to the experts: For an easy to understand guide to PTSD, please visit the Mind website page here.
How to notice signs of PTSD in your colleagues
One of the biggest challenges when addressing mental health in security is our ability to understand what to look for in our colleagues. The upcoming release of the Mental Wellness Continuum will address this and provide a unique and effective way of delivering support in the field, in your offices or even in your personal lives.
But, in the short term we caught up with Lead Research Occupational Therapist from Combat Stress, Christie Alkin, to get her thoughts on how to identify if anyone you know may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
“Post traumatic stress disorder may present differently for different people, but the range of symptoms include avoidance of reminders of traumatic events, re-experiencing of the events including nightmares and flashbacks, hyperarousal which can be anger, hypervigilance, irritability, sometimes negative alterations in mood and thinking, emotional numbing, dissociation, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties or problems in relationships following witnessing single, or multiple traumatic events. Therefore, those who work in environments where this is more common may experience post traumatic stress disorder as a result.
If you notice a colleague being absent from work, isolating themselves more, presenting more tired than usual and perhaps changes in their mood and how they interact with people it may be worth asking how they are and if they’ve had any difficult events that they are struggling with. It can be difficult for people to talk about their mental health, or it may be that they do not realise that they are struggling but encourage them to talk about it and signpost them to their GP and line manager to get support where they may need it. It is not a weakness, it is the way the brain has tried to cope with seeing something threatening, but it can then impact on the person’s daily life, and they may need help to manage symptoms to regain some normality and get their quality of life back.”
Have a read of Combat Stress’, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, LIVING WITH PTSD report here – it has some eye opening statistics and further information on living with PTSD.
Useful Resources:
Find out more about how the industry is working together to tackle mental health in security, visit the SecurityMindsMatter website here.
To see the full MENTAL HEALTH: Security’s Invisible Enemy event video, head to the Corps Security LinkedIn Page here.
Joining the fight to break the stigma
If you would like to come onboard with us to fight the stigma around mental health in security, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Chris Middleton on cmiddleton@corpsscecurity.co.uk.
Armed Forces Day underpins the ethos in which Corps Security, as it is today, was created. Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the specific social mission to provide gainful employment to servicemen after serving in the Crimean War. Today, as the oldest security company in the world, that mission still drives our enduring commitment to the Armed Forces.
Our world continues to change yet the need for dedicated servicepeople who sacrifice so much of themselves to protect our country remains. The contributions of these individuals and the value they bring to the security industry cannot be overstated.
With approximately 1.85million veterans living in England and Wales, 3% of the UK workforce is comprised of veterans. Proudly, a significant number of our own Corps colleagues are ex-service people and with this front of mind, we continue our ongoing partnerships with Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, and SSAFA, the armed Forces charity, to aid the vital support they provide to veterans.
In April this year, Corps Security raised over £11,000 for Combat Stress by cycling from Glasgow to London during a seven-day challenge the length of the country, beginning at the Corps Monitoring Alarm Receiving Centre in Glasgow, and visiting all local branch offices of Corps Security on the way.
Looking ahead, we are proudly extending our scope of activities and support for individuals in the armed forces through the Corps Veterans Association providing a supportive community for our veteran workforce as they reintegrate to civvy street.
The Corps Veterans Association is a membership only group, open to serving and retired members of Corps Security/CCML who have served in United Kingdom or Commonwealth Armed Forces, as well as other members of Corps Security who may join as associate members of the CVA. The CVA also offers limited membership for individuals with a close connection or affinity with the Corps of Commissionaires founding aims and values.
Five principal aims comprise the CVA mission statement:
To foster and support esprit de corps and comradeship for serving and retired members of The Corps of Commissionaires/Corps Security who have served in UK or Commonwealth armed forces.
To actively promote and support veterans of UK & Commonwealth armed forces.
To organise and assist with charitable fundraising for military & civilian charities.
To support Corps Security in acts of remembrance
To support the Corps Security veteran community facing financial or personal hardship.
In recent months the establishment of the CVA has been solidified by the sending of letters of invitation to join the CVA with priority given to veterans offering them a free full membership. Associate members, who may not have served but are part of the Corps community will also be able to join the CVA.
