Veterans World Issue 26 December 2012

Issue 26 December 2012

Being the Boss Business initiative hits two year anniversary

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Service Personnel and Veterans Agency

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

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Contents

December 2012 Issue 26

IN THIS ISSUE 5

A Sporting Chance Injured service personnel have chance to become future paralympians with new sports partnership

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Achieving Life Goals Seafaring charity helping veterans personal development

18-19 Transferable Skills Service leavers take skills and knowledge into second career on civvy street

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Get Signed Up The new MOD discount scheme launched

Regulars 4-5 25

News in Brief SPVA News

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Front cover: Being the Boss, see page 15.

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.

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

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 338811 For distribution enquiries Email: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or call: 01253 338816

Š Crown copyright 2012

Issue 26 December 2012

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News in brief Adult social care complaint unresolved?

Go to the Ombudsman.

Personnel Recovery Centre opens in Germany Wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel in Germany will benefit from the latest Personnel Recovery Centre which was opened in Sennelager, north west Germany.

A care home failed to have a suitable room ready for a frail and unwell man, a Council wrongly kept a daughter from visiting her mother in a care home, and a severely disabled man was discharged from hospital without any care services in place – these are examples of cases resolved this year by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO). The Ombudsman want people to know they can use the LGO service if they have an unresolved complaint about adult social care.

The Personnel Recovery Centre offers training, counselling and career management for all wounded, sick and injured Service personnel, and assists with resettlement for those individuals planning to transit to civilian life and settle in Germany. Although based in Sennelager, it supports the needs of all Germany-based personnel.

The Ombudsman can now look at complaints from service users of all types of adult social care – whether they pay for their own care or use money provided by a Council, whether the care provider is a Council or a private business, and whether they receive services in a care home, their own home or somewhere else, such as a day centre. The Ombudsman has teams of specialist investigators to handle these complaints.

This centre forms part of the Army Recovery Capability which comprises the Personnel Recovery Branch based at Army HQ, 11 Personnel Recovery Units, five Personnel Recovery Centres and a Battle Back Centre at Lilleshall (Defence Adaptive Sport and Adventurous Training Centre).

The Royal British Legion has funded the delivery of the capital build project with a donation from the Army Central Fund. The operating costs will be met by the MOD and the Legion.

to do if someone has a complaint about adult social care services. There are also large print and EasyRead versions of the leaflet. A poster for display can also be printed from the website.

Plans set out to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War

Details of the LGO’s role are published in a new leaflet: How to complain about a care home or care in your home – self-funded or Council-funded. It explains what

The MAP has moved If you are a military veteran and are concerned about your mental health or you work with military veterans who are experiencing mental health challenges then you may be interested to know that the MOD’s veterans’ mental health assessment service - The Medical Assessment Programme - currently located at the Baird Centre St Thomas’s Hospital London is moving to Chilwell, Nottingham.

The service will be collocated with Reservist Mental Health Programme and renamed the Veterans’ and Reserves Mental Health Programme (VRMHP).

The service is offered to veterans who have deployed since 1982 and may have mental health concerns as a result of military service. Moving to Chilwell will offer a central UK location for this service making it more accessible to the majority of users. An additional benefit is closer links to the Department of Community Mental Health based at Chilwell and the programme will be better supported within mainstream Defence Mental Health Services. The service will remain the same - a full military mental health assessment completed by a consultant psychiatrist with accompanying guidance on care and treatment for the veteran’s local clinical team.

Referrals to the VRMHP will preferably be made by the individual’s GP. However, self referrals will now be accepted for this service.

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See the LGO website at www.lgo.org.uk/adult-socialcare/ for full details including how to order bulk copies of the leaflet. There is no charge.

“Referrals to the VRMHP will preferably be made by the individual’s GP. However, self referrals will now be accepted for this service.”

It is planned that this collocation with a military Department of Community Mental Health and the Reservist Mental Health Programme will offer an opportunity to improve what already is a valued service, and emphasises the MOD’s commitment to caring for those who are suffering mental health difficulties as a result of their service.

If you are interested in the new Veterans’ and Reserves Mental Health Programme and want more information, visit http://bit.ly/VRMHP DCMH Chilwell Chetwynd Barracks Chilwell Nottingham NG9 5HA Telephone: 01159574606 Military Network: 94451 4606 Freephone Helpline: 0800 0326258 Facsimile: 0115 9574450 Military Facsimile: 944514450 Email: aphcsedcmhchl-vrmhp@mod.uk

Prime Minister David Cameron set out the Government's plans to mark the centenary in 2014 of the start of the First World War. These plans include a £35 million refurbishment of the First World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum London; a project made possible due to an extra £5 million from the Treasury. This additional money will be met by fines imposed on financial services firms for misconduct.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller will chair an expert advisory panel to oversee the programme and ensure that the centenary plans are delivered.

The Government's principal partners in the commemorations will be the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Imperial War Museum, but will encompass support for a multitude of other initiatives, large and small, as they come together in the months and years to come.

Save the Date The City of Nottingham, with its proud military heritage, will host the Armed Forces Day national event in 2013. The celebrations on the day will honour the Armed Forces past and present.

Armed Forces Day 2013 will be on Saturday 29 June so save the date for more fun filled activity next year.

The day will provide the opportunity for members of the public to express their thanks to the military and veterans, and find out more about what all three Services do. www.armedforcesday.org.uk

New Rehabilitation Complex At Headley Court His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall opened the new Jubilee Rehabilitation Complex at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) in Headley Court.

The brand new £16.9 million Complex, fully funded by the Ministry of Defence , which will also feature an Activities of Daily Living flat where patients can learn to live independently.

Help For Heroes Opens State Of The Art Facilities Help for Heroes and the British Paralympic Association announce partnership and outline plans to get wounded troops to Rio 2016 and inspire a new generation .

Help for Heroes has opened the Andy Griffiths Skiplex and Jimi’s Wing accommodation and education facilities at their flagship Recovery Centre, Tedworth House, Wiltshire,

The Complex includes a new state-of-the-art therapy building with a second prosthetics department, radiology department and open plan gym to ensure that injured personnel continue to receive world-class medical care and rehabilitation.

DMRC is the premiere facility for the rehabilitation of injured Service personnel. Originally it was developed as a rehabilitation centre for aircrew and officers following a collection and donation of monies during the Second World War.

Arboretum Appeal Boost The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has been awarded £2.85 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards its ambitious development plans to create a world-class Centre for Remembrance. Passing the second stage of the HLF application process, for which detailed plans on all aspects of the proposed development were submitted, has meant a significant boost for the Arboretum’s £12 million Appeal.

where the wounded receive 360-degree holistic support.

The new facilities form part of the on-going national programme of four Recovery Centres that will be complete by early 2013.

Help for Heroes also announced their partnership with the British Paralympic Association (BPA) and outlined their plans to support the wounded from now to Rio 2016 and beyond to make the progression towards representing their country in Paralympic sport, or working in the sector.

