Veterans WORLD Issue 29 September 2013

Issue 29 September 2013

Raising awareness of the range of help and advice available to veterans

Dame Judi Dench becomes first patron of the ‘Upkeep Club’

HELP AND SUPPORT FROM SERVICE PERSONNEL AND VETERANS AGENCY

Call the Veterans-UK Helpline: 0800 169 2277* Web: www.veterans-uk.info

Email: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

Facebook: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (MOD) *You may be offered a call back if lines are busy

Twitter: @SPVAmod

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Contents

September 2013 Issue 29

IN THIS ISSUE Get saucy

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Condiments providing funding opportunities

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Back to nature Gardening paves the way to new challenges for veterans

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Life in the fast lane Veteran overcomes disability in motorbike racing

Regulars 4-5 25

News in Brief SPVA News

10 Front cover: Bomber Command Memorial - see page 24

The content of Veterans WORLD is provided to raise awareness of help, advice and support available to the veterans community.

Publication of articles on services provided or developments affecting the veterans community does not mean that they are endorsed by Veterans WORLD or the Ministry of Defence.

For advertising opportunities please contact: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk Veterans WORLD is distributed to those who work in an advisory role.

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Managing Editor: Laurie Manton Editor: Clare Ellis Email: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk Want to make an editorial contribution?

Contributions are most welcome.

To raise awareness of an initiative, scheme or organisation that offers help, advice or support to veterans, contact the Editorial Team by Email: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or by calling: 01253 338816 For distribution enquiries Email: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or call: 01253 338811 For information relating to War Pension/AFCS claims please call our Helpline 0800 169 2277 Š Crown copyright 2013

Issue 29 September 2013

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News in brief Forces Sauces stand to attention In June, Forces Sauces was stocked on shelves, for the first time, in over 700 Tesco stores nationwide.

Every bottle of Corporal Ketchup and Forces Sauces was Brigadier launched by Stoll Brown sold and The Royal donates at British Legion least 6p to helping those serving and who have served, and will be split equally between Stoll and The Royal British Legion.

Forces Sauces is the brainchild of Stoll resident Bob Barrett. Bob is a veteran who, like many others, can find themselves in need of accommodation and support. Stoll’s

door stood open when Bob needed it most, and he has been determined to ‘give back’ ever since. Which he has; from setting up The Beef Kitchen, selling high quality roast beef rolls to Chelsea supporters on match days to the success of the Pryor’s Bank Cafe in Fulham’s Bishops Park. The café is run by a team of veterans, with an apprenticeship programme, supported by The Royal British Legion, that retrains Stoll Veterans as chefs. One day, Bob was watching the team unload boxes of sauces from the cash and carry and he thought, “We could make those.”

And so, Forces Sauces was born.

Despite continuing to battle with his health, Bob’s determination has realised his vision – Forces Sauces was launched nationally, raising more money to help more veterans put their lives back on track. www.forcessauces.co.uk/

New app helps Service community A new mobile phone application, or app, is helping the Defence community save cash.

The new app is the latest weapon in the armoury of the Defence Discount Service to help Service personnel save cash. The app offers attractive discounts to The Defence members of the Discount Service Defence community mobile phone app and the civilians who work alongside them.

Whether it’s cheap cinema trips, a bargain outfit or the latest deals for laptops or mobile phones, the Defence Discount Service app allows users to get the most up-to-date savings.

The app, launched in May, is available for iPhone users and reveals both where to save online and, using the inbuilt mapping tool, allows users to locate nearby firms offering deals to Discount Service members.

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The Defence Discount Service Privilege Card

Since its launch in October 2012, around 88,000 people have signed up to take advantage of the service.

In addition to the new app, the Defence Privilege Card, which is available through the Defence Discount Service website and app, offers exclusive discounts with more than 50 high street companies and participating stores across the country, including KFC, Austin Reed, Iceland and Vue Cinemas.

The card is available to Defence Discount Service members for £4.99 and is valid for five years. People can register in two ways – either just for online discounts, or to order a physical Defence Privilege Card. www.defencediscountservice.co.uk

KartForce at Le Mans A team of six drivers were the first team of injured troops to compete in the most demanding race in the European Prokart Endurance Championships the Le Mans 24 hour Karting.

Drivers consisted of four double amputees, one above knee amputee and one with 75 per cent burns. The crew was made up of one mechanic, two race engineers, caterer and sport massage therapist.

The race was held in July and the KartForce team finished the 24 hour race in 28th place.

It was a huge honour for the lads to be presented with trophies, in recognition of the high standard and clean driving from all the team. The Team were one of only a few teams to complete the race without receiving any warnings or penalties - and a fair amount of Black Flags where issued. www.kartforce.org

Afghan Heroes unveils second Retreat The critically acclaimed Smugglers Inn at Blue Anchor near Minehead has become the second in Afghan Heroes’ network of Retreats across the UK. The Smugglers Retreat was officially launched in June with the present landlord, Simon Curtis, taking on a new joint role as landlord and mentor under the Afghan Heroes banner.

As well as its legendary bar and restaurant facilities the Smugglers offers five guest rooms along with a two-bedroom holiday cottage which will provide more accommodation for former Service personnel.

Afghan Heroes launched The Retreat concept at the end of last year, transforming a tired village pub in Ashcott near Street into a smart bar and restaurant with accommodation and support for former Service personnel in the private quarters upstairs. www.trueheroes.org.uk or the Retreat at www.thesomersetretreat.org.uk

New gardening projects for veterans

From left: Derek Bell from ISS and veteran Pete Hughes at the new Gardening Leave outreach garden.

Charity Gardening Leave and ISS Facility Services Landscaping have teamed up this summer to help provide more veterans across London with horticultural therapy.

The charity, which offers gardening therapy sessions for veterans with combat related mental health issues, opened its first ever outreach project at Community Housing and Therapy’s (CHT) Home Base project for psychologically traumatised veterans in East Acton.

ISS, the UK’s largest grounds maintenance service provider to the public and private sector, joined forces with the charity to provide the materials for, and build, the new garden which will be used by residents of CHT Home Base as well as those from other CHT projects across London.

Gardening Leave has also transformed a second garden in London, this time in a previously overgrown corner of the grounds at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The charity enlisted the help of the British Plant Nursery Guide, designer Rosemary Coldstream as well as scores of volunteers to build the new contemplation garden.

Gardening Leave has a horticultural therapy project at the Royal Hospital and the new contemplation garden sits just over the wall from the charity’s site.

The shady plot now boasts neat gravel pathways that wind around shrub borders and seating areas. It has been designed, for the Chelsea Pensioners and the veterans who attend Gardening Leave, as a tranquil area where they can enjoy the peace and take some time out. www.gardeningleave.org

Start Up Loan changes Ex-Service personnel will be some of the first to benefit from removing the age limit on Start Up Loans.

The loans, to help people start up their own business, were historically only open to those under the age of 30. However, the Prime Minister’s Enterprise Advisor, Lord Young, recommended that these loans be open to everyone who aspires to start up their own business.

Now, ex-Servicemen and women, including those aged over 30, will be in the first wave to receive targeted support. X-Forces have become the first specialist Start-Up Loans delivery partner for ex-Service personnel and the wider Forces’ community.

Currently around four per cent of Service leavers go on to set up their Issue 29 September 2013

own business and it is hoped these numbers will increase following the changes announced in July.

The X-Forces team have commercial and military backgrounds, and will provide Service Leavers, veterans, spouses and reservists with a comprehensive package of active support to set up sustainable and successful businesses, including mentoring.

