A Liverpool man whose military career took him across the world has highlighted the importance of Everton in the Community’s Veterans Hub during Armed Forces Week (June 22 – 27). Kenneth ‘Ken’ Malam volunteers with the initiative, which supports tri-service military veterans and Merchant Navy personnel of all ages from across the Liverpool City Region.
Funded by the Veterans’ Foundation, the provision delivers programmes that bring the local veteran community together in a welcoming, supportive environment, promoting long-term wellbeing and positive mental health.
Ken served in the 1st Battalion Kings Regiment for more than 20 years, from 1979 to 2003. His military career took him all over the globe, living in the likes of Cyprus, Berlin and Northern Ireland, gaining a diving qualification and running the Dive Bar Club in Cyprus.
A father-of-five, his wife and children travelled with him throughout his service, and he was even in Berlin when the wall came down in 1989. Ken struggled to find direction after leaving the forces and noted that it feels like people “disappear” after the military.
He added: “When I first came out of the forces, I really didn’t do anything. “[The Veterans’ programme] gets people out there and they can talk and stay together.”
Ken first became involved with Everton in the Community after attending one of the breakfast sessions three years ago. Since then, he has become a volunteer, “consistently going above and beyond” and “showing exceptional commitment and initiative,” said EitC’s Veterans Coordinator Loise Campbell.
Loise continued: “Ken embodies everything the Veterans provision is about.
“His passion for giving back to the veteran community has made a huge difference to those around him and he has become an integral part of the programme.”
Ken has completed his MIDAS training to enable him to act as the Veterans programme’s minibus driver for off-site trips, ensuring participants can safely access various activities and have opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and bonding in new environments.
Named Spirit of the Blues Volunteer of the Year at Everton in the Community’s annual Blue Heart Awards, he was part of Everton’s annual tribute to the fallen at Hill Dickinson Stadium last November – an experience he described as his “proudest” moment since leaving the military.
He was given his award by first team manager David Moyes, an experience he described as “fantastic”. Ken added: “To win is great but, in my eyes, it wasn’t so much the winning.I was happy just to have been nominated but to win it is a big thing.”
Speaking about Everton in the Community, he said: “It’s just brilliant, there’s no other way to describe it. It gives people everything.” To make a self-referral or refer someone else, click here. Alternatively, visit EitC’s Wednesday weekly drop-in (11am – 12pm) to register and explore how the Hub can best support your needs.
