LifeWorks Magazine by RBLI

inspiring, EQUIPPING AND enaBling VETERANS TO SUCCEED ON CIVVY STREET

FROM WAR TO THE WEST END Photo courtesy of Cylla von Tiedemann

The incredible rehabilitation project that became an award-winning play

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W H E R E V E R , W H E N E V E R Y O U S E R V E D , W E ’ R E H E R E F O R Y O U .

RBLI is a national charity that provides employment, support and care to the Armed Forces Community.

To find out how we can support you: Email: enquiries@rbli.co.uk Call: 01622 795900 2

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Royal British Legion Industries Registered Charity Number 210063

WELCOME AUTUMN 2014

Thank you for taking the first step in reading our new and improved LifeWorks Magazine! I hope that you enjoy it. I am Iain Downie, the newly appointed Head of Lifeworks Delivery at RBLI. I have now been working at RBLI for 6 months after finishing a 24 year career in the Army. As a medic, I served with a wide range of Army capbadges as well as the Royal Navy and RAF, and thoroughly enjoyed my time in them all. I chose to leave last year, and signing on the dotted line was easy, but afterwards I found myself at a crossroads in terms of what I wanted to do in Civvy Street and whether I would be able to do it. I was really lucky - I found people who could individually motivate me, give me the guidance and confidence I needed to move on and make sure I knew what to do when I got there. Our LifeWorks courses do all those things in one place! Each course is tailored to delegates individually, and they are, I think, a great opportunity for Armed Forces Veterans. The courses are made to inspire, equip and enable Veterans for success, and they really work! The testimonials on our website will show you what you could get from the course: www.rblilifeworks.co.uk This issue has some great articles! Our piece on The Two Worlds of Charlie F gives our take on a play that has received rave reviews and discusses some powerful emotions and situations that really chime with many of us. We’ve also got stories on people who have really got the bit between their teeth in Civvy Street; they show just what’s possible with the right drive, guidance and support. Finally, we have some tips on your CV layout in a segment that’s the first of a series on key employability skills.

MUST READS 6

FROM WAR TO THE WEST END

improving c.v. layout

archaeology & me

All in all, we are really pleased to get this issue of our new and improved magazine out to you and we hope you enjoy it! Please do send us your feedback and we will do our best to act on it as we develop the format in the future. Contributors: Sharon Patmore Iain Downie Shaun Maloney Tessa Kent Geoffrey Dodds

Editorial: Amy Carr James Sancto

Published by: RBLI Marketing Services RBLI Hall Road, Aylesford, ME20 7NL (T) 01622 795 970

Printed by: RBLI Print & Mail Services Bradmere House Brook Way, Kingston Road Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7NA

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Photo courtesy of Gardening Leave

Summer 2014 ISSUE

CONTE

key skills

THE TWO WORLDS OF CHARLIE F.

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A look at acting as a career, and the play performed by ex-service personnel.

Head LifeWorks Employability Coach Shaun gives his key tips on how to lay out your CV.

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archaeology & Me

focus

Learn about archaeology as recovery therapy and as a potential civilian career.

Photo courtesy of Capstar Chauffeurs

ENTS

15 the good

life

veterans behind the wheel

Gardening Leave tell us how gardening can help Veterans with their mental health.

new mental health support

Capstar Chauffeurs tell us why they only employ ex-service personnel.

The MoD and Big White Wall release new mental health apps.

a helping hand for ex-offenders

The collaboration between RBLI and Blue Sky that helps ex-Forces ex-offenders into sustainable employment.

MONEY, MONEY MONEY!