Start-Up Loans for ex-Service personnel and the Troops to Teachers programme, launched in June, are examples of how the government is supporting the Armed Forces with future careers and using their skills and talents to help build the economy. www.startuploans.co.uk/start-uploans-and-the-ex-forces/

Mentoring project helps veterans adjust to civilian life Veterans recovering from PTSD and other mental health issues said they felt more positive about their lives after taking part in a mentoring project run by national volunteering charity TimeBank.

In an external evaluation of the ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ project by Órla Cronin Research, they describe how having a volunteer mentor made them feel less isolated and brought new trust and hope for the future.

The evaluation found that many veterans were in a state of crisis in their lives, with complex and multifaceted problems including financial hardship, homelessness, alcohol dependency, physical health problems and mental health issues including depression, anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia.

The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ project was launched in 2010 and is the first peer mentoring project in the UK which supports veterans with mental health problems in this way. www.timebank.org.uk/shoulder-toshoulder/how-does-it-help

Veterans’ opinions sought There is still time to take part in a review of the transition from the Armed Forces into civilian life.

Lord Ashcroft, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Veterans’ Transition, launched the Veterans’ Transition website to provide veterans, families and others with an opportunity to report their experiences, including problems they have encountered, and make suggestions as to how the process could be improved.

Contributions can be made on the ‘Have Your Say’ page of the Veterans’ Transition website and will be considered as part of Lord Ashcroft’s official review of transition, which will report at the end of 2013.

The review will consider all aspects of transition including employment, health, housing and education. www.veteranstransition.co.uk/

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The Covenant’s success spreads

Crown Copyright/MOD 2013

£10 million per year to provide permanent funding to support Armed Forces Community

Defence Minister Mark Francois MP at the signing of the first Corporate Covenant

A number of key announcements have kept the MOD Covenant Team busy for the past few months.

Veterans WORLD find out what they mean for the veterans’ community.

“It started with the exciting news that the Chancellor had decided that the Armed Forces Covenant will be permanently funded from 2015/16, with £10 million a year coming from the fines levied on the banks for attempting to manipulate the Libor interest rate.” explained Catriona Shaw from the Covenant Team, “This is excellent news and it will allow us to continue supporting the work of the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Then on Armed Forces Day, the Prime Minister announced almost £3.8 million of funding for charities that support military families. This builds on the £7 million already awarded in the first tranche of funding. We are looking forward to announcing further awards from this second tranche over the next few months.”

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In announcing the successful projects and commenting on the support for mental health projects, the Prime Minister paid tribute to our veterans. He said: “These charities are

“. . . the Armed Forces Covenant will be permanently funded from 2015/16, with £10 million a year . . .” doing important and innovative work to help veterans who are battling mental health problems. We owe these men and women a great debt of gratitude and this is exactly the kind of help we should give to those who have given so much for our country.”

Supporting the mental health of the Armed Forces Community was an important focus of this tranche of Libor funding and almost £2.5 million

has been awarded to programmes supporting treatment and awareness of mental health issues for veterans.

Catriona explained how the funding will make a difference. “To give you an example of how the funding will be used, the Veterans Outreach Support received £414,000 to expand their monthly drop-in events in Portsmouth, which bring together public, private and charity sectors for one-stop assistance to Service personnel, while the Warrior Programme for Veterans and Families will receive just over £930,000 to further their efforts to support veterans moving into civilian life.

“This will enable the charity to expand their programme to include, for the first time, partners and family members managing the stresses of caring for veterans struggling with post traumatic stress. Meanwhile, Veterans Aid, who last year supported 458 veterans, will be able to expand their substance abuse and mental health treatment programmes for

Crown Copyright/MOD 2013

Defence Minister Mark Francois with Chief of Defence Personnel LT Gen Andrew Gregory

Crown Copyright/MOD 2013

two key principles of the Armed Forces covenant, which are: no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen; and that in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

“Each organisation will also be encouraged to offer support by adopting a number of commitments.

For example, some companies are pledging to support the employment of veterans, Reservists, Service spouses and partners, as well as support for cadet units, Armed Forces Day, and discounts for the Armed Forces Community. There is also an opportunity for companies and charitable organisations to add their own commitments based on local circumstances.”

All businesses, large and small, have the opportunity to formally support the Armed Forces Community

homeless and in-need veterans with an award of £160,000.”

Applications for a third round of funding are set to open in the autumn and will provide further opportunities to develop projects supporting troops, veterans and their families.

Building on the success of the Armed Forces Community Covenant, with over 330 local authorities having signed up, is the launch of the Corporate Covenant. The Corporate Covenant is a written and publicised voluntary pledge from businesses Issue 29 September 2013

and charitable organisations who wish to demonstrate their concrete support for the Armed Forces and their family. Catriona added: “The Corporate Covenant will support the Armed Forces Covenant and sit alongside the Community Covenant and is designed to allow businesses and charitable organisations to express their support for the Armed Forces Community.

“All Corporate Covenants will include a core statement of commitment that those adopting the scheme sign up to. This covers the

Spread the word Raising awareness of the Corporate Covenants is now a priority as Catriona said: “We are now actively signing up organisations so keep an eye on the website www.gov.uk/the-corporate-covenant - to check out which companies are signing up, and make sure you encourage any organisations that you engage with to sign up.”

Web

www.gov.uk/the-armedforces-covenant

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Improving transition Lottery funding enables Trust to support Armed Forces projects “At the other end of the spectrum, FiMT has just completed two research projects: one into the state of mental health research for ex-Service personnel and the other a mapping of the whole transition process. We share our reports widely, and expect to brief Ministers and senior officials, as well as Lord Ashcroft's Transition Review Study team, with whom we have forged very close links.”

“ . . . we are determined to seek innovative solutions.”

Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE is Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust.

The Endeavour Fund has supported programmes like Toe in the Water

The recent award of £250,000 to the Endeavour Fund to support half a dozen 'challenge' projects has brought the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) to the attention of many for the first time.

CREATED in 2012 by a £35 million endowment from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG), FiMT aims to improve the transition of Armed Forces personnel, and their families, into civilian life. For many, this is a successful process that combines support from the MOD (such as through the Career Transition Partnership and SPVA) and the third sector.

For some, transition is less successful, and FiMT is working with policy makers and operational deliverers to identify who are most vulnerable to failure, and what can be done to improve their prospects.

Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE,

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Chief Executive of FiMT, explained how the Trust uses its funding: “That we are able to fund research and trials to generate an understanding of what does and doesn't work, reflects the nature of our BIG funding - we do not intend to fundraise, and we are required to have 'spent out' by 2031. ”For example, FiMT provided financial support for the Future Horizons Programme, a trial project that gave those leaving the Army in the Catterick area with less than four years' Service, and therefore not entitled to much help from MOD, holistic support as they transitioned into civilian life. Such was its success that we expect MOD to change its resettlement policy to incorporate such a model, rapidly. Over a thousand Service leavers have benefited from the trial.

Looking ahead, The Trust has research underway on: housing provision; helplines (with stakeholders including the Department of Health and SPVA); the role of, and impact on, families in transition; and it is funding projects delivering transition support to ex-Service ex-offenders, mentoring and supported housing. Each of these projects also contributes greater understanding as FiMT continue to grow its evidence base on transition.

Ray Lock added: “FiMT is an exciting opportunity - we can be agile and we are determined to seek innovative solutions. We are independent, we are collaborative not competitive, and I hope we're seen as increasingly credible. So if there are good ideas that need support, please contact us.”