Mike Bluestone, executive director at Corps Consult, is honorary president of the association with Corps’ divisional director Nigel Horne as chair of the committee. Also on the committee are John Ford, Corps Security’s regional director – South, Scott Hudson, Diz Sollesse as committee secretary, James Henderson, and Tom Scott in the role of standard bearer.
To fly alongside the original Corps of Commissionaires standard created in 1859, Mike Bluestone has sponsored and commissioned a Corps Veterans Association standard which was dedicated earlier this year. The dedication ceremony, held at Corps Security headquarters in Cowcross Street, London was attended by members of the CVA Committee, Mike Bullock Corps Security’s CEO, Air Marshal Chris Nickols, Chairman of Corps Security, President of Trustees, Gen. Sir Robert Fulton, and officiated by former military padre, Reverend Nicholas Pnematicatos.
With the standard and official dedication ceremony completed, and with membership growing, the association is now able to direct efforts to becoming involved with local communities country-wide, including the Royal British Legion, to attend remembrance services at a local level, representing the CVA. This, in turn, will hopefully lead to the introduction of CVA branches across the country.
On Armed Forces Day in particular, we celebrate our own serving reservists, ex-service colleagues, and the wider Armed Forces community for their bravery and dedication to keeping our country safe. We salute you.
Corps were delighted to present a large cheque to leading veteran’s mental health charity, Combat Stress, at their supporters’ dinner in London. The Tour De Corps team raised over £11,000 for the charity in April by cycling from Glasgow to London during a gruelling 7-day challenge.
Our colleagues cycled the length of the country, beginning at the Corps Monitoring Alarm Receiving Centre in Glasgow, and visiting all local branch offices of Corps Security on the way, including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, until reaching the finish line in Farringdon, London, 7 days later.
Andy Topp, Sales and Marketing Director at Corps Security and participant on the Tour De Corps challenge commented: “We were delighted to attend the fundraising dinner for Combat Stress in May and felt this provided the perfect opportunity to present our Tour de Corps cheque. We would like to thank the amazing riders for such a stella effort, and to all those who sponsored us throughout the week, which saw us surpass our initial £5,000 target at the beginning of the challenge and passing our secondary target of £10,000 by the end of day 7. Every penny raised will support UK veterans with their mental health, and in particular their families to help those veterans integrate into civilian life.”
Combat Stress’ annual Supporters Dinner provides the charity with the opportunity to thank their supporters, whilst raising money through speeches, an auction and silent auction which raises thousands of pounds to support the essential work of the charity.
As a Social Enterprise, we made a commitment to Combat Stress alongside a few other charities, in support of UK veterans, with some customers donating 1% of their contract value to the charity every year.
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tour-De-Corps-Deliver-Cheque-For-Over-11000-To-Combat-Stress.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-05-24 10:34:172023-05-24 10:46:01Tour De Corps Delivers Cheque For Over £11,000 To Combat Stress
At an invite only event on Thursday, 18th May 2023, Corps Security encouraged the security and FM industries to come together and help to break the stigma around mental health.
Security officers have a difficult and sometimes physically impactful job, and a 2020 study by key speaker, Professor Mark Button, found that poor mental health is prevalent, with 40% of officers showing signs of PTSD.
The event was an opportunity for the security industry to come together to understand mental health and start to make changes in support of the tens of thousands of security personnel across the country.
After an introduction from Corps’ managing director, Paul Lotter, the audience were educated on how to identify poor mental health in individuals, and how this may manifest in our teams. Christie Alkin, Lead Research Occupational Therapist at Combat Stress delivered some real insight in this area.
Professor Mark Button followed, with more details on his research into the industry, in its first public presentation since its release in April 2020.
The next speaker, Mike Hurst is the director of SecurityMindsMatter. For those unaware, this voluntary group have mental health in the security industry at their core, making Mike’s speech the most important when reaching out to the wider security industry.
Following a video of security personnel discussing their mental health, it was time to commit to improvement in the industry.
Corps Security pledges to FOUR key commitments
Chris Middleton, Director of Major Accounts at Corps Security and member of SecurityMindsMatter took to the stage to discuss what the immediate future would look like.