The Royal British Legionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MoneyForce give their top 5 tips for managing your money. LIFEWORKS

FROM WAR TO THE WEST END

A PROJECT TO HELP INJURED EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT BECAME AN AWARD-WINNING PLAY

A pioneering form of rehabilitation, as well as a brilliant play

he Two Worlds of Charlie F didn’t leave it a second before we were thrown into the realities of military life. The noises of explosions and the screams of a wounded soldier were what introduced us to the story of Charlie. It wasn’t what we expected, and it showed us things that we didn’t want to know, but, it was an incredible piece of theatre, and one which should be remembered as both a pioneering form of rehabilitation, as well as just a brilliant play. After the show we spoke to the Producer, Alice Driver, and found out how it all began.

erformed by various ex-service personnel alongside a few professional actors, the story begins with Charlie Fowler’s return from Afghanistan. He’s in a hospital in Birmingham but, wounded and without trust, he believes he’s in the hands of the Taliban. Throughout the show, the audience learn about his experiences, and those of other soldiers in his regiment. It’s funny, heart-breaking and inspirational all at the same time. For many of the ex-service personnel involved, it has been a lifeline, helping them both with rehabilitation,

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Photo courtesy of Cylla von Tiedemann

and with the process of transition into Civvy it helped the ex-service personnel involved Street. overcome their own barriers to leading a full Leaving the Forces can be difficult, and with a civilian life and to gaining civilian employment life changing injury, it can be a hurdle that takes in a specific occupation. years to overcome. In addition to the barriers many ex-service personnel must cope with (including mental health issues such as PTSD, and dealing with the change from military to civilian life), injured soldiers must cope with the physical and mental rehabilitation surrounding a severe injury. The Two Worlds of Charlie F not only brought this to the public’s attention,

Retired Rifleman Dan Shaw, who played Leroy Jenkins in the play, told us “After my injury I was depressed, just sitting playing Xbox 24/7... the show helped me in a major way, physically and mentally.” This is the case for most of the Veterans involved, and producer Alice Driver (who thought of the original concept for the show) says that after the show “some of them LIFEWORKS

[are] different people and many say they’ve A career in the Forces can provide personnel gone back to how they were before injury”. with this ability to adapt and overcome as Whilst there are many organisations that support well as a range of other skills that can be injured soldiers through their rehabilitation, incredibly useful in civilian employment. “It’s all what was unique about The Two Worlds of transferable skills - teamwork, communication, Charlie F as a project was that it allowed those being prepared, working hard, arriving on involved to directly face their injuries: in the time,” says Alice. All of these skills are useful play, Dan Shaw acts out the process of losing in the theatre, in an acting career, as well as in his legs - “It helped me mentally to experience other more traditional employment choices. The it [my injury] rather than just thinking. I know Charlie F project gave the ex-service personnel what happened, like the Army say, you have to involved the confidence and self esteem to realise their skills, as well as “giving [them] a adapt and overcome”. ‘voice’” to express their experiences. “It was about getting them in the right headspace and doing what they want to do, whether that’s going to be a plumber, working for National Rail, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.”

A career in the forces provides personnel with a range of other skills - ”It's all transferable... team work, communication, being prepared, working hard” alice driver, producer 8

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For Dan, the project opened doors into a career he’d never considered before: “When I was at Tedworth House, Gareth [who played Bombardier Darren Sobey in the show] came up

Dan shaw, ex-rifleman Photo courtesy of Cylla von Tiedemann Below: Photo courtesy of Rankin

“When we did the first performance I thought 'WOW!'...I decided I wanted to be an actor.”

to me and said did I want to do the show. I only went so he wasn’t on his own, but as soon as I got there I enjoyed myself. When we did the first performance I thought ‘WOW!’... I decided I wanted to be an actor”. Sitting in the audience of a performance of The Two Worlds of Charlie F, we felt the emotion and the fear, and realised the magnitude of the sacrifices men and women make every day in our Forces. We began to understand the huge impact of rehabilitation and the longevity of it as a process. What we realised afterwards, was the enormity of how the show was changing lives whilst we were watching. Every moment was a step towards a new future for a Veteran, one where employment in a career they didn’t even know yet, was a possibility. Follow the team on Twitter @CharlieFTour and producer @AliceHDriver to keep up to date on all their news and find out about future projects. LIFEWORKS

a support service to help v lifeworks can help you the latest tips fr

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key skills

lifeworks Head Employability Coach, Shaun maloney, criticises Leonardo da Vinci’s CV & gives some tips on how to write yours!

efore he was famous, before he painted the Mona Lisa and before he invented the helicopter, Leonardo da Vinci was lots of things. Like you, he had to put together a CV to get his next job. So, in 1482, when he was 30 years old, he wrote out a letter and a list of his capabilities and sent it off to Ludovico il Moro, the Duke of Milan.

to have been around as long as Leonardo to write a compelling and winning CV.

