Meet The Team
The team at the Veterans Welfare Group are either medically or financially trained and are here to listen to your concerns or needs and signpost you to the relevent support to meet your needs.
This signposting could be for financial, legal, rehabilitation or emotional support. To get in touch with or team please email enquiries@veteranswelfaregroup.co.uk or fill in our contact form.
Dean Phillips
Veterans Welfare Lead
For 22 years, Dean was employed as a Royal Air Force Medic. Deploying on numerous Operations in the Middle East & in Southern Europe supporting the Libya Conflict.
Dean worked within 7 Medical Centres, 2 Occupational Health Departments along with managing the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Centre for over 3 years ensuring injured personnel were repatriated back to the UK from a vast amount of overseas destinations.
Whilst working as part of senior management teams since 2010, he worked closely with the Station/Units Welfare Teams ensuring individuals needs were supported both on a personal & professional level.
As a proud service personnel during his military career, Dean is now look forward to having this fantastic opportunity in continuing to serve them as a Veteran.
Mr Richard Williams
Chief Medical Officer
As Chief Medical Officer of Veterans Welfare Group, Richard is dedicated to improving healthcare, rehabilitation, and support for veterans. With expertise in medical governance and research, he advocates for evidence-based policies to enhance veterans’ care. Passionate about supporting veterans, Richard leads initiatives that raise awareness and improve the lives of former service members and their families.
Richard brings a wealth of experience from both his distinguished military and medical careers. He has over two decades of experience in the Royal Navy, providing frontline medical support in operations like Op HERRICK 9 with Regional Battle Group (South), 42 Commando Royal Marines, and as the Medical Officer on HMS SCOTT.
These roles gave him firsthand insight into the unique healthcare challenges faced by service personnel and veterans, as well as experience in clinical leadership, medical planning, and managing military healthcare teams.
Cassidy Little
Ambassador
Originally from Canada and with family in the UK, Cassidy moved to live in England and after trying his hand at stand-up comedy he decided to join the Royal Marines and reached the rank Lance Coporal. His journey took a dramatic turn when he was severely injured in Afghanistan, losing a leg in an IED blast. Despite this, his determination never wavered.
During his rehabilitation journey, he took up acting and became a public figure and advocate, using his platform to raise awareness of veteran rehabilitation. He gained national recognition after winning BBC’s “The People’s Strictly” and has since become a renowned public speaker, regularly speaking to audiences about the realities of service, injury, and recovery.
Cassidy’s first-hand experience with the challenges of the medical discharge process and his inspiring journey to recovery make him a powerful advocate for positive change in the veteran community.
Dr. Jamie Barksy
Clinical Lead (Wellbeing)
Jamie has been working in the NHS and private sector for 20 years, providing specialist psychological assessments and support to service users.
He has experience providing specialist assessments and reports for Veterans making medico-legal and personal injury claims. He has overseen clinical services offering psychological treatments and support to Veterans and frontline / blue-light responders following significant psychological trauma.
Alex Demetrious-Seymour
Chief Executive Officer
Alex’s group of businesses has supported over 180,000 clients throughout the litigation process with expert witness reports and rehabilitation.
The vast majority of clients have sustained life-changing injuries during their service.
Alex is passionate about rehabilitation, access to justice, and client care.
Clare Harrison
Chief Operating Officer
Clare has worked supporting clients with service-related injuries for the last 18 years. Her expertise is in providing financial guidance and support to injured veterans and their families. She also has experience providing financial expert witness reports to assist where there may be a claim for compensation.
More recently, she has headed both operations and strategy teams, ensuring that the right team, processes, and support are in place to provide the right guidance when it is needed most.
James Robins
Head of Communications
James is the key contact for professionals and Veteran Welfare Group members on the support directory. With over 15 years of marketing and account management experience, he enjoys building strong relationships with members and supporting charities.
James ensures that the best independent professionals are available on the support directory, providing outstanding service to our clients.
If you don’t find James in the office, you’ll likely see him participating in sporting activities, raising money for charities
Andrew Walker
Lead Advisor
Andrew’s family history has close links to the military, including his uncle who spent most of his career in the RAF and his brother, who has recently moved from WO1 to Unit Welfare Officer with the Queens Royal Hussars.
Andrew holds a BA Honours in Criminology from Manchester Metropolitan University. He brings extensive experience to the Veteran Welfare Group, specialising in managing financials, cultivating relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring operational efficiency.
Andrew excels in setting and achieving high standards while understanding and meeting the unique needs of his team. His proactive approach and leadership skills contribute to delivering exceptional service and support within the Veteran Welfare Group.
Kate Dixon
Welfare Benefits Advisor
Kate has 14 years of personal experience caring for a loved one with a severe brain injury, combined with professional expertise in welfare rights, housing support, and accessing grants and adaptations. She provides financial guidance on state welfare entitlements and offers practical advice on housing and adaptations for those affected by injury. With both lived and professional experience, Kate is dedicated to helping others navigate these complex challenges with understanding and support.
Emily Wilkinson
Clinical Advisor
Emily has worked within the emergency care setting for over 11 years, responding to 999 emergencies and delivering prehospital care. She prides herself on delivering a gold standard of care to all of patients, and was humbled to be recognised nationally, and receive an award for her integrity and compassion.
She has personal experience, gaining knowledge and a glimpse of what it can be like navigating through life after a career in the Military. Her partner served for 15 years, before he was medically discharged from the Royal Air Force in 2020. He sustained an injury that required 9 separate operations. As a family, they continue to support him daily with the physical and mental challenges that he faces since leaving the military.
Ashleigh Fox
Events & Client Support Manager
Ashleigh holds a BA (Hons) in Event Management from Manchester Metropolitan University and puts her degree in good use, overseeing all Veteran Welfare Group events.
Ashleigh specialises in providing support for individuals and families, assessing enquiries, evaluating prospects and determining best practices to ensure individuals and families receive the best support available.
Ashleigh also has previous experience in NHS medical administration, she gained a strong understanding of primary care and has experience in supporting individuals and families impacted by serious injury.
Ikshya Chhetri
Advisor
Ikshya is one of our dedicated advisors at the Veterans Welfare Group, supporting individuals and families across a variety of services, including care and rehabilitation, finance and legal assistance, as well as education and employment.
Ikshya has also undertaken medical and legal training, allowing her to advise on injury-related enquiries for those seeking support after sustaining injuries during service.
Her commitment to continuous improvement and team collaboration enhances the group’s ability to provide tailored and comprehensive services to those in need.