The event was the opportunity for the security industry to come together and commit to improving mental health in the sector and break the stigma around it. Corps therefore made the decision to ‘get the ball rolling’ by making some essential commitments, announced on the day. So, what are they, and how can other security companies get involved?
Commitments
OFFICER SIGNPOSTING CARDS
SecurityMindsMatter have created signposting cards for all officers, with QR codes and resources for officers and colleagues to access online support around their mental health. Corps Security have printed 5,000 for its officers. Other companies can do the same, with their own logos, by contacting Mike Hurst directly. Will you commit to this?
OPEN DAYS AT CORPS SECURITY’S LONDON OFFICE
Corps have agreed to two open days at its facilities in Farringdon, London – where mental health training will be provided to senior personnel and managers across the security sector. If you would like members of your team to join these sessions, contact details are below.
MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUUM
A mental health continuum has been created, off the back of the great work done by the Ambulance Service. The continuum allows individuals, or managers, to identify where a person sits on the mental health spectrum and provide guidance and signposting support for anyone in need. Get yourself a copy on the contact details below.
SECURITY MENTAL WELLNESS COVENANT
To encourage long-term commitment to the cause, it has been proposed and is widely supported that security companies sign up to a Mental Wellness Covenant specifically for the security industry. SecurityMindsMatter has someone with experience prepared to develop it, but the team are keen to ensure every security business in the UK can be involved in its conception.
These commitments are already agreed by Corps at Board level. The team are now looking to the wider industry to engage and get involved.
Watch the event:
You can view the entire event, as recorded live on the Corps Security LinkedIn page or on the Corps Security YouTube channel.
How to get involved:
If you would like to discuss the signposting cards, have new ideas, would like to receive the current continuum or are keen to be involved in the development of the covenant, please contact:
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Corps-Security-Launches-Mental-Health-Commitments-And-Encourage-Others-To-Join.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-05-24 10:22:132023-06-13 11:04:33Corps Security Launches Mental Health Commitments And Encourage Others To Join
Each year, World FM Day recognises the commitment of the facilities management industry to developing and supporting the built environment. FM keeps our world going day to day, it underpins the operations of millions of businesses globally and supports a greater number of people every year.
As part of an industry with such far reaching impact, making a real difference has become a responsibility for all players in FM. Corps Security takes this responsibility seriously, going beyond keeping people and assets safe – we’re all about making a real difference at a national and local level.
In 1859, the Corps of Commissionaires was founded to provide gainful employment to the servicemen returning from the Crimean War. Since then, our social mission has been the backbone of our business and has seen Corps elevated thanks to our commitment to supporting UK veterans and reinvesting our profits to invest in our people.
Social value
As a certified Social Enterprise, Corps is proudly one of the UK’s most ethical security firms. Corps Security fully endorses the Real Living Wage and our engagement with the Living Wage Foundation is fundamental to our organisation, with our CEO, Mike Bullock, taking an active role.
We continue to tackle diversity, equity and inclusion in our recruitment process while providing support for our diverse workforce through our award-winning Corps Together initiative which provides wellbeing resources and help for our colleagues.
Helping others
We also believe in making a real difference through supporting the underrepresented veterans community and the less fortunate. Earlier this year, a team from Corps took on the Tour de Corps cycle challenge to raise funds for our charity partner, Combat Stress – the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. The team covered over 1200km from Glasgow to London and raised over £10,000 for Combat Stress.
In April, Corps Security donated over 40 unrequired uniform suits to Suited and Booted, a charity helping vulnerable, unemployed and low-income individuals into employment by providing suitable clothing and interview advice. Corps has also agreed to provide vehicle support, when possible, to collect donations and deliver them to the charity headquarters.
Mental health
Historically, the security industry has battled an invisible enemy, affecting our colleagues in the form of poor mental health. Research shows that up to 40% of security officers display symptoms of PTSD while its estimated that security officers are the third highest industry impacted by suicide.
While many intitaitves exist to address mental health in the security industry, we believe that by coming together to overcome the stigma around mental health, we can make a real difference. This month, Corps is bringing together security and FM leaders and professionals alongside the #SecurityMindsMatter team and Combat Stress to help influence real change in our industry at a special event.