So, how should you do it?

Leonardo’s CV is laid out in an easy to read format - good margins, good line spacing, and in his best handwriting! Notice how he has managed to get his considerable skill set on to one Many people worry about writing page? It’s better to keep your their CVs, but you don’t have CV to two pages maximum, any

update

Whether it’s a question about how to write a covering letter, how to answer a certain question at an interview or what skills you’ve gained whilst in the Forces, the LifeWorks Team are always on hand to provide information and advice to ex-service personnel. They have an 10

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84% success rate of helping ex-service men and women into employment, education or training. They’ve also started to deliver courses further afield across the UK, and in May held a course in Scotland, which was another funded by service charity Poppy Scotland (@poppyscotland).

veterans succeed on civvy street, get the job you want. here are rom the lifeworks team. got a question about your cv? contact the lifeworks team today:

0800 319 6844

lifeworks@rbli.co.uk

longer and the reader will lose interest or your important skills will become buried in the text. We don’t handwrite CVs nowadays, but the rest still applies: if potential readers feel like it’s going to be a labour to read your CV, they probably won’t. Instead of crossing out like Leonardo, remember to spell check, spell check and check again, and ALWAYS get someone that you trust to look over your work before sending it.

UPCOMING COURSE dates 08 - 12 Sep (Stirling) 22 - 26 Sep 06 - 10 Oct

top tips 1

always remember to spell check

keep your cv to a maximum of 2 pages

keep it clear by spacing your cv well

get a friend to look it over

(Takes place in Aylesford,Kent, unless otherwise stated)

20 - 24 Oct (Catterick) 10 - 14 Nov 08 - 12 Dec LIFEWORKS

Archae

focus

You don’t need to carry a whip, wear a Fedora or b all you need are the skills you’ve gained in the Fo choice for ex-service personnel, but archaeolo option if you’re leaving service. In this issue’s Sharon Patmore and ex-serviceman Rich Bennett o

ARCHAEOLOGY AS A FORM OF RECOVERY THERAPY FOR INJURED FORCES PERSONNEL by Sharon Patmore

ars and battles are not a new concept, and for many, the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have bought experiences into their lives that they didn’t necessarily expect. Fortunately, with improved medical and clinical interventions, the recovery of those physically and emotionally wounded and injured has improved, meaning faster speeds back to greater health.

land structures, being comfortable working in the outdoors in a range of weather conditions, managing or being part of a team, surveying and mapping the land, and being able to cope with manual tasks. So it’s not surprising that, for some, assisting with archaeological digs provides the opportunity to usefully apply an existing skills set, albeit for a different reason.

In 2012, the Defence Archaeological Group was founded to provide a new and innovative method of supporting the recovery of the injured whilst at the same time allowing them to use the skills and knowledge that they already have. The skills required for field archaeology are similar to those skills obtained as soldiers - understanding the landscape and

range from the conservation and restoration of a church and churchyard in Dorset, excavating a Liberator bomber in Wiltshire, recovering 19th century human remains in Portsmouth and unearthing an abandoned village in Wales thought to be Medieval and mentioned in the Doomsday book.

Completing tasks that they are already skilled In starting their return to a normal life, those and competent in supports the development of that have been injured can benefit from a Veteran’s confidence and self-esteem as they opportunities to complete meaningful activities realise what they can accomplish. that build their confidence and sense of The types of work Veterans in the Defence purpose. Archaelogical Group have been involved with

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eology

Photos courtesy of MoD

e scared of snakes to get into Archaeology. in fact, orces! – It’s not a traditional Civvy Street career ogy is actually an interesting and fitting career s Focus, we talk to Occupational Psychologist on why digging for artefacts is the next big thing!

