Your Wales Veteran Community Worker and Operations Manager – Ruth Birch

(She/Her/Hers)

Ruth joined the Army in February 1987 as an Analyst in the Intelligence Corps. She predominantly served in B.A.O.R. and Northern Ireland during ‘the troubles’, where she received a commendation from the Prime Minister of the time, John Major.

Both Ruth and her partner at the time were interrogated by the SIB, and although no evidence could be found, her partner was sent on a six-month tour to Cyprus to split them up.  It proved too much with the continuous harassment and SIB continuing to investigate that after seven months apart, they were forced to split up.  Twenty-five years later, by some miracle, they were reunited and have been married for seven years.

Ruth recently left HM Prison Service, after serving 25 years. During this time, she engaged with and supported veterans including staff and prisoners. She was also the prison lead on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity setting up focus groups, writing and delivering training programmes to staff and prisoners.

Ruth is a member of her local RBL and has also been the branch Chairperson and was involved in the organisation of the annual Poppy Appeal. She is also a member of her local RAFA Association and Veterans Hub. Her motivation for working for ‘Fighting With Pride’ is because she feels that she has come full circle, finally coming ‘home’ back into the ‘military family’, and it is her aim to bring the LGBT+ Veterans back home where they rightly belong.

At the Welsh Veterans Awards in 2023, Ruth won ‘Inspiration of the Year’

Ruth lives with her wife and two mad spaniels in South Wales. She is a campanologist, surfer, kayaker and volunteers as a tractor driver for her local RNLI station.

“Served and Proud” – Veterans Socialising and Support Group LGBT+

There are currently two LGBT+ Veterans Hubs meeting on alternative Mondays, 1200-1400hr, in Pontypridd and Cardiff. You will receive a warm welcome so please do come along.

To get more information please contact 07725 704655 / 07747 485619

e-mail [email protected] / [email protected]

If you want to go but would like me to come along with you for some support, please do get in touch with me at [email protected]

 

 

Regional Pride Events

Pride events in Wales have ended for this year. We will try and get involved in as many local 2025 prides as we possibly can and it would be great if you could come along and support us. We will let you know the details as we get information and post them here and in our Newsletter.

“Served and Proud” – Veterans Socialising and Support Group LGBT+

There is currently a LGBT+ Veterans Hub meeting on alternative Mondays, 1200-1400hrs, in Cardiff Castle. You will receive a warm welcome so please do come along.

To get more information please contact 07725 704655 / 07747 485619

e-mail [email protected] / [email protected]

If you want to go but would like me to come along with you for some support, please do get in touch with me at [email protected]

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