Web

fim-trust.org

email

enquiries@fim-trust.org

Agricultural Trust starts modernisation ‘journey’ Consultation will add ‘new dimensions’ to historic military farm charity

Bosbury North Farm

A nationwide consultation launched to help transform a historic military charity has been hailed as a ‘tremendous success’ by its chairman.

THE Buchanan Trust was set up by benefactor Robert Buchanan during the aftermath of the First World War in memory of his son Alan who died in battle near Ypres, Belgium in June 1915.

Gifting 800 acres of land on his estate in Bosbury, near Hereford, Mr Buchanan wanted to provide land to ex-soldiers for their resettlement or employment in agriculture.

Almost a century on, the Trust launched a four-month long consultation in November 2012 as part of modernisation plans and to ensure the Trust provides wider, more relevant opportunities for serving and ex-Service personnel who show an interest in agriculture or rural employment opportunities.

The consultation concluded in March and has driven a variety of radical proposals which Issue 29 September 2013

” . . . we have grasped the opportunity to move the Trust into the 21st century . . .”

Councillor Terry James, chairman of the Buchanan Trust’s board, said will provide an ‘essential springboard’ in the charity’s quest to broaden the benefits it can deliver to a greatly increased number of beneficiaries.

Mr James has revealed that proposed future plans include a potential educational and training partnership with a fellow military charity and an agricultural college to launch a programme of agricultural ‘taster’ training courses, as well as new funding streams for rural training and development.

The Trust has also expressed its wish to increase its potential benevolence outside of its historic Herefordshire roots with a proposal to

acquire land near to a yet-to-benamed military town for the benefit of ex-Service and Serving personnel to use as allotments.

Mr James said: “The Buchanan Trust will always have historical roots but the pace of change over the past 100 years has meant there was a vital requirement to not only modernise, but widen the scope of how the Trust can benefit past, transitional and present military personnel.

“The consultation process has allowed us to start that journey and has been a tremendous success. Over four months we sought views from key individuals and organisations up and down the country – people with in-depth knowledge of the military, agricultural and rural sectors together with current and former military personnel.

“Their input, coupled with our own ideas, has meant we have grasped the opportunity to move the Trust into the 21st century – proposing to add new national-scale projects to increase the prospects for ex-Service personnel, those still serving and for those in transition from military to civilian life.”

Councillor Terry James

Web

www.buchanan-trust.co.uk

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Gardening projects begin to thrive Veterans invited to join new gardening projects Working it Out in Battersea

[Photo credit Helen Jermyn]

Working it Out is a proven and established Thrive programme which with the help of new funding has allowed the charity to extend the programme to physically and psychologically disabled Service and ex-Service personnel.

Working it Out is a vocational training and personal development programme designed to enable ex-Service personnel to gain the skills and qualifications they need to progress towards employment using gardening to empower participants to manage a transition to or re-engagement with the civilian community; and to create a pathway to employment through achieving the following goals:• • • • Working it out at Battersea Park

[Photo credit Helen Jermyn]

National charity Thrive is looking for veterans to join its new gardening projects in Birmingham, Gateshead and London.

THRIVE uses gardening to help people with disabilities and mental ill health and has backing for the new projects from The Royal British Legion.

The Down to Earth programmes were open for business from July 2013 when taster sessions were held in the Kings Heath Park, Birmingham and Saltwell Park in Gateshead. Each week, Thrive’s experienced trainers work with veterans whose lives are affected by Sean, one of the physical or mental veterans taking disability including part in Thrive’s depression, Working it Out programme anxiety, PTSD, mental ill health, or the impact of alcohol or substance abuse and arm them with the skills,

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qualifications and experience needed for a job working outdoors.

Using Thrive’s established gardening techniques honed during its 38-year history using social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) to help people, Down to Earth will see former Servicemen and women learn new skills; gain a City and Guilds qualification; use these skills and knowledge to help maintain a local park and gain vital work experience which could lead to a different career, new employment or further educational pathways.

Working in a team, veterans can also improve their fitness, strength and stamina and their general health and wellbeing.

Thrive’s research shows that gardening can help people through a specific period of difficulty in their lives. It can help get individuals back on top of things and restore balance when it may feel like life is veering out of control as gardens act as restorative environments.

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Improved physical health; Improved psychological health; Reducing social isolation; Developing personal, life, volunteering and work skills; Gaining qualifications; and Taking up voluntary roles in the community.

The Working it Out programme is now running each Tuesday from Battersea Park.

Down to Earth is a three-year project funded by the Royal British Legion.

The Royal British Legion awarded £205,018 to fund two ‘Down to Earth’ projects to provide horticultural therapy and vocational training programmes for physically and psychologically disabled Service and ex-Service personnel in the West Midlands and North East of England.

Phone

Down to Earth Birmingham 07585 954031 Down to Earth Gateshead 07585 957478 or 07585 957360 Working it out Battersea 020 7720 2212

Web

www.thrive.org.uk

email

info@thrive.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ Thrive/156237158609

Twitter @thrivecharity

Helping veterans on the career ladder Employer seminar aims to improve veterans’ career prospects Representatives from the following attended the conference: Barclays Bank; BBC; BT Openreach; Career Transition Partnership; CBI; Department for Work and Pensions; Ealing Council; House of Commons; Liverpool Victoria; Lloyds Bank; Marks and Spencer; Maritime Coastguard Agency; Ministry of Justice; Odgers Berndston; Office of National Statistics; Personnel Recovery Unit MOD; Royal Mail; Sorted; SPVA; Stoll; Telefonica; The Poppy Factory; UK Power Networks; Vehicle Operator Services Agency.

London VAPC Chairman Lynn Verity and Alan Stewart, Chief Finance Office, M&S

Ways in which the employment and career prospects of ex-Servicemen and women can be enhanced are to be explored by Barclays Bank, working in partnership with the London Veterans’ Advisory and Pensions Committee (VAPC).

MARK Q MCLANE, global head of diversity and inclusion at the bank, said: “Discussions are at an early stage but Barclays have a strong track record of working with veterans and we want to see what more we can do. I look forward to continuing the discussions, there are some interesting ideas being explored.”

The bank’s offer of support came after Mr McLane attended an employment seminar organised by the London VAPC and funded by Marks and Spencer (M&S) at the RAF Club in central London on May 22.

In his opening remarks to the seminar, Alan Stewart, Chief Finance Officer at M&S, said feedback from veterans employed by the company showed that they had a real fear of finding a job: “They simply don’t know where to Issue 29 September 2013

start. Because they have not applied for jobs before, they have limited understanding of recruitment agencies and the processes involved in applying for a job.”

He continued: “These are very skilled people but they don’t ‘get’ how they can translate their skills to civilian life. Our role is to help them and in return they have brought unique skills and a winning mindset.”

Nearly 20 private and public sector employers attended the event, which consisted of small group discussions, each hosted by a committee member, and then an open debate.

London VAPC chairman Lynn Verity said: “Our group included a serving Major who is leaving the Army in January 2014. She told us how daunting the task of writing CVs and attending interviews was and that she found ‘selling herself’ to an employer went against all her previous experience.

“Another member of the group, had previously served as an officer and is now a head of human resources, explained how he had gone through

three jobs in three years after leaving the Army because he was basically too scared to say ‘no’ to any employer and risk unemployment, even when he knew the job was unsuitable.”