WE TALK TO AN EX-ROYAL MARINE INVOLVED IN THE DAG’S OPERATION NIGHTINGALE Why/How did you get involved with Operation Nightingale?

RICH BENNETT (left), EX-ROYAL MARINE

I got involved in Operation Nightingale whilst staying at Tedworth House. Archaeology had always been a guilty pleasure of mine, I loved Time Team and was fascinated about history, however, my knowledge was minimal at best. When a presentation day was put on, highlighting some of the work that Operation Nightingale had conducted recently, it really took my interest and made me look further into how I could become a part of the project. I suppose it helped that my first ever dig was on a bright summer’s day, and my daughter and I proceeded to excavate an almost complete Anglo-Saxon skeleton! After that I never looked back, and I knew which direction I wanted my life to go in.

What excites you about archaeology and why do you like it? The process of recovering an artefact that was last seen 2000 years ago is an incredible feeling, the same goes for the more recent artefacts such as a crashed WW2 Spitfire. These objects, whether bits of Bronze Age beaker pottery, LIFEWORKS

What made you decide to do a degree in Archaeology and what are you hoping to get out of it?

All archaeological investigations carried out by the budding archaeologists on Operation Nightingale need to be of the highest standard in order for the digging opportunities to continue being approved. This enables us to really strive for perfection in what we do, just as we did in the military.

HAVE YOU GOT ANY WORK EXPERIENCE LINED UP?

Being a Royal Marine, my career path seems to have been pre-determined by my very specific skill set. I worked in project management in Africa for a while before going into Maritime Security (which was only really ever meant to be a stop gap). Fortunately my injuries made me re-evaluate my career options and I chose to do something for myself - archaeology was just that.

I am currently studying for a degree in Archaeology at the University of Exeter and as such I am using the Defence Archaeological Group (DAG) and Operation Nightingale as a springboard into a career in Archaeology. The

The satisfaction that I get from learning from world renowned experts at both the University of Exeter and within Op Nightingale, makes the long days all seem worthwhile. The fabled transferable skills that I had gained from my

"The fabled transferable skills... from my military career... have come to play a big part in working in archaeology." Rich Bennett, ex-royal marine professional contacts that I have made and the potential career opportunities that have arisen from all the networking that Operation Nightingale provides is invaluable. For example, my summer this year, like last year, is already fully booked with archaeological digs on Salisbury, Lulworth, Hadrian’s Wall and in Cyprus. That doesn’t even include any postexcavation opportunities that need to be undertaken, such as presenting the remains of the recovered Spitfire at the Chalke Valley Festival and giving the project a human face.

Photo courtesy of Przemyslaw Sakrajda wikipedia.org/wiki/Trowel/File”TrowelPS.jpg

Roman pottery or relatively recent modern artefacts, all have a fascinating story which is looking to be pieced together and retold.

military career really have come to play a big part in working in archaeology. The diligence, professionalism and desire to see the job done at all costs is invaluable in archaeology, and the military humour really pays off when its wet and muddy, with minimal prospect of finding anything but a wellie full of water.

What are you planning to do after your degree?

After my degree I plan to undertake a Masters in Landscape Archaeology. From there, it Rescue archaeology may arise and need to be really is anyone’s guess, but I am optimistic undertaken in between events as well, like earlier about the opportunities that may arise for me this year when Operation Nightingale were in archaeology in the future. asked to help recover human remains from Rat Island, Portsmouth after the storms had To find out more about archaeology started to erode the island and expose an antiquarian cemetery, leaving human remains and how you can get involved, visit the visible on the beach. It’s all varied and equally defence archaeology group website: valuable archaeological experience. www.dmasuk.org 14

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THE GOOD LIFE S

et up in 2007, Gardening Leave is a charity that tends to the invisible wounds of conflict. It provides horticultural therapy to support troubled Veterans on their journey to good mental and physical health, and their transition to civilian life.