The partnership will give individuals the opportunity to take part in Talent ID days and fast-track those who show a talent within a certain sport to take it to an elite level or help them take it up as a career.

Sport is often the first step on the pathway of recovery and gives someone confidence and independence to someone The Skiplex, named in memory of Captain Andy Griffiths who who has suffered a life-changing injury. In turn, this died in the UK from his wounds sustained in Afghanistan 2010 positively affects different areas of their life, helping and inspiring an individual to prepare them for a whole new and was a huge snowboarding enthusiast, is an indoor ski simulator with a continually revolving ski slope and adjustable chapter of their life. www.helpforheroes.org.uk gradient that replicates a real piste

‘Topping Out’ Ceremony Held At The Royal Star and Garter Home - Surbiton

The National Memorial Arboretum, which opened in 2001 and is the UK’s year-round Centre for Remembrance, comprises 150 acres of trees and over 230 individual memorials.

A key component of the Arboretum’s Appeal is the creation of a Remembrance Learning Centre, for which planning permission has now been granted. This will have a strong focus on helping to explain to visitors the importance and meaning of Remembrance and the significance of the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities.

New Armed Forces Champion The Prime Minister has appointed Lord Ashcroft KCMG as his Special Representative for Veterans' Transition, working with all government departments to ensure military personnel get the support they need when making the transition to civilian life.

Lord Ashcroft will carry out a review and take a fresh look at the advice and support package currently in place for personnel leaving the Armed Forces.

In addition to the welfare provisions already made available to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, Lord Ashcroft will work with departments across Government to provide advice to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Cabinet Committee on Armed Forces and Veterans.

Lord Ashcroft's work will champion the cause of Servicemen and women making the transition to civilian life, liaising with Armed Forces charities, industry and across departmental boundaries to support access to employment and the package available for those transitioning into civilian life.

This position is unpaid.

Issue 26 December 2012

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra attended the ‘topping out’ ceremony of the new Royal Star & Garter Home in Surbiton on 4 October 2012. Also pictured - Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt, Chairman, The Royal Star & Garter Homes In October, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra was invited to the ‘topping out’ ceremony of the new Royal Star & Garter Home in Surbiton.

The Home is being constructed by leading construction and infrastructure company, Morgan Sindall and is due to be completed in the summer of 2013.

HRH Princess Alexandra is the President of the Charity and was invited to carry out the traditional Saxon ritual of anointing a Yew tree branch attached to the building’s ‘last roof beam’ with wine, oil, corn and salt symbolising wisdom, liberty, prosperity and hospitality. This ceremony is traditionally held when the highest point of a new building has been constructed and therefore represents a significant milestone in the Home’s construction.

Guests included Mr John Graham, Deputy Director General, Finance, from The Royal British Legion, which has most generously made a £2.05 million gift towards the specialist dementia care facility, and Mr Philip Wiles, Head of Housing and Care Services, from The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, which has most generously made a gift of £2 million for the Charity’s building projects, £700,000 of which will go The Home will provide specialist nursing care for 37 residents towards the overall construction in Surbiton. The and specialist dementia care for a further 26 residents. The new Royal Star & Garter Homes is most grateful for these state-of-the-art home is located in a pleasant residential area, gifts. only five miles from the Charity’s current home in Richmond. www.starandgarter.org

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Better Together Mental health services for those who have served

The service will provide treatment and support for a range of mental health conditions

A new service offering mental health support for ex-military personnel in the East Midlands was launched in July in Leicester.

THE Armed Forces’ veterans mental health service - part of a national review led by the Department of Health with the MOD - aims to make it easier for ex-Service personnel with concerns about their mental health to seek and access help.

The region’s NHS mental health trusts have come together to work with national veteran’s charity, Combat Stress, to provide a more streamlined approach to support and treatment for local ex-Service personnel.

Regional lead for the veteran’s liaison champion service, Paul Cruickshank, who also works for the Trust, said: “Ex-Service personnel referred by their GP will receive the same standard of treatment as they are currently entitled too, however they will be assisted by a local veteran’s liaison champion to support them through their care.

“The experiences people have during service and their transition to civilian life can result in different factors triggering

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their mental ill health. Through this provision we will endeavour to serve those who have served their country.”

The veterans’ service can help anyone who has served in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. It provides treatment and support for a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, anger, substance misuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The service will work closely with local voluntary and charitable organisations, such as Combat Stress and The Royal British Legion, to provide help with social issues such as housing, debt and relationship difficulties; all of which can have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing.

New mental health lead for veterans A new consultant psychiatrist has been appointed lead clinician for the Armed Forces’ veterans’ mental health service in Lincolnshire.

Now employed by the Trust, Dr Asha Pook specialises in treating people experiencing trauma reactions and she has a particular interest in post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and effective psychotherapy for PTSD.

Asha’s clinical knowledge and 18 years experience of service in the Royal Air Force will be instrumental to the success of providing local mental health services to former military personnel that suits their particular needs.

“Ex-Service personnel referred by their GP will receive the same standard of treatment as they are currently entitled too, however they will be assisted by a local veteran’s liaison champion to support them through their care”

Contacts To contact the service, call Sarah Dilley on 07500 984890, email: sarah.dilley@lpft.nhs.uk or visit www.lpft.nhs.uk

Reporting for duty The first Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report published

The Covenant webpage will provide updates on progress

It’s been a busy autumn for the Covenant Team at the MOD. £1.3 million has been awarded to 36 local projects at the Community Covenant Grant Scheme panel in September. Some 70 local authorities attended the second Community Covenant Conference to share best practice and the Defence Discount Service was launched, which benefits all members of the Armed Forces Community. Kitty Jenkins, returns to tell Veterans WORLD about their big piece of work over the autumn and what it means for veterans – The Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report ...

“THE Secretary of State for Defence is legally required to report annually on the effects of service on the Armed Forces Community, particularly where they are disadvantaged or where special treatment might be justified. It means the government is held to account every year on its duty to deliver the Covenant.

“Since last year’s report we have delivered a number of commitments; we’re particularly pleased with the progress made in accessing benefits. As new benefits policies have been developed this year, we’ve made special arrangements to make sure that veterans who are wounded, injured or sick as a result of service aren’t disadvantaged when policies are rolled out next year. Compensation paid under the War Pensions Scheme and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) won’t affect the financial assessment for Universal

Issue 26 December 2012

“While these developments are having a real, positive impact on veterans, that’s not to say we don’t realise there is more work to be done and that areas of disadvantage still remain.”