A History of Looking Forward
For over 160 years, we have been evolving our mission through the ages and many societal changes to support the communities we’re part of today and continue to make a real difference in society.
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/World-FM-Day-2023-Making-A-Real-Difference.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-05-10 06:08:342023-05-10 06:08:34World FM Day 2023: Making A Real Difference
Mental Health in the security industry is a topic that needs to be addressed. In recent years, we have seen new initiatives appear, engagement with Employee Assistance Programmes increase and modules of training introduced to help to address this growing and prominent issue. At the time, this was in reaction to the pandemic, but it is essential now that we address the invisible enemy affecting our industry colleagues.
Our event on 18th May will be bringing together security professionals alongside the #SecurityMindsMatter team and Combat Stress to begin to influence real change in our industry – spaces are limited to 100 people for this event venue so timely registration is recommended.
Did you know…
According to a University of Plymouth study, 40% of security officers displayed symptoms of PTSD.
According to research by the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide, Security Officers are the third highest industry impacted by suicide.
Everyone has initiatives in place. Everyone has amazing ideas. But the time for working siloed is over – it’s time to come together and let’s remove the stigma, together! Talking is good, but now it is time for collective action!
The Line-Up:
The team have secured leading experts in this area to educate and inform and help us to take the next step in improving mental health in the security sector. These include the Lead Research Occupational Therapist from Combat Stress, and leading figures from Security Minds Matter – introduced by Corps Security’s CEO and finalising with a Q&A panel session. Full schedule of events will follow soon.
When and Where?
Date: 18th May 2023
Timings: Event: 14:00-16:00 | Networking and Refreshments 16:00-17:00
Venue: In and Out Club, 4 St James’s Square, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4JU
Tickets and Delegates:
Tickets for this event are free and open to anyone in the security sector working in executive or management positions, HR/people managers, and those in the FM sector with a vested investment in security.
Corps ensures less fortunate interviewees can be Suited and Booted
The Corps Security team in London have made its first donation to Suited and Booted. But this wasn’t a monetary donation, but instead the team provided over 40 ex uniform suits – trousers, jackets, and shirts, for the less fortunate.
Our colleague, Clarence (pictured) delivered the items to the charity which provides help to vulnerable, unemployed, and low-income men to get into employment. For those men, it is not affordable to pop out and buy the clothes required to look the part for their interview, so alongside professional support, and advice on interview technique and more, that charity provides donated items from companies across the capital. In turn, all candidates who seek the help of the charity have a much higher chance of success and could find themselves getting that all important role.
One step further…
Following the delivery of Corps’ 40 suits in the Corps Security vehicle, Clarence spent time looking at the amazing work that the charity does. Within the conversation, the charity shared an issue with which they suffer – collecting donations. As a not-for-profit charity, with volunteers, many do not have a vehicle to collect donations from London companies.
Clarence and the team have since agreed to provide support with the Corps Security vehicle, when possible, to get those all-important donations to the charity headquarters.
You can find out more about Suited and Booted, to learn how to donate or volunteer click here.
Day Five was the hardest day for weather, Wales didn’t disappoint with mist, fog, rain and so much more.
Sadly, Day Five was the first and hopefully last time that a stretch of the challenge had to be skipped. The weather created dangers as roads were waterlogged, and there was a real danger that the bikes could get damaged or more concerningly injuries could occur.
After a quick recovery from the support team van, the team arrived at the Cardiff office where the team had laid on a spread and more importantly hot tea and coffee too.
Well done to Andy Topp, Sales and Marketing Director who joined as a guest rider. More from Rob, below.
VLOG:
Here is Rob Hill about to set off on Day Six with an update on Day Five…
Day Four – Stafford to Ross-on-Wye
Bike issues meant Dale Johnson had to pull out….
Day Four threw a few challenges at the team, none more so that Dale Johnson, who after many issues with his bike has had to make the extremely tough decision to pull out of the challenge. We want to take this opportunity to praise the amazing effort Dale has put into this challenge and for pacing through hundreds of miles despite equipment issues. Thank you, Dale! We appreciate every mile and minute.