Jim Blake, a former Army officer and vice-chairman of London VAPC, said: “There is no doubt that veterans have quite a high profile at the moment but this may not be the case when the drawdown from Op HERRICK is complete. It was therefore interesting to hear the feedback we received and to bring employers together with specialists seeking to assist veterans into employment.

From conversations I had, it was clear that we succeeded in improving levels of understanding”.

Employers from the public and private sectors attended the seminar

Web

www.veterans-uk.info/ new_vapc/index

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Careers service launched for injured heroes Access to new career opportunities

The new service will provide career opportunities for injured troops

Injured and wounded Service personnel are being given access to new career opportunities with the launch of the Recovery Career Services.

THE new services, available via a web-portal, will ensure injured troops have access to the most comprehensive range of vocational training, education and work placements to give them the best opportunity to compete in the civilian employment market.

Iconic motor manufacturers including Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, along with businesses such as Barclays, have got behind the new scheme to offer competitive work placements for injured troops.

They join over 200 commercial providers who have signed up to provide sick, injured and wounded Service personnel with exciting opportunities including working as pit crew at the World Endurance Championships in Le Mans.

The roll out of the new career service coincides with an

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announcement that the Defence Recovery Capability is now fully operational. The MOD-led initiative, delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, will ensure that all wounded, injured and sick personnel have access to the full range of key services and resources including personalised recovery plans to help them at every stage of their recovery.

Mark Francois, the Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said: “Our injured heroes give everything in service of their country and it is only right that we do all we can to help them in their recovery. I am therefore delighted that the Defence Recovery Capability, supported by charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, has now achieved Full Operating Capability.

“This will ensure all our wounded, injured and sick serving personnel can access tailor-made support and bespoke career assistance to help them return to duty or make an

effective transition to civilian life.”

Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, said: “The Royal British Legion is proud to be part of the unique partnership delivering the Defence Recovery Capability alongside the MOD and Help for Heroes. With our charity partners, we are making the biggest charitable financial commitment in history to the British Armed Forces, and I can think of no better reason than supporting our brave Service personnel who are wounded, injured or sick return to an active and fulfilling Service or civilian life.”

Bryn and Emma Parry, CoFounders of Help for Heroes, said: “We have worked together to establish the Defence Recovery Capability and now we must continue to work together to ensure that it delivers the very best support for the wounded, injured and sick and their families through the long years of peace when they will still be battling.”

All injured and wounded personnel who come under the Defence Recovery Capability will receive a personalised recovery plan covering all aspects of their recovery including medical care, welfare, housing, reskilling, education, work placements, employment issues and opportunities.

Complex or lengthy cases are transferred to Personnel Recovery Units across the UK which deliver consistent and high-quality command and care in order to gain the right outcome for the individual and the Ministry of Defence.

Editor’s Note: This coincides with the introduction of the new Corporate Covenant which will allow organisations to make concrete commitments to support the employment of the whole Armed Forces Community, see page 6 Web

www.recoverycareerservices.org.uk

Trooping the classroom New routes for talented ex-Service personnel to become teachers

Service leavers without degrees From January 2014, highly-skilled ex-military who do not have degrees, but who have gained qualifications or experiences in the forces - for example, teaching, instructing, mentoring and coaching - will be able to enrol on a new two-year, school-based, salaried teacher training programme*.

Service leavers who successfully complete the two-year programme will gain a degree as well as QTS, providing a far quicker and more attractive route into teaching.

Transferring skills from the Services to the classroom

The Troops to Teachers graduate and non-graduate programmes have been launched.

TROOPS TO TEACHERS will provide teacher training opportunities to Service leavers - with significant extra benefits including salaries while training, bursaries and bespoke training.

•

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subject expertise and qualifications.

Education Minister David Laws said: “Many members of our inspiring Armed Forces possess the skills and expertise relevant and transferable to the classroom - leadership, discipline, motivation and teamwork. Every child can benefit from having these values instilled in them.

There will be two routes:

Service leavers with degrees

from September 2013, Service leavers with degrees will be able to enrol on teacher training programmes with additional bespoke training and £2,000 bursary uplifts, if they meet the eligibility criteria; and

Forces leavers with degrees can apply for a number of Troops to Teachers graduate courses, all starting in September 2013, and all leading to qualified teacher status (QTS):

from January 2014, highly-skilled Service leavers without degrees will be able to enrol on a two-year, school-based, salaried training programme.These Service leavers will be the only people able to start training as a teacher without a degree and be qualified within two years.

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The one-year School Direct salaried course: to apply, forces leavers need to have served for three or more years;

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The one-year School Direct non-salaried route: forces leavers who were in the military for any length of time can apply for this, and for a £2,000 bursary uplift; and

• Those accepted on to courses will have gone through a rigorous selection process which will assess their skills, experience, technical or Issue 29 September 2013

A one-year university-based course, for example a PGCE: forces leavers who apply for this route may also be eligible for the £2,000 bursary uplift.

“ . . . I’ll be able to transfer the skills and experience I learnt in the Army to the classroom . . .”

From troop to teacher Lance Bolton, 30, a veteran who served between 2003 and 2007, starts as a design and technology teacher at Oriel High School, Crawley, West Sussex, this year.

He said: “When I left the Army I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I didn’t have the GCSEs or A levels to get to university to do a teaching degree so I had to do a year’s course first. But I got my grades and I’m just about to complete three years at university, the last two at Brighton. I’ve done two placements at schools and loved it. I can’t wait to start at my new school.

“I think I’ll be able to transfer the skills and experience I learnt in the Army to the classroom and help pupils understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, punctuality, respect, looking people in the eye.” *This programme will use a rigorous assessment, selection and recruitment process to identify armed service leavers with the potential to become outstanding teachers.

Web

bit.ly.com/TroopsToTeachers

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Welsh Minister announces £2 million for Armed Forces housing Service Leavers to benefit from new funding

Crown Copyright/MOD

“It is vital that those who have served their country have access to housing options when they return or leave the Services.”

Announced on Armed Forces Day £2 million pledged to support housing for Service Leavers

The Minster for Housing and Regeneration, Carl Sargeant, has pledged £2 million to support housing for personnel leaving the Armed Forces.

DETAILS on how the funding will be allocated are currently being developed in consultation with Local Authorities, housing providers and Armed Forces representatives with a further announcement planned in the autumn.

The Minister, on announcing the new funding, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce this funding and to do so on Armed Forces Day is quite fitting. I, and the Welsh Government, recognise the vital importance that the Armed Forces personnel have in serving for our country and this funding should allow us to better

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provide for them here in Wales.

“Having spoken with several members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families it is clear that many have difficulty in finding suitable and affordable accommodation and housing advice.

This allocation will make a contribution towards assistance with this.

“We are considering a number of funding options including targeting support for personnel who have been subject to the latest round of redundancies. I hope to announce further details soon.”

Phil Jones, Wales Area Manager for The Royal British Legion said: “The Legion welcomes this announcement from the Welsh Government for additional funding to

meet the housing needs of those leaving the Armed Forces. A high proportion of the welfare need of the Armed Forces community in Wales is based around housing and the Welsh government is to be commended for this decisive action.

“It is vital that those who have served their country have access to housing options when they return or leave the Services. The Armed Forces Community Covenants, which are being signed in local communities across Wales, are an important way for housing providers to examine policies and ensure that the Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged by Service life.”