Covenant wins for veterans, some of the commitments delivered: •

The Defence Discount Service launched (see page 26 for more details);

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Plans are maturing for the Veterans’ Information Service, a way of engaging with veterans 12 months after their discharge from the Forces;

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In England, members of the Armed Forces Community are placed at the top of the list for the Government’s £500 million FirstBuy scheme;

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The Scottish Government is funding specialist mental health services at around £1.2 million for the next three years, and will continue to fund the Veterans First Point service (a signposting and advice centre designed to help veterans and their families);

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The Prime Minister has appointed Lord Ashcroft to be his Special Representative for Veterans’ Transition;

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The All Wales Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing Service provides local access to specialist outpatient care and signposting to other support that might be required; and

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Veterans in England accessing NHS services are given priority treatment for conditions related to Service, subject to the clinical needs of others.

Credit by the Department for Work and Pensions and the ongoing income from the AFCS (Guaranteed Income Payment) is not taken into account when Local Authorities are assessing social care payments.

“Improving support to veterans mental healthcare has also been a key area of work.

The ten NHS Armed Forces Networks have each received £150,000 from the Department of Health in England to support their mental health work. It’s helped provide an extra 50 full time professionals and this number is expected to grow.

“While these developments are having a real, positive impact on veterans, that’s not to say we don’t realise there is more work to be done and that areas of disadvantage still remain. We know there are key improvements still to be made, for example, in awareness of and accessing the £1.7 million Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), and also in the provision of supported accommodation for veterans who fall on hard times. Identifying these challenges, the report sets out areas where further work is needed – like reviewing halfway housing and raising awareness of the DFG. “It’s also important to remember that the Armed Forces Covenant isn’t just about government commitments and policy changes. It’s an obligation for the whole of society, from individual citizens, to businesses, to service providers and local authorities, and of course for the Armed Forces Community itself.”

Contacts Head to the website www.mod.uk/covenant for a full copy of the Annual Report. When you’re there you can find out more about the work that’s going on across the UK to make sure that veterans are treated with gratitude and respect, and are not disadvantaged because they are part of the Armed Forces Community.

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What’s new for Alabaré?

A Homeless Charity is ending 2012 on a high following key announcements in September “We are passionate about getting the best for the men and women of our Armed Forces and we are proud to work with other service charities to make sure this happens. Alabaré is a fantastic organisation and we can’t wait to see the grant making a difference to the lives of our veterans.”

The opening of Alabare’s Hampshire Home for Veterans

The opening of a new Home for Veterans, funding from Help for Heroes and the launch of their new befriending and mentoring service are ensuring the Alabaré charity is off to a good start for 2013.

ALABARÉ’S Hampshire Home for Veterans was officially opened in September 2012. The Home in Fareham provides a unique combination of support and accommodation to homeless Armed Forces veterans, enabling them to achieve stability in their lives through improved health and lifestyle, training, and employment.

Since its first home opened in Plymouth in 2009, the charity has supported over 110 veterans with 23 of them moving on to independent living in the past year.

Alabaré now has Homes for Veterans in Plymouth, Bristol, Weymouth and Salisbury and is set to become a major national provider of such accommodation, with new homes planned for Gosport and Gloucester.

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A major expansion has been announced creating a further 200 beds in England and Wales by 2015.

New partnership The charity is celebrating after Help for Heroes agreed funding of £75,000 to help veterans as they make their transition to civilian life. The funding will be used to provide accommodation, support and practical help in Alabaré’s supported homes as veterans progress to independent living.

Chief Executive Andrew Lord said: “It is a great honour to be working with Help for Heroes which has done so very much to highlight the ongoing needs of veterans. Alabaré is passionate that those who have served their country are given the right support if they find themselves facing adversity and homelessness in civilian life.”

Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder of Help for Heroes, added:

The Help for Heroes fund will be used to help up to 15 veterans over the next two years. Applicants must be wounded, injured or sick and have served in recent conflicts. When accepted into a home, a detailed plan is drawn up showing what the veteran hopes to achieve and it is this care which is funded by Help for Heroes.

Befriending & Mentoring The charity has also launched a new Veterans’ Befriending Scheme to provide an extra level of support to residents, both during their stay and after they move on to independent living. Volunteer befrienders meet with veterans on a regular basis and offer support in a number of ways, which could include help with filling in forms, attending community activities or simply having a chat over coffee. Veterans can train to become befrienders themselves once they have moved on from the project.

Contacts For further information call 01722 322882, email enquiries@alabare.co.uk or visit www.alabare.co.uk

SSAFA Forces Help launches mentoring scheme Project to help troops make difficult transition to civilian life

“The perceived loss of community, support and certainty are some of the biggest challenges when military personnel and their dependents undertake the transition to civilian life.

More often than not, this transition is a decision made months if not years before they leave.

“The wounded, injured and sick often don’t have the luxury of time and our intention through funding projects like the SSAFA Forces Help mentoring pilot, is to give those who are already facing physical challenges when they leave the Army, the best opportunity for a successful transition.”

Paul Cummings, Director of Welfare and Grants at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: Project Manager Mentoring Support, Graham Liley (on the left) with the new SSAFA mentors

A new 18-month project has begun to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel make the difficult transition back into civilian life. Launched by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA) – Forces Help charity, the mentoring scheme is already supporting men and women leaving the Army.

The 18-month pilot project, run in partnership with the Army Recovery Capability, has been funded by The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the Forces in Mind Trust, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Army Central Fund.

from life in the Army to civilian life.

Specially trained SSAFA volunteers assist Service leavers through the resettlement process. The pilot project will initially cater for 42 soldiers of differing ranks and ages and mentoring relationships will typically commence six months before Service leavers are discharged and continue for at least a year.

Colonel Charlie Knaggs of the MOD Army Recovery Capability, said: “Mentoring is a well recognised activity in the civilian sector and it has been identified that our wounded, injured and sick could gain great benefit from this type of support as they transition from a life in the Armed Forces back into civilian life.”

SSAFA FORCES HELP Chief Executive, Air Vice-Marshal The Honourable David Murray, said:

Nick Booth, CEO of The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, said:

“The aim of the mentoring project is to empower Servicemen and women and give them the self-confidence and motivation to make a real success in civilian life.”

“It is vital that we provide every support possible to those members of the military, who are making the transition back into the civilian community, and we believe the provision of a dedicated mentor will be an extremely beneficial part of this process.”

The Mentoring Scheme offers a one-to-one supportive relationship to Service personnel who are being medically discharged, helping them adjust

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“We were delighted that SSAFA Forces Help were able to develop this initiative which is entirely complementary to the work of the Army, ABF The Soldiers' Charity and other Service Charities in developing the full potential for a successful transition to civilian life for many of our most seriously injured soldiers.”

The Chairman of The Forces in Mind Trust, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Stables, said:

Some of the SSAFA mentors who have completed their training

The pilot will conclude in April 2013 and if successful could be rolled out across the Army and potentially tri-Service.

Contacts For further information: call 07887 453050, visit www.ssafa.org.uk or follow them on twitter @SSAFAForcesHelp

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Scotland leads the way with Military Matters A unique new service for disabled veterans

The HOS Team, Claire Birch is pictured second from right

A Weapons Systems Officer, who recently left the RAF, is spearheading a pioneering new service in Britain which aims to help disabled ex-Service personnel in Scotland navigate their way through the complexities of finding suitable housing to meet their unique needs.

