Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Everyone is welcome at the second of our free, informal Community Events, featuring a talk from renowned British Army and UK Special Forces Veteran, Ben Gallagher.

On the left, Kristina Stiles wears a white top and glasses as she smiles at the camera holding a copy of her book 'Oops family burns', an education resource aimed at minimising domestic burns and scalds which was part funded by The Scar Free Foundation. On the right, Ben Gallagher, a British Army Special Forces Veteran, stands on a stoney path among mountains, grass and trees and smiles at the camera. Ben wears a grey walking outfit and red backpack.

Tuesday 23 June

We are delighted to announce the second event in our Scar Free Foundation Community Event series – a programme of free, informal, in-person sessions for people living with, or affected by, scars.

This event will be held in association with the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) and will create a welcoming space for Veterans, their families, carers, supporters, and anyone affected by scarring to come together, ask questions, and share experiences.

Register

 

Ben Gallagher, an ex-British Army Special Forces Veteran stands on a stoney path with mountains, trees and grass in the background. Ben wears grey walking boots, trouser, t-shirt and a red backpack. He stands with his arms folded and smiles at the camera

Ben Gallagher served in the British Army Special Forces for over 16 years before traumatic injuries altered the course of his life.

Attendees will hear from Ben Gallagher, a British Army and UK Special Forces Veteran, who experienced life-changing injuries while on active duty. Ben will share his experiences of severe injury, trauma, recovery, and living with scarring following his time in the Armed Forces.

Anca Bratu wears a black top and smiles directly at the camera in this headshot-style picture.

Anca Bratu MSMA is a scar therapy and sports massage therapist, who has extensive experience working with those affected by scarring.

The event will also include a panel discussion focused on scar massage and management, led by Anca Bratu MSMA, who has years of experience working with those affected by scarring.

Kristina Stiles, a burns and plastic surgery nurse specialist, and friend of The Scar Free Foundation, wears glasses and blue scrubs and smiles at the camera in this headshot.

Kristina Stiles (or ‘Krissie’ to us!) is a burns and plastic surgery nurse specialist, and long time friend of The Scar Free Foundation.

Ben and Anca will also be joined by Kristina Stiles, a registered burns and plastic surgery nurse specialist with over 18 years experience.

During the session you’ll have the opportunity to hear more about scar care, ask questions, and explore the different approaches that can support people living with scars.

 

You’re invited to our second meeting: Veteran experiences and support

These informal and supportive events are opportunities to:

  • Hear honest experiences of living with scars
  • Learn more about scar management and support options
  • Ask questions in a relaxed, non-clinical environment
  • Meet others with shared experiences
  • Connect with a community of people who understand

Everyone is welcome – whether you are living with scars, supporting someone who is, caring for a loved one, or just want to learn more.

 

Event details

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited and advance registration is essential.

Register now to reserve your place!

Register

How to find us

The event will be held at The Centenary Village, RBVE Community Centre, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7YT. For a map detailing directions, please see below:

Map from Barming station to Summit Cafe

About The Scar Free Foundation’s Community Events

Until now, much of our work has focused on research: helping to improve understanding and treatment of scar types, treatment options, and supporting research which allows better care.

But alongside continuing long term research, we also want to provide something practical and immediate for people living with scars: reliable information, access to expert insight, and the opportunity to meet others with shared experiences.

Our new public events will take place in spaces across the country, creating welcoming environments where people can access trusted information from clinicians and healthcare professionals, connect with others, and talk openly about the realities of living with scarring.

You can read more about our first Scar Free Foundation Community Event on keloid scarring here.

News and views

Funding
Professor Amber Young stands inside a laboratory wearing a white lab coat. Amber has shoulder length red hair, a fringe, and wears black glasses. She discusses something with a seated colleague. He also wears black glasses, has short grey hair, and wears a white laboratory coat too.

Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship

Made possible through Professor Amber Young’s legacy, this £20,000 Fellowship supports the next generation of burns researchers to improve care for children and young people affected by burns.

Read: Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship
Events
On the left, Kristina Stiles wears a white top and glasses as she smiles at the camera holding a copy of her book 'Oops family burns', an education resource aimed at minimising domestic burns and scalds which was part funded by The Scar Free Foundation. On the right, Ben Gallagher, a British Army Special Forces Veteran, stands on a stoney path among mountains, grass and trees and smiles at the camera. Ben wears a grey walking outfit and red backpack.

Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Everyone is welcome at the second of our free, informal Community Events, featuring a talk from renowned British Army and UK Special Forces Veteran, Ben Gallagher.

Read: Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

News and views

Funding
Professor Amber Young stands inside a laboratory wearing a white lab coat. Amber has shoulder length red hair, a fringe, and wears black glasses. She discusses something with a seated colleague. He also wears black glasses, has short grey hair, and wears a white laboratory coat too.

Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship

Made possible through Professor Amber Young’s legacy, this £20,000 Fellowship supports the next generation of burns researchers to improve care for children and young people affected by burns.

Read: Applications now open for the 2026 Amber Young Burns Research Fellowship
Events
On the left, Kristina Stiles wears a white top and glasses as she smiles at the camera holding a copy of her book 'Oops family burns', an education resource aimed at minimising domestic burns and scalds which was part funded by The Scar Free Foundation. On the right, Ben Gallagher, a British Army Special Forces Veteran, stands on a stoney path among mountains, grass and trees and smiles at the camera. Ben wears a grey walking outfit and red backpack.

Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Everyone is welcome at the second of our free, informal Community Events, featuring a talk from renowned British Army and UK Special Forces Veteran, Ben Gallagher.

Read: Registration now open for our second Community Event, in association with Royal British Veterans Enterprise

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