Paralympic gold medallist steps into new role supporting Armed Forces community
Paralympic Gold medallist Gregg Stevenson has taken on a new role, leading work to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community across Lancashire.
The father of two, 38, from Foulridge in East Lancashire, served as a Royal Engineer Commando before suffering a traumatic injury in Afghanistan in 2009, losing both legs below the knee.
He worked hard to regain his fitness and first became hooked on rowing after trying out for the Invictus Games in 2018. Alongside his rowing partner Lauran Rowles, they took the Gold in mixed double sculls at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, and were later crowned World Rowing Para Crew of the Year.
Before taking up rowing, Gregg worked with NHS veterans’ mental health service Op Courage, developing and improving coping strategies and increasing patient engagement. He is passionate about strengthening mental health support and ensuring everyone in the Armed Forces community, and their families, are being supported and he is keen to 'shine a light on areas of the veteran community that are often overlooked.'
Gregg (left) with Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, Cllr Gary Kniveton
In his new role as Lancashire County Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Project Manager, he will be turning his passion into action by leading work to strengthen support for the county’s Armed Forces community. The role will include him leading a county-wide strategy, to improve services for veterans and families, and working with the council's Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, partners, charities and other agencies to strengthen community engagement.
Gregg said:
"I see my role as the eyes and ears of the Armed Forces community, and I am very keen to ensure their voices are heard across the county.
"We know that the vast majority of the Armed Forces community are thriving, employed and doing well but we must not forget those who are facing challenges and we must get support to them as quickly as possible to prevent crisis.
"A key ambition of mine is to ensure that we continue to shine a light on and continue to do good work with our ageing veteran community - but we mustn't forget other areas of the veteran community that are often overlooked.
"We know to truly support our Armed Forces community, we need to consider things like employment, health, well-being and innovation. We are very keen to keep our finger on the pulse and ensure that this community gets the support that it requires.
"We want to support the Armed Forces community with additional needs such as housing, employment and any other challenges that may come with service life."
After medical discharge from the Armed Forces in 2012, Gregg began working at the Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre in Fulwood, who cater for the armed forces community - especially amputees and people who have mobility challenges.
Following this, he worked with Op Courage, the veterans' mental health service - so he has been "very much learning about the impact of combat roles and the wider challenges that the Armed Forces community can be living with."
Gregg continued:
"The Armed Forces community can face unique challenges and I am keen to empower them to thrive.
"I'm really excited to get going in this new role. One of my first priorities is re-establishing the Armed Forces Covenant Network and helping ensure Armed Forces organisations are working as one across the county. A key area for me is to improve our partnership working. I'm sure this new role will make a real difference to the Armed Forces community in Lancashire."