FLIGHT LIEUTENANT CLAIRE BIRCH, who was most recently based at RAF Leuchars, from which she trained and operated at NATO level, flying fast jet air defence missions, has been appointed a specialist housing broker with Scottish housing charity Housing Options Scotland (formerly Ownership Options in Scotland).

Her remit is to provide free and independent specialist housing knowledge and peer-to-peer support to current and ex-Service personnel, whose disabilities mean they have highly complex housing needs, assisting them in finding the right home in the tenure and location of their choice.

Housing Options Scotland Director, Moira Bayne said: “Feedback from veterans organisations indicates that existing housing information and advice has been patchy, with many services relying on volunteers who do not have the necessary knowledge to be of real assistance to such veterans.

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“We are also aware that serving and ex-Service personnel are reluctant to approach these mainstream organisations for advice for many reasons, but predominantly because they are not generally organised to meet the needs of this unique group of individuals.

“We consulted with a number of Service charities, such as Poppy Scotland, Homes 4 Heroes and the Regular Forces Employment Agency, (RFEA,) and agreed that recruiting an ex-Service person with direct and personal knowledge and experience of disabled veterans particular challenges was the most effective way of providing a service to this group. “ Lorraine Gillies, Housing Options Scotland Chair added: ”We are grateful to the Scottish Government for recognising the importance of this issue and who have provided funding towards this post, therefore making it possible to recruit Claire.

“Claire will build on existing links we have developed with the Scottish Veterans

Housing Association, Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency and the Scottish Parliamentary Cross Party Group on Veterans to develop this specialist housing advisory service across Scotland.”

Claire Birch, who took up her post in April, is based in Dundee and will cover the whole of Scotland. She is looking forward to the challenges of her new role.

“We owe so much to those Service personnel who are injured in the line of duty, no matter what form that injury takes, be it physical or mental, “ she said.

“By assisting such individuals into supportive, affordable housing, we can repay some of our debt by helping them and their families live more stable and productive lives.”

Contacts For further information call Claire on 07713 482697, email at Claire@housingoptionsscotland.org.uk or visit http://housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/

Antarctic expedition rec Prince Harry announced as Patron of the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge 2013

“ . . . the young men and women who take part in our expeditions are an inspiration; they prove what is possible post-injury given the right support�

The North Pole

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eives Royal patronage life-changing physical and cognitive injuries sustained by the team members during their military service. A taxing task for any able-bodied adventurer, this challenge will be made all the more difficult by the injuries sustained by the wounded participants. These injuries will require constant monitoring and management to ensure they can progress safely to the Pole.

Jaco van Gass on the Everest 2012 expedition

Three teams of Service Personnel from the United Kingdom, The United States of America and the Commonwealth will tackle the inhospitable Antarctic, overcoming the savage conditions and their own injuries as they race to reach the South Pole as part of the highest profile modern day expedition.

WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED announced the start of its latest pioneering expedition following the successes of 2011‘s record-breaking trek to the North Pole with Patron, Prince Harry, and the assault on the imposing Mt Everest in 2012. This time, teams of wounded Service personnel from the USA and the Commonwealth - New Zealand, Canada and Australia - will race across the Antarctic in November and December 2013 under the patronage of Prince Harry.

The Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge 2013, predicted by polar experts to be the largest modern day expedition of its type, will be composed of three teams of wounded Service personnel from The United Kingdom, The United States and the Commonwealth of Nations, all with either physical or cognitive injuries sustained in the line of duty. The teams will represent and raise funds for military charities from the constituent nations: Soldiers to Summits from the United States, The Wounded Warrior Trust from New Zealand, Soldier On from Canada, and Soldier On from Australia.

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Edward Parker, Co-Founder of Walking With The Wounded, said: “The Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge will demonstrate the close bond between the Armed Forces and our allies both on and off the battlefield. There is no doubt that the young men and women who take part in our expeditions are an inspiration; they prove what is possible post-injury given the right support” This expedition will last for a period of four weeks and the teams will cover a total of 335km, which will be divided into managed stages and checkpoints. Each team will have a nominated mentor, an experienced polar guide. As with all Walking With The Wounded expeditions, safety is of paramount importance. The South Pole Allied Challenge will have its own specialist support and medical staff.

The challenges of the North Pole in 2011 will be multiplied due to the increased hostility of the Antarctic conditions.

While trekking around 15 to 20km per day, the teams will endure temperatures as low as -45°C and 50mph winds as they pull their pulks (custom built arctic sledges), each weighing in excess of 70kg, towards the southern most point on the globe. Not only will they be forced to battle these harsh weather conditions, there will be vast crevasses, moving iceshelves, glaciers and snow storms.

Underlining these challenges will be the

“The vision behind Walking With The Wounded - to reintegrate wounded Servicemen and women successfully into civilian life - recognises the unquenchable spirit and drive of those young people. It aims to harness their determination and energy, whilst adjusting their mindset to face the numerous challenges that lie ahead.

The adventures exemplify the tenacity and remarkable courage of those who serve in uniform” - HRH Prince Henry of Wales, Expedition Patron, speaking in Feb 2012.

This ground-breaking fundraising opportunity will provide an exceptional example of man taking on nature’s harshest and most unforgiving environment and will once again prove that with the right support our wounded Servicemen and women are capable achieving of amazing and inspiring things.

Victoria Nicholson, Expedition Manager, said: “Our teams will take part in the highest profile modern day expedition; the number and international provenance of participants, the royal patronage, the distances covered and the market-leading communications and support infrastructure will ensure that the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge will set a new benchmark in terms of expeditions.”

Contacts For more information visit wwtw.org.uk or facebook.com/SupportTheWalk or follow on Twitter @SupportTheWalk

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From Service people to Entrepreneurs Talent and experience of Service leavers ready to be tapped for society’s broader benefit “The numbers of highly skilled UK personnel is set to rise significantly following the Strategic Defence and Security Review, when the annual figure of Service Leavers will increase over the next few years.

“Some of these people will set up and prove the viability of their own businesses over the next three years and that is why we expect an increased demand for guidance and support from this group and why Heropreneurs is needed now.”

Richard added: “Our ambition is to attract the best and brightest of the Armed Forces community, including military spouses. The important thing for people to realise is that we are not welfare or a tick-box organisation. Going into business is a journey that is not to be taken lightly. To say that ‘anyone can do it’ would be to raise expectations and would be irresponsible of us.

“But most ex-military people have integrity, energy, passion, leadership skills, adaptability and determination to start up in business.

“We see people as they are, as entrepreneurs and founders of start-up or early-stage companies, not as charity cases.”

Heropreneurs helped Mark Evans set up his business Blue Cow Yoga in London

The Heropreneurs Charity is providing veterans and their spouses an opportunity to make their business aspirations a reality.