You may have noticed if you were watching live that the team struggled to get out of Stafford. After a few laps the team were on route to Birmingham – albeit hitting traffic and roadworks on the way.
The team were surprised to see Neil Shanks join them (in a vehicle, not on a bike), taking some amazing photos (some of these are below) and dropping off a hamper of amazing goodies for the team. The riders soon reached the Birmingham office where they were also greeted by the Corps team.
Sadly, we have had some tracking device issues so apologies that we cannot see the whole route today. But, Rob fills you in below.
VLOG:
Here is Rob Hill about to set off on Day Five with an update on Day Four…
Pictures courtesy of Neil Shanks
Day Three – Leeds to Stafford via Manchester
The weather gave the team a boost
Day Three took the team from Leeds in the heart of Yorkshire, via the Manchester office to the lovely town of Stafford.
Unlike Day Two, the team had less issues, in fact – the weather held up for the day and the team were able to pick up pace as they trekked down the west side of the UK. Rob – he was waiting for the hotel receptionist to dry his clothes. Don’t know how he smooth talked his way into that one!
The team are in good spirits. They are tired, but they know how important these vital funds are to Combat Stress and the UK veterans they support. So, if you can, please give generously. Thank you!
Day Three: Results
Climbing to an altitude of over 6,652ft, and averaging a speed of 38 mph, covering 93 miles the day three team smashed it.
You can now watch the journey with 3d landscape modelling, check out this link…
VLOG:
Here is Jon Cox, the team’s Support Driver with an update as the team set off on Day Four.
Here is Corps’ Chief Executive, Mike Bullock showing support for our amazing cyclists as they stop by the Manchester office:
Day Two – Carlisle to Leeds
Freezing falls and fords
Following an incredible feat on day one, the team set off at 8:30am on one of the hardest days of the 7-day challenge. Day two also saw the arrival of Carly Bedford from the Leeds office, fresh and unfazed by the challenge, Carly began to set the pace for the lads as they felt the pain of day two.
Day two threw some challenges at the team too. Riding at over 7,800ft, the team faces severely cold weather, battling snow at the high altitude, not quite what you expect in early April. The pace and pressure of the challenge began to show, as Scott misses a turn and when trying to correct himself on the winding back road, had a little tumble. After a couple of mins in the support van, he was once again off with the team.
If anyone has experienced a countryside Ford, you will know you do all you can to avoid it. As Rob and Carly make use of the foot bridge as they were now a few minutes ahead of the other two, the boys didn’t think so quickly on their feet and as such decided to have a little swim in the freezing cold water. Ouch! But again, once stripped (yes naked) and reclothed, off they went to the finish line.
The team would like to give a massive shout out to Andy Bedford, Carly’s husband, who joined Rob for the last 40km of the cycle as the team took on the cycle route made famous by the Tour de France. Thank you, Andy.
Day Two: Results
Climbing to an altitude of over 7,800ft, the team cycled over 119 miles in 8.5 hours. What an
VLOG:
Here is Scott with an update as the team set off on Day Three.
The Tour de Corps riders have set off on the 700-mile challenge for Combat Stress. The team set off from Glasgow at 8:30am on Sunday 23rd April 2023, on the 7-day challenge raising essential funds for Combat Stress.
We will keep you updated daily on the team’s progress, right here. If you would like to show your support, and fund essential mental health support for UK veterans, you can donate here: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/tourdecorps2023
Day One – Glasgow to Carlisle
On day one, Rob Hill, Scott Hudson and Dale Johnson set off from the Corps Monitoring office in Glasgow. Day one was not kind, as the team faced wind and rain as they faced the steep inclines of the Scottish landscape.
The team battled the elements to complete the 116 miles to Carlisle, passing Douglas, Lockerbie and Gretna Green before reaching Carlisle around 7pm.
Distance Covered on Day One:
Here’s is the team heading to the finish line of their first day, for a well-earned shower, dry clothes, hot meal, and rest.
Here is Rob Hill with his Day One Vlog:
And the team approaching the finish at the end of Day One:
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tour-de-Corps-LIVE-BLOG.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2023-04-24 09:17:262023-04-28 08:47:45Tour de Corps – LIVE BLOG
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.