Photo courtesy of Gardening Leave

gardening therapy to deal with the psychological consequences of conflict

positive activity, and for many Veterans it is the first positive result of their lives for many years. In addition, it is a recognised fact that growing and eating your own food can have a long-term influence on health and wellbeing.

“THERAPY IS BASED AROUND THE BENEFITS OF GREEN SPACE DISTRACTION & SOCIALISATION”

It has projects in England and Scotland which are based in walled or enclosed gardens at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, East Acton, Auchincruive near Ayr and Erskine near Glasgow. A new site in Dundee opens later this Veterans attend Gardening Leave from a wide year. range of military backgrounds but on average The value of horticultural therapy is well they have 11 years service. Therapy is based recognised, particularly for those suffering with around the benefits of green space, distraction PTSD, anxiety and depression. As everyone who and socialisation. Horticultural therapists gardens knows, working with plants outdoors work with a Veteran to achieve goals such as increasing concentration and discovering how provides numerous benefits. to push back the darkness of depression by The growing of vegetables and herbs is a planting for the future.

ANDY’S STORY RAF Veteran Andy Harrold now runs his own gardening business in Aberdeen and was inspired to make horticulture his career after attending Gardening Leave.

Referred to the charity’s Ayr site by Combat Stress, Andy soon got the gardening bug. “Being in the garden was good for me,” he said. He resigned from his stressful job in IT to set up Aberdeen Gardening Services and hasn’t looked back since. He’s now even looking to employ a fellow Veteran to help him keep up with demand! LIFEWORKS

getting veterans behind the wheel the chauffeur COMPANY THAT ONLY HIRES veterans

ounded by two former British Army officers, Charlie Bowmont and Robert Bassett Cross, Capstar Chauffeurs, a premium chauffeur company based in Middlesex, has a unique approach to hiring. There are companies out there who hire only those who are good-looking, or have a certain skill, but Capstar are different - they only employ those who have been in the Forces. Their aim? To be the next step on from charity - to provide genuine and real employment for exservice personnel in an industry where disabled Veterans are able to compete on a level playing field with an able bodied counterpart - about 30% of Capstar’s current staff have life changing injuries sustained during their time in service.

Mental Health Support 24/7 New apps provide AROUND THE CLOCK support to veterans 16

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THE NEW BWW APP An online community support network for people experiencing emotional distress, Big White Wall provides a safe, anonymous space 24/7 for people to express their feelings and share their thoughts with others experiencing similar issues. It also offers a range of self-care resources so individuals can take steps to help improve their own mental wellbeing. What’s more, it’s free to all UK serving personnel, Veterans and family members!

Photos courtesy of Capstar Chauffeurs

Ex-service personnel are excellent candidates for chauffeuring because they come with so many of the core skills that a good chauffeur needs and that are hard to teach - immaculate turn out, understanding the importance of timeliness and discretion, and displaying those very core military values of integrity, loyalty, trust and discipline.

A GOOD CHAUFFEUR NEEDS... INTEGRITY, LOYALTY, TRUST AND DISCIPLINE Capstar provides training to ensure the very highest level of service to their clients, but also to improve their drivers’ confidence. However, they say the skills and qualities that ex-service personnel bring to the role are invaluable.

DAN’S STORY

Dan Richards (above) lost his arm and shoulder in a motorcycle accident shortly after returning from Afghanistan. He was medically discharged from the army as a result and struggled to find employment afterwards, applying for hundreds of jobs all of which he was turned down for without interview. He joined the Capstar team late last year.