Web email

bit.ly.com/YdhdGg ArmedForces@wales.gsi.gov.uk

State-of-the-art prosthetics for veterans A better deal for Scotland’s military amputees

Modern Technology is available to enable veterans to have a life style that suits them

A new national prosthetics service has been launched to meet the needs of Scotland’s military amputees.

THE new service will provide veterans from the Armed Forces with advanced prosthetics that can anticipate movements and adapt instantly in order to function as close to a natural limb as possible.

It will offer veterans improved support and a dedicated point of access to healthcare services through the limb fitting and rehabilitation centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with telehealth links to Aberdeen, Inverness and Dundee centres.

Speaking at a visit to the Edinburgh centre, Scottish Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “It is only right that our veterans, who have risked their lives for this country, receive world-class services through our NHS. Scotland is already leading the way in prosthetic care and this new specialist service is a fantastic example of the NHS using innovative technologies to deliver twenty-first century healthcare.

“Veteran amputees often have complex health needs so it is vital that they have continued access to the modern technology now available to Issue 29 September 2013

enable them to have a lifestyle that suits them.”

The service will be supporting Service people like Steven Richardson.

Steven, 24, from Tranent, East Lothian, joined the 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Royal Scots Borderers in August 2006. He did two operational tours in Iraq in 2007-08 and Afghanistan in 2010.

On June 27, 2010, two weeks short of his 22nd birthday, he came under heavy enemy fire during a foot patrol in the Nad-E-Ali district of Afghanistan.

While moving position in order to return fire Steven stood on a low metal content explosive device.

He was the only one injured in the blast, losing his legs and fingers on both hands. His comrades were with him in a matter of seconds to administer life-saving first aid. He remained conscious until he was put to sleep in the helicopter. He woke up four days later in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

After four weeks in hospital he was sent home for two weeks leave before going to Headley Court for the first of many rehabilitation admissions.

For almost two years he was at Headley Court on a month on, month

“Scotland is already leading the way in prosthetic care . . .”

Steven Richardson

off basis. Within four weeks he was able to walk on stubby prostheses, short leg prostheses with no joints, and by the end of 2010 he was walking on c-legs, microprocessor controlled state-of-the-art prostheses.

Steven is now able to run, use a hand bike, do indoor rock climbing and kayaking. In 2012 he took part in the Race Across America for Help for Heroes. The eight wounded Servicemen cycled 3051 miles in seven days, seven hours, 59 minutes. He is still serving in the Army and won't be discharged until October.

The service was launched as the Scottish Government promised to offer a better deal for military amputees by accepting all of the recommendations from Dr Andrew Murrison’s report on NHS Prosthetics Services for veterans, particularly those from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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For those in need Bereavement support for Naval and Marines Widows

“The Army has had a group for many years and the RAF group are currently celebrating their twentieth anniversary. We started with just four ladies and now have a membership of over sixty. We welcome anyone The main aim of the Association is to provide who has lost a friendship, support and comfort husband, wife or recognized Founded nearly five years ago, The partner while they were serving.

Royal Navy & Royal Marines “We also have associate members Widows’ Association (RNRMWA) who have lost their partner after they was created to meet the growing left the Services. We have a wide age need for a support group for those range of members, from ladies in their widowed within the Naval 80s to young women sadly widowed community. in their 20s. They have been THE Association is one of the bereaved in many ways – from youngest group’s providing operations in the Falklands, Iraq and bereavement support to the Armed Afghanistan to natural causes and Forces Community as Lesley-Ann accidents.”

George-Taylor from RNRMWA explained: Friendship and Support The Association, with help from the Naval Personal and Families Service and RAF Welfare, has produced a bereavement Guide – A Bereaved Families Guide: Support when you need it most. The guide is issued to all those bereaved and aims to provide some of the answers to those questions asked when tragedy hits. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Royal Naval Association provided funding towards the guide.

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The aims of the Association are wide-ranging and varied. One of the most important aspects of its work is to provide friendship, support and comfort to those in need. Lesley-Ann said: “The support and contact with those who have themselves been through the same experience and can share with you how you are feeling that is most beneficial. We put ladies in touch with each other, if that’s what they would like, and although we are not trained counsellors, we can provide a listening ear.”

Information and Signposting Over the past four years the Association has built up a degree of knowledge. And, if they don’t have the answer to a question, then they

“Life came crashing down on me when the news came that my husband had died in Iraq. But life does carry on. I will never be the same, but somehow I am learning to live with this new life. Having met with other widows, I feel less alone” RNRMWA Member, 2008 can signpost a widow in the right direction.

Representation Before the formation of the Association it was noticed by the Army and RAF Widows’ Associations, that there was often no representation of Royal Navy or Royal Marines’ widows at national acts of remembrance. This now forms one of the most important parts of the Association’s remit – the opportunity for its members to be represented or represent themselves at national and local acts of remembrance and commemoration.

The Association also attends various meetings in Westminster, and with the Navy and Royal Marines with an aim to improve the lives of military widows.

Lesley-Ann added: “Being married to someone in the Armed Forces very quickly becomes part of your own life as well as your partners. When tragedy strikes and bereavement occurs loss of this link can be keenly felt by the widow or widower left behind. In a small way we can provide that link. The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association is here to help but more importantly it can provide friendship and support to those in need.”

Phone 02392 654374 Web

www.rnrmwidowsassociation.org

email rnrmwidowsassociation@hotmail.com Facebook Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows Association

The Ripple effect Shared experience helping Armed Forces families

It is hoped that groups would ‘ripple’ around the country providing local support groups for people who need them

We possibly take it for granted nowadays that those who return injured from Afghanistan are looked after until they either return to their unit or are medically discharged. But what about their families, what help do they receive?

THIS is a question that provided inspiration for a self-help group.

“Families support their loved ones on hospital visits, through rehabilitation and are there during the ups and downs that are all part of the recovery pathway.” explained Sue Hawkins, a member of The Ripple Pond. ”They may or may not be the main carer, but they always remain in the wings to listen and support. They often take the ‘flack’ from their loved ones but invariably do not have anywhere to go to get support from others in a similar position and so recharge batteries.”

This is where The Ripple Pond comes in. Julia Molony created the self-help support group for family members of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans.

Issue 29 September 2013

From that initial group in Sussex, other groups have started up around the country, enabling family members to go somewhere closer to home where they can meet and share their experiences.

A shared experience Julia’s son was injured in combat in 2009, and initially her main focus was to support him and his family.

Feeling isolated from the regimental welfare system, she would have welcomed someone in a similar position to talk to. In 2011, Julia met Sue Hawkins through the Band of Sisters (Help for Heroes) and found that they shared a lot in common, not least that their sons’ injuries were on the same day but one year apart.

Sue’s son was serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Helmand Province.

By providing a safe space to vent feelings and listen to others, The Ripple Pond has helped both Julia and Sue validate their traumatic

experiences.

Julia added: “We are sure there are many people round the country who are not on a ‘patch’ nor part of a regiment’s welfare system, and who feel alone with the trauma of seeing their loved one come back injured. It does not matter ‘what’ the injury is physical, psychological (e.g. PTSD) or both – the fact that a loved one has been injured is a shock.

“Knowing our injured Serviceman or woman is home and alive does not mean we do not feel angry, scared, sad or all of these at once. Our world has been changed by an event beyond our control and the need to have someone reach out and listen to our story, however many times we need to tell it, to have someone bear witness to our distress can be very healing.”

Web

www.theripplepond.co.uk.

email

theripplepond@gmail.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/theripplepond Twitter

@theripplepond

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Sustaining the covenant Placing veterans at the heart of a North West community It’s been a year since Fylde Borough signed up to the Community Covenant at the Town Hall in St Anne’s on Sea and they have been making progress on their commitments . . .