HEROPRENEURS enables ex-Service personnel and their spouses to set up and grow their own businesses through education, networking and mentoring.

They are the only registered charity with this mission. The charity will ensure that Service leavers who are aspiring entrepreneurs reach their full potential, their capabilities are recognised and that society benefits from their contribution.

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A recent study of top 20 work preferences taken from a survey of around 2,000 Service leavers by the Joint Personnel Administration Centre showed self-employment is in the top six choices ahead of policing, engineering and management.

Richard Morris, the founder and CEO of Heropreneurs, said: “Ex-Servicemen and women and their spouses are well suited to being business owners and that they will be drawn to an organisation who they trust, who understands their background, their strengths, has a strong business network of accountants and similar advisers and good understanding of commercial matters which will help compensate for any weaknesses in this area.

So far the charity has helped 35 businesses since its launch in 2011. One of these is Mark Evans, a former officer in the Coldstream Guards who now runs Blue Cow Yoga in the City of London, Mark said: “Heropreneurs provided my business partner and I with mentoring. The advice we have received has been invaluable, and having someone to turn to who has been there and done it, or knows someone else who has, is priceless. It’s like being a platoon commander again. You are running your own platoon, and Heropreneurs provide the Platoon Sergeant and Company support when you need it.”

Contacts For further information email Richard Morris at: richard@heropreneurs.co.uk , call 07855 429 107 or visit www.heropreneurs.co.uk

Being the boss Legion scheme helps 2,000 Service leavers get into business All ex-Service personnel are able to apply for mixed funding of a 25 per cent grant and 75 per cent loan of up to £7,500 for start-up businesses and £30,000 for existing businesses that want to grow.

One of the campaigns success stories is State of Mind Fitness in Hammersmith, London. The gym is run by former Royal Marine Barry O'Connell who has 12 years of active service experience.

Speaking about the scheme Barry O'Connell said: "Be the Boss has been so important to the success of my business which has gone from strength to strength. I would recommend that any Service leavers with an entrepreneurial mind look into a business start-up via the Legion's Be the Boss scheme."

Armed Forces Minister Andrew Robathan said:

Former Royal Marine Barry O’Connell is one of the campaign’s success stories

A government backed initiative providing ex-Service personnel with the tools they need to get into business has now helped approximately 2,000 people over two years.

THE Be the Boss scheme was set up with £5 million of funding from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is run by The Royal British Legion. There are currently 2,000 people engaged in the scheme, and so far 145 businesses ranging from fitness centres, locksmiths and plumbers have received funding and grants.

The scheme provides Armed Forces Service leavers with loans and grants to help with the costs of starting and growing a business once they have returned to civilian life. It is also able to give people support, advice and access to business mentors who can give them the expert advice they need.

Chris Simpkins, Director General at The Royal British Legion, said:

Issue 26 December 2012

"The Be the Boss scheme has been a tremendous success in its first two years with a unique onus on equipping our nation's Armed Forces Service leavers with the right tools required for business start-ups.

“The Legion is the only Armed Forces charity providing this particular funding, sound business advice, mentoring and future financial forecasts and we hope to see many more business successes in the coming years."

Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “I have been inspired by many of the success stories that the scheme has delivered over its first two years. The skills that Service personnel can bring to setting out in business are a great asset to the UK and it is important that they have every chance to start their own firm.

Initiatives like Be the Boss celebrate and help grow our national entrepreneurial spirit."

"I am delighted to see that 2,000 former Service personnel have benefited or are currently benefiting from Be the Boss. Not only has it helped them make a successful transition into civilian life but they are making use of the wide range of skills they obtained during their career with the Armed Forces. I hope the success of the scheme inspires any other potential entrepreneurs amongst our former Service personnel to set up their own business."

Service leavers are also being encouraged to learn more about existing government support for businesses. This includes gaining access to different channels of finance and getting involved in business mentoring through the Government's portal www.mentorsme.co.uk

Contacts For more information, visit www.civvystreet.org/betheboss/ call 0800 678 5787 or email betheboss@civvystreet.org

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Standing Shoulder to Shoulder TimeBank seeks mentors to support ex-Service personnel Volunteering charity TimeBank is seeking volunteer mentors in Birmingham and London to expand its Shoulder to Shoulder project. This supports ex-Service personnel who are recovering from mental health problems resulting from traumas and injuries they received during active service.

MENTORS don’t need any special experience – time, patience and an understanding of the issues are most important – and TimeBank provides full training. After being matched with a veteran, the pair meet socially over six months to a year.

Andy Forster, Shoulder to Shoulder programme manager at TimeBank, said: “Our experience with Shoulder to Shoulder over the last 18 months has shown that mentoring is a powerful tool, providing vital one-to-one support that can help veterans resettle into an independent civilian life.”

Over three years the Project will recruit and train 250 volunteer mentors to provide one-to-one support to exService personnel recovering from mental health issues.

By participating in the project, veterans are equipped with the tools to lead independent lives, with the ability and confidence to identify goals, lead on their own recovery plans and take personal control of their lives.

Mentoring means that they will need less support from already over-stretched mental health services, and will be able to make more informed choices about the health care they need.

“Mentors don’t need any special experience – time, patience and an understanding of the issues are most important . . .”

TimeBank is a national volunteering charity that runs its own projects, focussing on mentoring and youth-led volunteering. From social exclusion to digital inclusion, they are designed to tackle the big social issues head on.

TimeBank has 12 years’ experience running mentoring projects.

Contacts Shoulder to Shoulder is supported by Combat Stress and The Royal British Legion. Veterans are referred by a range of veterans’ support organisations, GPs and the Probation Service. They can also get in touch with the project directly. For more information, go to www.timebank.org.uk/shoulder-toshoulder

From veterans to mentors Ian Smith Ian Smith, known as Smudger, served in the RAF from 1983 to 1987 as a Survival Equipment Fitter.

“I am currently involved in TimeBank’s volunteer mentoring project, Shoulder to Shoulder, which supports veterans who have been operational in War zones at various locations in the world, and who are affected by symptoms of Post Dramatic Stress Disorder or other conditions. Being a mentor is rewarding and multi-faceted: I have personally been involved with issues around homelessness, benefit support, advocacy, and most importantly of all, listening to people’s personal problems.

“I really enjoy working with ex-Service veterans like myself needing my understanding, communication, empathy and general assistance through listening. The main part of being a mentor is to offer practical support and friendship– you’re not there as a professional to advise or counsel them.”

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Jamie Boyle 34 year old Jamie Boyle, an Army veteran, has been a mentor for TimeBank’s Shoulder to Shoulder project since October 2011.

“Shoulder to Shoulder is for veterans who have been through a bad time and received clinical support but now need some help to move forward in their lives.

You’re not expected to be there as a professional adviser or counsellor, but to offer practical help and friendship. I like to think of myself as a handrail – a support to the next stage of my mentee’s life.”

