Ian Driver

Ian is 59 comes from a training background, transforming himself in to a highly qualified lecturer and training teacher Nebosh,Dip,Miirsm,Mifl.MinstLM,MSET. Who we are and what we do within the community
The veterans response CIC in South Shields is a community interest company formed by ex-veterans who are committed to helping and supporting other former service personnel who are struggling to settle into civilian life. With a team of experienced and dedicated professionals, the organisation provides help to veterans in need of support, education and training, and employment. The CIC was established in 2013 and founded by Ian Driver and has since provided a wide range of essential services to hundreds of military veterans and their families.
The CIC focuses on helping those veterans who may be struggling with various issues related to their military service or civilian life. Their aim is to help veterans adjust to life outside of the armed forces by providing them with the necessary support and guidance to help them achieve their goals. The team at Veterans Response CIC is made up of military veterans who understand the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life. They work tirelessly to provide a sense of community and purpose for veterans who may feel lost and disconnected after leaving the military.
Overall, Veterans Response CIC is a vital resource for veterans in South Shields and the surrounding area. Their work has had a profound impact on many lives, helping veterans to thrive and achieve their potential, whether that be through finding employment, accessing education, or simply feeling supported and connected. As an organization run by veterans for veterans, Veterans Response CIC offers a unique and invaluable service to those who have bravely served their country.

Veterans Response Chief Executive Officer

Tyneside Kidney Patient Association Chairman

Sight Service Director by Guarantee  

Ian’s passion is to help people help themselves to their full potential. With his passion and determination to enhance their lives is clearly obvious .

So what made Ian get involved with the military community?

Ian’s dad and brother were both serving personnel. His dad Frank served in the ‘Royal Engineers’ SAPPER along with his brother Kevin serving in the ‘Royal Air Force’, they both served for the country. Both sadly no longer with us as you can imagine Ian and the rest of his family took a long time to grieve and adjust to this huge loss. But what struck Ian during this sensitive time was the lack of support for Veterans and their families. There is simply little to no support for bereaved families, some agencies even stated that they did not meet their criteria. Ian makes this very clear he has NOT served himself Veterans Response was setup in the memory of his Dad & Brother. Ian has been warmly welcomed by the military community and has become highly respected for his determination and clear passion to help all Veterans, Current Serving Personnel along with their families. Ian is a member of the Sunderland & North East Armed Forces Network. He is an active member of the Sunderland armed forces Day Management Team. He has been rewarded and helps with a number of military support groups such as Forces Online and is being given the opportunity to join the administration team to help both veterans and current military personnel and families

AFVBC ( Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Cub) Founder South Shields

Forces Online Co Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear ( Admin)

Association of Service Drop In Centres (ASDIC)

Veterans Gateway Local Centre

Support Veterans Hub

Paul Boyle

Paul is a 72 year Veteran From South Shields joined the army Royal Engineers (SAPPER) June 1971 Served six & half years until December 1977 Then Joined the Reserves until 1981 Joined TA 1981 until the unit was disbanded 1999. Paul Retired in 2000.As WO11 (SSM) Royal Engineers. Paul is married with 5 Children 2 Great Grandchildren.. Paul runs our veterans food bank and making sure we keep to a high standard. With a grade 5 from the environmental health

Terrie Driver

I have been married to Ian Driver 32 years this November but been together for 29 years yes I know I deserve a medal.  We have two great kids Caroline (Special Needs) & Michael. My grandad was a former Spitfire Pilot who served our country and complete a number of missions for our country and lived till his 70s and proud of his service to his country.  My Father in law Frank served in the ‘Royal Engineers SAPPER’ along with my brother in law Kevin  served in the ‘Royal Air Force’, they both served for the country. Both sadly no longer with us as you can imagine Ian and the rest of his family including myself took a long time to grieve and adjust to this huge loss. I fully support veterans response with the passion it clearly shows for our veterans. I can certainly say its very rewarding helping veterans to move on to better things to fulfilling their lives.

Jamie Swainston

Jamie Swainston is a traditional Highland Bagpiper. he took up playing the pipes at the age of twelve after watching a local pipe band playing at an event. The band was The Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band. Sadly the band folded in the early 1990's after a merger with another local band that did not go successfully, . The band however reformed and adopted the name The Newton Aycliffe RBL Pipes and Drums. he has played in many Pipe Bands including Jarrow Ex Service Pipe Band, Cleveland Pipes and Drums, Hebburn Royal British Legion Pipe Band. he has also competed in many piping contests both as a band member and a solo piper. In 2001 he decided to join the Newton Aycliffe RBL Pipes & Drums and was made Pipe Sergeant. In October of 2001 he was promoted to the rank of Pipe Major and the following spring of 2002 the band under my charge represented the UK at a folk festival in Agrigento, Sicily which was organised by CIOFF, after much deliberation he decided to leave the band to concentrate more on solo performance  Jamie also spent a brief period in the Armed forces training to be an infantry Soldier, based at The Light Division Depot in Winchester in 1991, he was inspired to do this because of his Uncle the late Michael Swainston who served for 22 years with the 15th/19th Kings Royal Hussars, however army life was not for Jamie.

When jamie is fundraising for veterans response he will have his ID Badge on display and letter of authorisation on letterheaded paper also with relevant permits. Jamie is a true professional and our official fundraiser for Veterans Response.

Jamie continues to play that pipes at various events and is available to hire for performance. You can check out what he offers clients on his website at Spirit Of The Glen Events Highland Bagpiper or go to his twitter page Spirit Of The Glen (@GlenSpirit) on Twitter or contact Veterans Response on Tel 01914274764