ALTHOUGH relatively small, Fylde is host to a significant Armed Forces Community including the Army base at Weeton Barracks, BAE Systems at Warton, several cadet contingents and an estimated 6,000 plus veterans in three towns and 14 villages of the borough.

To support the Fylde’s commitment, Veterans For Fylde (V4F) was set up to lead, manage and ensure the sustainability of the covenant.

Brainchild of Councillor Edward Nash, a former Major in the Royal Artillery, V4F combines a charity with a Community Interest Company (CIC) enabling the organisation to raise funds flexibly and oversee the Covenant in partnership with Fylde Council and the Town and Parish Councils.

V4F has made a significant impact, winning a grant of £30,000 from the Community Grant scheme for a unique partnership between Lytham’s award winning community project Park View 4 You and the families of 2LANCS in Weeton to build an innovative play park in the camp while the unit is on operations in Afghanistan.

By establishing a Veterans Hub, V4F is attracting support from local employers, councillors, groups and

The Veterans Hub

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Councillor Edward Nash

individuals and is helping a growing number of serving and ex-Servicemen and women with housing, employment, transition, legal matters and debt management.

Supporting the Hub is Local housing officer Alison Parsonage who doubles as an RBL caseworker, uniquely placed to help with accommodation, and Julia Brown, Armed Forces Champion in the nearby Job Centre. Councillor Nash himself sits on the North West VAPC, helping to shape policy supporting the Armed Forces Community.

Community spirit Badged veterans have been trained to provide parade marshals for local fetes, carnivals and processions.

Events have been planned to celebrate the return of 2LANCS and an Armed Forces Day celebration was held round St Anne’s beautiful Ashton Gardens, with grants from the MOD and Fylde Borough Council.

“The Borough has taken serving personnel and veterans to its heart . . .”

Future plans include an interactive living heritage project, a local discount card, local cafes hosting regular ‘NAFFY’ events, visits to battlefields, naming local roads after those killed in action and prison visits to veterans.

In 2014, there are plans to recreate the assembly and march of the volunteers of Fylde to help form 4th LOYALS in 1914.

It’s keeping V4F busy as Councillor Nash said: “I never thought there would be so much to do. The Borough has taken serving personnel and veterans to its heart and we can assure everyone who approaches us for help of a warm welcome and focused support.

“V4F is working to provide a thriving and sustainable long-term relationship with the Armed Forces that will embed the covenant for ever.”

Phone

01253 781775 / 07940 853215

Web

bit.ly/veteransfylde

email

post@humanita.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/veteransfylde Linkedin linkd.in/1bs7iec

Superbike newcomer makes racing return to Brands Hatch

How success on the track is carving out a new career for veterans

Murray competes on a specially adapted 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R

Afghan war veteran turned British Superbike challenger Murray Hambro joined racers on the grid for a championship round at Brands Hatch in July.

MURRAY, who lost both his legs in an IED explosion in December 2010, competed in the Triumph Triple Challenge at the MCE British Superbike Championship for the True Heroes Racing team – run in association with the Shepton Malletbased Afghan Heroes charity.

The racing team, brainchild of serving Royal Navy Warrant Officer Phil Spencer, is comprised of able-

bodied and injured ex-Servicemen many of whom served with each other in Afghanistan, augmented by still serving able-bodied military personnel.

It remains the first and only team of its kind on the UK motorcycle racing circuit.

Phil Spencer said: “It’s always a great atmosphere at Brands Hatch and we are all looking forward to returning to the circuit later this month.”

Murray from Upper Beeding in West Sussex is in his first season’s racing in the British Superbike Challenge.

Phil said: “This has been very much a developmental season for Murray competing on new tracks on a new bike at a new level. Our objective was to have him competing with the main pack by the end of the season.

“The opening round of the season was also held at Brands Hatch so Murray went into the From left: Leading Hand Adam Shroff, Murray latest round with a lot Hambro and Team Manager Phil Spencer more confidence.

Issue 29 September 2013

“He has to ride in a different style to the other racers and we are still deciding exactly how best to handle this.”

Murray competes at the British Superbike championship on a specially adapted 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R provided by Kent-based Laguna Motorcycles alongside financial backing by Plastics Express, John Wenman & Sons, Xpress Coffee and Aerologic.

All the foot controls including gear selector and brakes have been switched to the handlebars and a special locating stud has been added to anchor Murray’s right boot to the bike.

Other than that, Murray’s bike is virtually identical to the other racers in the championship.

The True Heroes Racing team was inspired and supported by military charity Afghan Heroes, which has just opened its second Retreat post services facility in Blue Anchor near Minehead. Phil is hoping Murray’s growing reputation on the track will help inspire other veterans to rebuild their life away from the military.

Former Lance Corporal Murray served in the Second Royal Tank Regiment - close to the heart of Afghan Heroes founder Denise Harris whose son Lee Scott lost his life serving with the same unit in 2009.

Joining Phil and Murray for the new season are team veterans Corporal Graeme Billington from Poole, who served in the same regiment as Murray and was also injured in an Afghan bomb blast and Leading Hand Adam Shroff serving on HMS Illustrious. Another former Serviceman, Nick Dinsdale from Basildon, has also been recruited to the team.

Web email

www.trueheroes.org.uk www.thesomersetretreat.org.uk phil.spencer@trueheroesracing.co.uk

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Football’s feel-good factor h How Everton FC is supporting the veterans community • • • •

Tournaments and competitions; Coaching and fitness; Leadership and mentoring programme; and Social events and coffee mornings

From veteran to mentor

Inside Right at Everton aims to provide the Armed Forces Community with the ‘feel good’ factor of football

Inside Right is an exercise based community programme designed to support local veterans who are at risk of becoming isolated once they have returned to civilian life.

THE programme not only promotes physical activity but also the chance to gain football coaching qualifications as well as wider training courses.

It also aims to harness the feel-good factor of playing football by creating opportunities to volunteer and compete in leagues and competitions, helping Service leavers to cope more effectively with the transition back into civilian life.

Andy Cooke, Mental Health Mentor at Everton explained: “Inside Right is a football-based Community programme designed to support ex-Service personnel. We aim to harness the feel-good factor of being involved in a team with like-minded people to help with the readjustment of our local heroes’ back into civilian life “We run two training sessions per week and we have a team in the newly formed Liverpool Veterans League. We also compete in two

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monthly leagues as well as tournaments, showcase matches and a coffee morning is held monthly where the participants can meet and chat in a relaxed and informal manner.”

Veterans can take part in: • • •

Weekly training sessions; Volunteering and employment; Training and qualifications;

Prior to getting involved with the Inside Right programme Andy had struggled with the reality of readjusting to civilian life after serving just under 24 years in the Armed Forces. Over a prolonged period of time this had culminated in a broken marriage, alcohol abuse, financial problems, depression and really low self-esteem.

After seeing an advertisement for the Inside Right programme he contacted the organiser . . .

“I was invited along to my first session and was told it’s not about football . . . it’s about being part of a team of like-minded people.

“After attending various sessions, I was asked to become a volunteer veteran mentor and have now gone on to gain full-time paid employment at the club, helping to mentor others on the programme. During this exciting journey I have qualified as a

Michael Dougherty (left) with veterans on the Inside Right programme

r helping Liverpool veterans

“We aim to harness the feel-good factor of being involved in a team with like-minded people . . .”