“We’ll have a coffee or go for a walk, get to know each other and bounce ideas around. There’s no set path – it very much depends on what your mentee wants to achieve. And the arrangement is very flexible - even when we’re not due to meet up, we’ll often chat on the phone. “ “We don’t tend to talk about what’s happened in the past – the focus is very much on the future. For us, the relationship is partly established on the grounds of a shared military background and understanding the culture, but there is no perception – or mention – of rank, regiment or anything that could affect the mentoring relationship. And I know that for some veterans, having a volunteer with a military background isn’t necessary. What’s really important is time, patience and an understanding of the issues.”

A chance to start again Seafaring charity provides veterans with a home environment while rebuilding their life goals Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR) is home to more than 20 ex-Service personnel at any one time, but each year probably helps twice that number with support towards more independent living. The organisation typically receives one or two referrals a month from Veterans Aid or SSAFA Forces Help.

QVSR provides residential accommodation and support for more than 160 active or retired seafarers, ex-Servicemen and other men in a caring and homely environment in east London. Since 2009, QVSR has been undergoing a phased refurbishment to provide each resident with a more comfortable and stylish room with its own private facilities, alongside improved communal areas. The rebuilding work is being project managed by HBW Partnership, designed by architects Ayshford Sansome and has continued apace to complete 75 en-suite rooms with future phases already planned.

The Royal British Legion wing was opened in June 2011, with 14 rooms specifically allocated for veterans. David, 57, a former member of the Scots Guards who suffers with mobility problems was one of the first residents to move in: “One of the best things for me is having my own bathroom because of the difficulties I’ve got with my legs and hands. But it is also nice to feel useful, so I have been using my gardening experience to help the volunteers and have joined the gardening club.”

David was one of the first QVSR residents to move into the new £336k Royal British Legion wing, a 14-room residential wing for ex-Servicemen that was opened by Barbara Windsor in June 2011.

QVSR’s aim is to make residents feel more included and better able to achieve their lifestyle and personal development goals.

The welfare team is on-hand with daily support and advice on issues such as health, finance, training and employment opportunities or a move to more independent living. The organisation also maintains strong links with ex-Service charities or projects including: Combat Stress, whose continued support has enabled many ex-Servicemen to maintain their tenancy; SSAFA Forces Help, who have provided grants to some residents; The Warrior Programme; Alabaré; and the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation.

David (above left) is a former member of the Scots Guards and able to use his previous work experience in gardening to help a team of volunteers at QVSR. give former officers 60Quarterly year old symposiums Michael, ex-Royal Signals has the at opportunity to network potential been QVSR since Januarywith 2012 but sees employers it as a short-term solution to reach his goal:

“This is the first time I’ve lived in a hostel, I like the sense of structure and it is great to have people with a similar background around the place. But my long-term goal is to find a job and get a flat.”

Contacts QVSR encourages all its residents to mix socially and share a sense of camaraderie by getting involved in a range of sports or other leisure activities. This image shows some residents and volunteers in the Emery Hall at QVSR.

Issue 26 December 2012

Call 0207 987 5466 or visit www.qvsr.org.uk for further information on QVSR and its ongoing fund-raising programmes to complete the room upgrades.

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From Service to Civvy Street

Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012

New initiatives supporting transition to civilian life

Resettlement support given to Service Leavers includes assistance in CV preparation and job interview techniques

THE primary purpose of the MOD's resettlement provision, and fundamental to the support given to military personnel, is to help eligible individuals leaving the Armed Forces to make a successful transition to civilian employment. This includes moving into a suitable second career that is appropriate to their skills, knowledge and experience, as well as being in accordance with their aspirations.

With an average of 20,000 personnel leaving the Armed Forces each year and the third tranche of Armed Forces redundancies looming in 2013, is the MOD’s Resettlement Service ready for a busy new year?

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The current career transition programme is delivered by the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) - a partnering agreement between the MOD and Right Management, who specialises in talent and career management workforce solutions and is part of the Manpower Group. By harnessing MOD and commercial capabilities, the partnership provides dedicated one-to-one employment and career consultancy; access to vocational training with funding support; an online job finding service; assistance in CV preparation and job interview techniques; and briefings on post-discharge practical matters, such as

finance and housing.

Lt Cdr Steve Eldridge, from the MOD’s Training, Education, Skills, Recruiting & Resettlement (TESRR) confirmed they were ready for a busy year: “Our Service Leavers in 2013 will include the Tranche 3 redundees and we are working closely with Right Management and the Army to ensure that sufficient resources (including infrastructure) will be in place to cope with increased demand.

Early indications from Tranche 1 redundees are positive in respect to those finding full-time employment, along with the calibre of jobs they are securing.

“The Prime Minister’s appointment of Lord Ashcroft KCMG as his Special Representative for Veterans' Transition is a significant milestone for resettlement provision. Lord Ashcroft will be working across all government departments to ensure military personnel get the support they need when making the transition to civilian life. He will be carrying out a review and taking a fresh look at the advice and

* Table of Entitlement. All Service leavers, other than those discharged as ESL, are entitled to receive the resettlement support detailed in the table below: Normal Discharge

Years Service CTP <1 1+ 4+ 6+ 8+ 12+ 16+

No No ESP FRP FRP FRP FRP

GRT(1) 0 0 0 20 25 30 35

IRTC

CTP

No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP

Medical Discharge(2) IRTC GRT(1) Yes 10 Yes 30 Yes 30 Yes 30 Yes 30 Yes 30 Yes 35

Notes: (1) Amount of GRT is in working days.

(2) This includes Reservists who are medically discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments.

(GRT – Graduated Resettlement Time, FRP – Full Resettlement Programme, IRTC – Individual Resettlement Training Costs, ESP – Employment Support Programme.)

Catterick Garrison who will be resettling in locations across the UK. A similar pilot being managed by A4E based in the South/South West. These trials were first reported in the April 2011 issue of Veterans WORLD.

“ . . . Lord Ashcroft and the FiMT reports will help shape MOD thinking regarding a more holistic approach to all aspects of transition from military to civilian life as we consider the future resettlement model.” via the internet. They will be able to access information from many participating MOD approved training providers and directly ask questions through a live chat forum. SL are advised to regularly visit the CTP website for information regarding future virtual training fairs.

Lt Cdr Eldridge added:

Liz Taylor from CTP with Cdre Phil Burrell at the RTC opening

support package currently in place for personnel leaving the Armed Forces.”

Future Horizons The Forces In Mind Trust (FiMT) are also sponsoring research into Armed Forces resettlement provision. FiMT is a new independent charitable trust that has been formed from a partnership of UK Armed Forces charities, mental health organisations and other charities who offer help to the serving and veterans community.

The first initiative backed by the Trust is a pilot scheme - Future Horizons, taking place at Catterick in Yorkshire. The scheme is providing enhanced support and guidance on employment, accommodation, educational needs, and mental health issues for approximately 1,000 Early Service Leavers (ESL) based at

Issue 26 December 2012

“Both the Lord Ashcroft and the FiMT reports will help shape MOD thinking regarding a more holistic approach to all aspects of transition from military to civilian life as we consider the future resettlement model.”

