Help for Heroes employee ‘does her bit’ at Carmarthen Covid-19 vaccination centre

A nurse who helps wounded military veterans across Wales has been using her clinical skills in the battle against Covid-19 by volunteering as a vaccinator in Carmarthen.

Helen Neve has been injecting arms at Halliwell Conference Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David through her job as the Veterans Community Nurse for Wales at Help for Heroes, which gives staff paid ‘Do your Bit’ days.

“I feel it’s a real contribution to society and the people of Wales,” said Helen whose duties also include preparing the time-sensitive vaccine doses before they are given.

“The relief and gratitude people have once they’ve had their vaccine is huge, there are a lot of very emotional people. It’s a wonderful thing to know that I have contributed to that by using my clinical skills and experience.”

Helen, who is part of the Hywel Dda health board’s vaccination team, said: “I’ve seen some amazing arm tattoos which have led to some great conversations, it has been fantastic to meet people again and make a real difference.”

Helen, whose nursing career spans 35 years has worked across the NHS and charity sector and she was involved in a convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Bosnia during the war in 1993.

She has been supporting veterans virtually throughout the pandemic whilst networking with other organisations in Wales to highlight the range of services Help for Heroes’ offers. “I’m very much looking forward to getting back out into the community again so I can clinically support military veterans with serious traumatic injuries and the resultant long-term health issues, whether that’s by making home visits or meeting at a local hub.”

She added: “Isolation has been a big issue for everyone so I’m eager to meet veterans face-to-face to help them on their recovery journey.”