Former Everton player Phil Neville at one of the Inside Right training sessions

FA Level 1 football coach and gained other recognised qualifications to enhance my skills.

“My aspirations for the future are to gain as many qualifications as possible to improve my skills and professional position, while acting as a role model and mentor to other veterans. My passion is to assist others in gaining guidance and support as early as possible, ensuring they don’t go down the rocky road that I did in adjusting to civilian life.”

Never looked back For Michael Dougherty, Inside Right has helped him get his life back on track . . .

“Before coming to Inside Right I was suffering with quite bad depression, from serving in Afghanistan. As a result I was sent home on long-term sick leave from the Army. During this time I wasn’t going out of the house and found myself sitting in my room all day and night drinking too much and smoking Issue 29 September 2013

about 30 cigarettes a day. When I was referred to the Inside Right Programme at Everton I learned that there were things out in the community I could get involved with and set my sights on.

“This opportunity represented a glimmer of hope for me to hang onto as I am a massive Everton fan and thought this could be the focus that got my life back on track. When I was invited to come along to the sessions, I started to get apprehensive; thinking to myself should I go or not.

After a comforting phone call and re-assurance from the Everton Staff, I decided to go for it and I haven’t looked back since. At this point I needed a lot of help and being welcomed with open arms really helped me fit in well with other like-minded lads.

“After attending the sessions, I realised that I wanted to become a volunteer, and then I was given the opportunity to complete my FA Level 1 and 2 coaching football awards. I am now employed at the club as a

community football coach working on the Inside Right programme helping other veterans. There are lots of different moments I’m proud of since being involved, but the one that stands out is the difference the programme has made in my life. Now I can pass my experience onto others to help them overcome their fears.

Without this programme I wouldn’t have a clue where I would be today.”

The Inside Right initiative won the ‘Health Improvement and Promotion’ award at the Military and Civilian Partnership Awards in May 2013 Phone

0151 530 5253

email

jonathan.garside@evertonfc.com

Web

community.evertonfc.com Everton in the Community

Facebook ‘Inside Right’ Ex-Armed Forces Football Programme

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London veterans benefit from support service SPEAR charity’s bespoke Veterans’ support service for London borough

SPEAR supports veterans in London with issues such as housing

In 2010, SPEAR recognised the issues that some veterans face and launched a dedicated service to help veterans and their dependants living in South West London with housing and social care needs.

FUNDED by The Royal British Legion, the charity’s Veterans’ Support Service (VSS) currently works with 31 clients. A typical story is that of Mr Williamson* who served from 1988 to 2001, serving in Bosnia in 1995. As a result, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Severe Anxiety Disorder after becoming ill almost four years ago. He has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

In 2012, Mr Williamson’s health deteriorated and he lost his job as an office manager. He was referred to SPEAR by Combat Stress and has been working closely with the Veterans’ team. He and his family are struggling financially and the team have been able to arrange a referral to a debt advice agency and help him to apply for the correct benefits including a War Pension.

Mr Williamson was referred by SPEAR to a Parkinson’s Support Group which he attends weekly and finds

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very supportive. The team have also been able to access funds from The Royal British Legion to fund massages for his severe back pain.

Although the family continue to be worried and distressed about their financial situation and Mr Williamson is still struggling physically and emotionally, they are now being supported by SPEAR and that is a source of strength for them. It is a hard reality that many of their clients are not able to change their lives overnight but SPEAR is committed to working with them to find long-term solutions.

In spring 2013, Mr M* was referred to the service by the William Wilberforce Trust (WWT). Mr M is 27 and is now living in his own flat in West London.

Mr M was living in approved premises, which means he was living in accommodation arranged by the Probation Service as he had served time in prison. Then WWT contacted SPEAR to see if they could help him find permanent accommodation.

By working with the Sub Regional Resettlement Team SPEAR were able to find him accommodation and within a few days he had moved into

The Veteran’s Support Service is available to support veterans and their dependants who live in one of the following boroughs: Richmond, Merton, Hounslow or Kingston. The charity provides support around housing issues, mental and physical health problems, financial difficulties, drug and alcohol issues and finding employment and education. his own studio flat and is volunteering with the William Wilberforce Trust. Mr M has stated recently during a client survey that the help and support he received from SPEAR helped him not just secure accommodation but also built up his self-esteem and self-belief.

SPEAR’s VSS continues to support Mr M and he is on his way to making success in his life. * Names has been changed to protect the client’s identity Phone

0207 0369775

Web

www.spearlondon.org

email

veterans@spearlondon.org

Historical charity strengthens identity Family at the heart of SSAFA’s new brand

‘”Family’ is at the heart of what SSAFA has done for more than 125 years.

It’s in our DNA” The new strapline re-iterates the charity’s commitment to Armed Forces families as well as those they serve

Britain’s oldest Armed Forces charity has recently launched its new brand in an attempt to improve awareness amongst members of the Forces community.

SSAFA’s rebrand, which has put family at its heart, is the culmination of more than two year’s work designed to help the charity’s staff and volunteers better reach the people it exists to support by describing what it does in a more clear and consistent way.

SSAFA’s 128 year long history of supporting the Forces and their families has made it Britain’s most trusted charity*. But a full brand

The new SSAFA strapline

Issue 29 September 2013

The new brand aims to improve awareness of SSAFA in the Armed Forces Community

Athol Hendry, SSAFA’s Director of Communications and Marketing, explains the thinking behind the charity’s new identity: “Our brand review told us that the people who knew SSAFA could not talk highly enough about the work that we do. But outside the military community, SSAFA is not as well known as we need to be.

“Part of the challenge comes from the fact that we are a complex organisation that delivers support in many different ways. So we needed to find one unifying story that would succinctly define what it is we do. “‘Family’ is at the heart of what SSAFA has done for more than 125 years. It’s in our DNA. So perhaps it was not surprising that it was the brand idea that resonated most with all the people we spoke to.

“Research also revealed that there is a huge amount of equity in the name SSAFA. But we have decided to start using SSAFA as a name rather than as an acronym, supporting it with a far more descriptive strapline.

“Our new identity is designed to be strong and confident. But I hope that it also has a warmer and more approachable feel than before.”

audit found that many people thought that the charity needed to modernise its identity to better reach its key audiences.

In addition to current members of the Forces, the charity directly supports more than 40,000 veterans and their families every year. Its recent reports indicate that it is increasingly helping younger veterans, many of whom are in their 20s and 30s.

Families have always been at the heart of what SSAFA does and they have been put at the centre of the Phone 0845 241 7141 new brand. A new descriptive www.ssafa.org.uk Web strapline reiterates the charity’s commitment to families as well as Facebook www.facebook.com/ssafafb those who serve.

Twitter @SSAFA Updating the charity’s image follows a long period of consultation www.youtube.com/user/ Youtube SSAFAForcesHelp with volunteers and staff as well as members of the military community * Charity Brand Index 2012 Third Sector and other Armed Forces charities.

Research

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Dame Judi Dench pays tribute to the ‘Bomber Boys’ Oscar-winning actress becomes first patron of the ‘Upkeep Club’ generations. We’re delighted to announce that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to become a Patron of the Bomber Command Memorial Upkeep Club and we hope it inspires many more to join.”

Named after Barnes Wallis’ famous bouncing bomb used in the great Dambuster Raid of May 1943, which was codenamed ‘Upkeep’, the ‘Upkeep Club’ has been established for individuals who wish to give at least £1,000 towards the upkeep of the Memorial for the future.