New ways to deliver The Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) at Aldershot has now moved (400 metres up the road) to a new purpose-built building offering modern, well equipped facilities for the delivery of contract and non-contract funded resettlement courses.

The MOD has also allocated further funding for two additional classrooms that will be open early 2013. This will help alleviate the pressure for places on courses as the third Tranche of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme is rolled out. The RTC was fully operational at the start of October this year, and officially opened by Cdre Burrell Head of Training, Education, Skills, Recruiting and Resettlement.(TESRR) The CTP are constantly seeking ways to improve the access and opportunities for entitled Service Leavers (SL). CTP, with partners, are currently trialling a ‘Virtual Training Fair’ that SL will be able to access

New definition secures access to DWP support TESRR have been working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to secure early access for veterans (and their partners) to the Work Programme.

The revised definition states that anyone who has served in the previous three years can volunteer to access the Work Programme after having claimed Jobseekers Allowance for three months.

The definition for reservists (and their partners) is also being changed for those who have been mobilised to serve in the regular forces.

Contacts For further information visit www.ctp.org.uk If you are a veteran and require assistance, please contact the Central Employment Team help desk on 0121 236 0058.

Editor’s Note: You may also be interested in the following links: www.rfea.org.uk www.officersassociation.org.uk www.oascotland.org.uk

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On the Reserve list From Service Leaver to Reserve

Aid at Work and become an Instructor.

With training in leadership and management I have become much more confident, finding dealing with the public in my own job much easier.

“I am very thankful to the TA for picking me up from a low point in my life and giving me back some self esteem. I would recommend the TA to anyone leaving the Services as it has so much to offer from the security, stability to creating a very employable CV.” Capt Manktelow added: The Reserve Forces/TA can offer the military discipline, challenge and excitement of Army life

CAPTAIN MANKTELOW, Welfare and Recruiting Officer for 32 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) said: “I am aware that it can be a difficult process for Service personnel to fully integrate into civilian life leaving an environment that they have become accustomed to. The Reserves can sometimes offer the military family structure that assists Service personnel making the important transition to civilian life, while still having that military career.

“It’s not always possible to walk out of the Armed Forces and straight into employment so the Reserve Forces can offer continuity while settling into a local area and searching for employment.

There’s also access to military and civilian training courses and skills that could enhance a CV, while still being paid. This may provide that vital stepping stone from full-time military to part-time and the goal of securing civilian employment.”

Sgt Gary McRobbie is serving in 32 Signal Regiment after leaving with six years service in the Regular Army. He said:

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“After leaving the Regulars I found it difficult to find a job that ticked all the boxes. I missed the military discipline, challenge and excitement of Army life. I was going through a tough time at home and feeling fairly low but decided to go back to the Army so I joined the TA. The TA put me back on track giving me a sense of belonging with a new military career, offering sound advice and support.

“

“ . . . the Reserve Forces can offer continuity while settling into a local area and searching for employment.”

“

With 18,000 Service Leavers each year, where does all that talent go? As the Regular Army reduces in numbers and the Reserve Forces/Territorial Army (TA) increases to 30,000 retaining expertise and recruiting for the Reserve Forces has become a priority. But are Service Leavers aware of what the Reserves have to offer them?

“Irrespective of the time spent within the Services, whether its one year or 20 years, Service Leavers do have something to offer and the Reserves Forces and the Reserves have something to offer them.

Anyone leaving should not dismiss the Reserve Forces as it is an incredibly professional organisation that can support you through your transition to civilian life.”

“I have a very small handyman business which fits in with my TA career allowing me the time off to do military training and courses. Since being with the TA I have passed my HGV1, Plant Electrician, First

Contacts For further information visit http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/ AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/ ReserveForcesandCadets/ReserveForces/ To find out more on 32 Signal Regiment visit www.army.mod.uk/signals/25279.aspx

Gary McRobbie in his day job

Expanding vital care for veterans Groundbreaking scheme providing much-needed support for veterans and their families

“. . . 72 per cent of veterans attending the residential facilities showed an improvement in their mental health condition.”

One veteran commented that: “After years of treatment, this stay has helped me the most. I went out by myself – not much, but to me it was a great event. I must say, I feel well. For the first time in years I do not feel worthless.”

Veteran’s mental health and welfare needs are assessed when they first come to Combat Stress

Combat Stress provide key support in their three Treatment Centres, but as the number of veterans coming to them for help was rising, they are now providing their support at four other locations. Ensuring that when a veteran is first referred to Combat Stress, they can quickly come to a Treatment Centre to get the assessment and diagnosis they desperately need.

WHEN a veteran comes to Combat Stress, their mental health and welfare needs are assessed first. Once Combat Stress have assessed them and diagnosed their condition, the charity then work with the veteran to devise a treatment and support package. When the veteran is making good progress they are then supported back into society (the charity calls this the ‘rehabilitation’ and ‘reintegration’ phases). All these stages are vital in a veterans recovery.

Working with The Royal British Legion (TRBL) and the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), Combat Stress set up a pilot scheme at four residential facilities: three

Issue 26 December 2012

run by TRBL and one by RAFBF. In the pilot, Combat Stress veterans were invited to stay for one week, where the charity worked closely with them to focus on their rehabilitation and reintegration.

Veterans partners were also invited to the centre.

As Garrett Taylor, Director of Operations, explained: “Each of the four sites offered a therapeutic timetable which included a combination of treatment sessions, activities and outings. Treatment sessions included Mindfulness, Improving Social Skills, Sleep Hygiene and Effective Coping Mechanisms in either a one-to-one or group session. To promote social reintegration a variety of outings were organised, including trips to local museums and places of interest, as well as the local towns.

“Each treatment session was available to every veteran, but as the treatment emphasis was on rehabilitation and reintegration, the veterans were given the responsibility to decide what treatment interventions they wished to engage in, thus helping to promote independence and a self-help ethos. On average, 72 per cent of veterans attending the residential facilities showed an improvement in their mental health condition.”

The charity works with the veteran to advise a treatment and support package

And one veterans wife said: “I have my husband back after 20 years. I would never have believed it without seeing it firsthand. He is a different man and, with your staff’s support, he has the confidence and self-esteem to overcome his difficulties and lead a fuller and happier life.”

There are plans to continue the pilot and refine it to ensure it continues to be successful.

Contacts For further information: call 01372 587000, email contactus@combatstress.org.uk , visit www.combatstress.org.uk or follow them on Twitter @CombatStress

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Bridging the gap Paving the way to a better future Remploy’s experience in supporting disabled and disadvantaged people into employment has opened new doors for one former soldier who faced an uncertain future.

BEN NASH, 21, worked as a warehouse assistant and on a trawler in Canada before he joined the Army.