Earlier this year, Big White Wall announced the launch of a new app for Android and iOS. It enables users to access Big White Wall on the go, and is free to download - just create an account on the desktop site first. To join Big White Wall for the first time, go to: www.bigwhitewall.com

THE VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH APP First they developed the Joining Forces App for serving personnel, now the MoD have launched the Veterans Mental Health App. With access to the Combat Stress 24 hour helpline, guidance on key mental health conditions and more, it’s a great resource for anyone leaving the Forces. The app also features videos of Veterans telling their own stories, so users can see that they’re not alone. LIFEWORKS

EX-FORCES? CRIMINAL RECORD? UNEMPLOYED? apply now! WORK PLACEMENTS & SUPPORT FOR VETERANS WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD

ooking through rose-tinted glasses, a release from prison may look like a time of celebration, where walking out of the gates and back into the open world is accompanied by tweeting birds, blue skies and fluffy little white clouds. However, the reality is that many ex-offenders go on to re-offend. Employment, which is proven to reduce the risk of reoffending, is a goal often kept out of reach by a lack of employability skills, the reservations of employers and a low bank balance.

employment is a goal that is often kept out of reach For those ex-service personnel who are unfortunate enough to find themselves in this situation, it may seem that the transition to Civvy Street has come around for a second time. And this time, there might be no-one waiting to help at the gate. Hoping to change that is VICTR, a new programme developed by RBLI and Blue Sky to support ex-service offenders. The VICTR team focus on early intervention, helping individuals prepare for their new life on Civvy Street. The objective is to help ex-service men and women achieve a successful future by working towards financial independence 18

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through employment. Tessa Kent, VICTR’s Armed Forces Programme Executive, says “By partnering with Social Enterprise Blue Sky, we’ve created a programme of support which can help ex-service offenders and ex-offenders on a timescale appropriate and personalised for them. No two sets of circumstances and no two individuals are the same, but we want everyone who comes through the programme to have the opportunity to gain the right skills, confidence and attitude to go into work”. Veterans who get involved with VICTR will also have the chance to undertake work experience and to carry out a 6 month employment opportunity with Blue Sky. For those who need it, advice and support on welfare and housing will also be available, and there may be the opportunity for temporary accommodation. VICTR is a chance to gain a life transforming opportunity - to move on to a successful future and away from the risk of re-offending.

If you’re an ex-service offender or ex-offender or know someone who is, contact the VICTR Team on: CALL: 0800 319 6842 EMAIL: victr@rbli.co.uk

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! MONEYFORCE TELL US THEIR TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR MONEY

REVIEW DIRECT DEBITS

Be strict with yourself AND the family. Ask yourself hard questions. Do we use our TV subscriptions as much as we thought, or would a Freeview box do? The key is to be realistic. Are you using your gym membership enough to make it worthwhile? Once you’ve decided which contracts you really need, make sure you are getting the best deal.

TOP

3 PAY OFF YOUR CREDIT CARD BILLS EVERY MONTH Interest and charges quickly add up, so it’s best to try and pay off your credit cards in full every month. Make a note of everything you want to spend on credit cards and include it in your budget. If you’re struggling, make sure you pay at least the minimum amount to avoid incurring lots of additional fees.

GET THE BEST DEAL ON YOUR CONTRACTS There are many specialist compare sites that make it easier to find deals on your regular contracts like utilities, home insurance and mobile phones. Check out the benefits of combining, e.g. for phone, TV and broadband, as this could get you a much better deal. Get online and don’t be afraid to shop around. It can take time, but it really is worth doing!

MONEY TIPS 4

START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON

Don’t spend what you don’t have and avoid running up debt on credit cards and store cards. The last thing you want is to be in the red and have to pay interest on debt! Visit www.moneyforce.org.uk and use the Budget Planner to see how much money you actually have left over after your expenses.

5 make sure your savings work hard Check the interest rate on your savings. These days, interest rates are low, and inflation is higher. This means money held in bank accounts or even tax-efficient cash ISAs is unlikely to be keeping pace with inflation. If you’ve got your emergency savings sorted and are saving for the longer term, see if you can afford

to take a little risk with your money, and invest in a tax-efficient stocks and shares ISA, which has the potential for greater growth. Always remember though, shares can go down as well as up! Whatever you decide, make sure that any money you do keep in savings accounts is getting the best possible interest rate. LIFEWORKS

“lifeworks without a doubt has changed my life” Are you a Veteran looking to get into work? Contact us today to discover how LifeWorks will help you get the job you want.

0800 319 6844 lifeworks@rbli.co.uk TM

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