Dame Judi Dench stands in front of the Bomber Command Memorial

In May, Dame Judi Dench paid tribute to the thousands of young men from Bomber Command who were killed during the Second World War when she visited the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London.

THE Memorial, unveiled last June

by Her Majesty The Queen, commemorates the 55,573 young men who lost their lives while serving in Bomber Command during the Second World War. As the guardian of the Bomber Command Memorial, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to preserving the Memorial for future generations, so that the noble sacrifice of the young men who lost their lives while serving in Bomber Command will always be remembered. As part of this commitment, it has recently launched a club named the ‘Upkeep Club’, the aim of which is to raise money to maintain the Memorial for future generations; the Club is delighted to announce that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to become its first Patron.

Dame Judi Dench said: “I am

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delighted to become a Patron of the Upkeep Club. The Bomber Command Memorial, which so nobly honours the sacrifice of the fallen aircrew, has already become a place of pilgrimage for relatives and former acquaintances of the ‘Bomber Boys’ lost during the Second World War. Veterans and widows, often having travelled thousands of miles, are reminded of treasured friendships and past romance, so prematurely ended, so fondly recalled. Through membership of the Upkeep Club, people can directly support the commemoration of those who died for our individual and national freedoms.”

Air Marshal Chris Nickols, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “As the proud guardian of the Bomber Command Memorial, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to ensuring that the remarkable bravery and sacrifice of the young aircrew, who gave their lives defending our freedom during the Second World War, will always be remembered. To this end, we need to raise £1.5 million to ensure that the Memorial can be preserved for future

Dame Judi Dench stands with veteran Air Commodore Charles Clarke OBE, WAAF veteran Mrs Igraine Hamilton, Air Marshal Chris Nickols from the RAF Benevolent Fund and Jim Dooley in front of the Bomber Command Memorial

Also joining Dame Judi at the Memorial was Second World War veteran Air Commodore Charles Clarke OBE and WAAF veteran Mrs Igraine Hamilton, both Upkeep Club members.

Phone

0800 169 2942 Upkeep Club 0800 198 2400

Web

www.rafbf.org.uk www.rafbf.org.uk/1794/ bomber-command-memorial.html

email

upkeep@rafbf.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/rafbf Twitter

@RAFBF

The regular feature providing you with updates SPVA News from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency New SPVA leaflets are a success Since their launch in April this year, SPVA has received a high demand for the new SPVA leaflets with nearly 5,500 issued to organisations providing welfare support, outreach and guidance to the veterans community.

The leaflets provide information for organisations, veterans and existing customers on the full range of services that the SPVA provides including: the Veterans Welfare Service, Medals Office and Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre.

If you are interested in promotional information orleaflets for an event or in connection with your work then please drop an email with your request to: spva-veterans-uk@mod.uk Armed Forces Day 2013 During the Armed Forces Day celebrations, the SPVA Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) attended 11 events across the country with information stands, posters and leaflets. At the flagship event held at Nottingham, SPVA’s Welfare Service and the Ministry of Defence Medals Office were on hand to offer help and advice to the general public. For the

The remains of the crew are laid to rest by members of the RAF’s Queen’s Colour Squadron

many smaller community events, a number of promotional packs were sent out to event organisers for distribution.

Bomber crew laid to rest After several months of research and tracing families, by SPVA’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), the crew of a Royal Air Force Boston Bomber which crashed 68 years ago while taking part in operations in the Po Valley in Italy were finally laid to rest. The crew were laid to rest with military honours, with family members in attendance, on July 18 at the Padua War Cemetery in Italy.

Issue 29 September 2013

Move to GOV.UK Starting in autumn, SPVA’s website – www.veterans-uk.info – will be migrating to the GOV.UK site. The programme will start in September with a pilot to move the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee pages across to GOV.UK. Work to move the entire Veterans-UK site should be completed by the end of January 2014.

Have you joined the Charity Hub?

The ring of Flight Sergeant David Perkins was also recovered and passed on to family who were unable to travel

Veterans Welfare staff attended Armed Forces Day events held across the UK

down by anti-aircraft fire. It crashed, killing all four crew members on board, three of whom were British and the remaining crewman, the air gunner, was Australian. The British pilot was poet Sergeant David Raikes whose work was published by his family during the 1950’s.

Boston BZ590 belonging to 18 Squadron took off from Forli near Rimini at 8.45 pm on April 21,1945 with the target being a river crossing on the Po at Taglio di Po followed by armed reconnaissance of the Po Valley. The aircraft failed to return and was believed to have been brought

Over 70 organisations supporting the Armed Forces Community have provided their details for the SPVA Charity Hub page. Find out more by visiting http://www.veteransuk.info/charity_hub/index.html

Phone 0800 169 2277 Web

www.veterans-uk.info

email

veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

Facebook bit.ly.com/SPVAFBPage Twitter @SPVAmod

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The Nation remembers Plans to mark the First World War centenary announced

visit First World War battlefields and undertake research on people local to their school who fought in the war; •

A four-year programme will commemorate the First World War Centenary

Historic centenary commemorated by four-year programme of national acts of remembrance, UKwide cultural initiatives and educational opportunities.

CULTURE SECRETARY Maria Miller announced details of the four-year plan, which include national acts of remembrance, a scheme of Great War battlefield visits for school children, together with an extensive UK-wide cultural programme.

“It is right we remember and mark the centenary of this momentous day in the world’s history . . .”

Marking the beginning of the First World War

Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium – which has an equal number of British and German soldiers, and is where the first and last Commonwealth casualties of the war are believed to be buried; and •

The centrepiece of the commemorations will be the reopening of Imperial War Museum (IWM) London following the £35 million refurbishment of the First World War galleries. Other activities in the four-year programme include: •

national acts of remembrance to mark the first day of the Battle of the Somme (2016) and Armistice Day (2018);

•

an enduring educational legacy funded with £5.3 million from the Department for Education and the Department for Communities and Local Government, which will allow two student ambassadors, plus a teacher, from each maintained school in England to

The opening day of the centenary on 4 August 2014 will focus on three events: •

a wreath laying service at Glasgow’s Cenotaph, following the special service for Commonwealth leaders at Glasgow Cathedral;

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an event at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission St

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a candle-lit vigil of prayer and penitence at Westminster Abbey finishing at 11pm – the moment war was declared.

at least £15 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, including a new £6m community projects fund to enable young people working in their communities to conserve, explore and share local heritage of the First World War; and • a grant of up to £1 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to support HMS Caroline, the last surviving warship from the First World War fleet. The ship will have a secure future in Belfast, where thousands of people will be able to visit her and learn about her unique role in the First World War.

£10 million cultural programme There will also be a £10 million programme of cultural events as part of the centenary commemorations over the four years.

Jenny Waldman, the Creative Producer for the London Olympics 2012, has been appointed director of this programme and will work with cultural organisations and partners across Britain to deliver it. Maria Miller said: “On 4 August 1914 we entered the war – a war like no other the world had seen. It is right we remember and mark the centenary of this momentous day in the world’s history, bringing its importance alive for younger generations and remembering the price that was paid by all involved.”

The IWM London was founded in 1917 to record the then still-continuing conflict.

Web

www.gov.uk/ww1centenary www.1914.org/

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Issue 29 September 2013

the Central Employment Team 0121 236 0058 www.cskills.org www.ctp.org.uk twitter.com/citb_uk

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Ribbon cutting at the new Contemplation Garden at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, see page 5