In 2011 he was diagnosed with a health condition which, in a matter of months, saw him medically discharged.

“It was like a bad dream and difficult to take in,” recalls Ben. “But I had to face up to the fact that my life was going to be very different out of the Army.”

Desperate to find work, he moved to London, where his savings quickly disappeared. He realised he needed help if he was to avoid ending up sleeping on the streets.

Veterans Aid, a charity that provides help for veterans down on their luck, found Ben a place at Tedworth House, home to the Personnel and Recovery Centre run by Help for Heroes. It proved a turning point.

At Tedworth House Ben came into contact with Remploy.

“They were running a weekend course for Service leavers,” he said. “There was a lot about the mentality needed to get a job.

There were one-to-one sessions and I was given an individual plan. It was brilliant and just what I needed at that time.”

Louise Aspin, Remploy’s Partnership Delivery Manager – Armed Forces & Veterans, helped Ben secure an apprenticeship in the kitchen at Tedworth House working for catering provider Blue Apple under Head Chef, Rob Hawes.

The apprenticeship has evolved into a permanent job as a trainee chef at Tedworth House.

“Ben has become a lot more confident and knowledgeable over the past months,” said Rob Hawes: “He is studying for an NVQ and putting into practice what he is learning. He loves to achieve good results and takes real pride in sending out great quality food.”

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Ben Nash, at work in the kitchen at Tedworth House

“Ben is a joy to work with,” added Louise Aspin. “He is articulate, professional and focussed on his work. Just as importantly, he has a smile for everyone. It is inspiring to see the transformation in his life.”

An optimistic Ben said: “I feel so lucky. I know a lot of people don’t get this type of opportunity.”

Contacts For more information on Remploy’s Armed Forces & Veterans Service: call 07765 893 910, email veterans@remploy.co.uk or visit www.remploy.co.uk or visit www.remploy.co.uk/veterans or Facebook www.facebook.com/Remploy or follow them on Twitter @Remployveterans.

Art Action

Veterans get creative

Art Action was an exhibition showcasing the work of veterans who are living with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

“Managed by veterans, initially as a pilot project, we hope this exhibition led to better awareness of PTSD and mental health issues.”

This exhibition was an integral part of the Surf Action Art Project. By using a variety of art mediums, the activities can be used by combat veterans and their families as a coping strategy to deal with the issues surrounding PTSD. Cornish Veteran Steve Woods, who appeared on the BBC Culture Show ‘Art for Heroes’, volunteers for Surf Action as the studio manager and said:

One of the paintings created and exhibited by Art Action

HELD at The Daniell Room at The Poly in Falmouth in September, the artwork was produced by combat veterans, who are beneficiaries of Surf Action and experiencing PTSD. The concept of the exhibition was to raise awareness of the condition and of the work of Surf Action in supporting them.

All the work was created at the Surf Action Studio at Heartlands, a space developed to host further art workshops and exhibitions and engage in creative opportunities, develop creative skills and help veterans and their families participate in the arts.

The studio and workshops also provide a safe environment, access to material and equipment that might not otherwise be available, financially viable and also a place for veterans to enjoy themselves.

Surf Action Director Russ Pierre said: “Art Action has been hugely successful; organised by a collaboration between Surf Action and Arts for Health Cornwall and curated by Emma Harnett who said, “As curator of the exhibition I worked in collaboration with two charities; Surf Action and Art for Health Cornwall.

“When I first started work on the project I had no idea what to expect and was really excited by the enthusiasm of the two charities but most of all by the passion and drive of the artists I met.

The Daniell room at the Poly in Falmouth

Issue 26 December 2012

“Throughout the exhibition I was overwhelmed by the responses I had from people relating their own feelings and experiences to the works and commenting on the depth of emotion they felt in what they saw”.

“The project we would like to develop is a financially sustainable art studio for combat veterans. Managed by veterans, initially as a pilot project, we hope this exhibition led to better awareness of PTSD and mental health issues.”

Surf Action would ultimately like to provide employment for one veteran and develop creative thinking and development of a National Veterans Art Gallery showcasing veterans’ work from across the country here in Cornwall.”

The Art project will also provide a training resource for other community groups.

University of Falmouth have shown commitment to this project and will help to facilitate exhibitions of veterans work, integrate post graduate students within the studio and aid in the development of local exhibitions also helping to create awareness.

Contacts For more information about Surf Action please contact russ@surfaction.co.uk or visit www.surfaction.co.uk . You can also follow them on Twitter @SurfAction and find them on Facebook – Surf Action

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A FABulous volunteering opportunity Holiday initiative for bereaved Service families is supported by veteran volunteers “It was rewarding to see the transformation in the families from their arrival to when it was time to go home.

There was a host of emotions from their inner struggles to their senses of achievement and confidence building, whether they participated in the activities or not. The holiday gave them the opportunity to talk freely to other families who were going through similar experiences and to who understood them completely.

“You do have training too, volunteers undergo Bereavement Awareness Training prior to the camps and there is always a Bereavement support worker in attendance for one-to-one counselling if it’s needed.”

Marian Tait, a FAB volunteer

Marian will be volunteering for next year’s FAB camps and has this message for ‘would-be’ volunteers’:

sessions to tone and strengthen muscles (losing a stone in the process). I found this beneficial when rock climbing!

Earlier this year Family Activity Breaks (FAB) gave a call out for veterans to volunteer on holiday breaks for bereaved Service families. Marian Tait was one of the willing volunteers . . .

“On arrival, volunteers were assigned to jobs from setting up the FAB shop and collecting families from train stations.

Each volunteer had a family allocated to them - although all volunteers looked out for all families. Each evening, a volunteers briefing was held to share problems or the day’s highlights.

“While donating fundraised money for FAB on their website, I noticed the advertisement for volunteers. I knew some of the problems facing Service bereaved families and a friend’s mum had recently died, so I felt I wanted to do something positive and useful.

“There were lots of activities planned for the break. Professional instructors supervised rock climbing, abseiling, coasteering, kayaking, raft building, zip wire and archery. There were also visits to a seal sanctuary and ice cream farm, plus wild life boat trips. One of the best memories for me was two days into the holiday while out on an evening inflatable boat trip, choppy and going fast, I put my arm behind ’my‘ little boy to hold onto ropes and ensure he didn’t fall backwards into the sea. He moved in closer to me to feel more secure and his mum smiled at me. To be trusted by a family dealing with so much, meant a great deal.

“One of the first things FAB taught me was to not underestimate what skills I could bring to the initiative. I was already a fit dog walker and attended I.Fit ®

“Later in the holiday when the children had to choose which adult they wanted in their archery team, they chanted ‘Marian’, I was so proud.

“I’m a veteran myself, a naval wife for 20 years and recently completing 18 years as a volunteer officer with the Army Cadet Force, I have strong ties to the Armed Forces Community.

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Marian took part in kayaking during her time with FAB

“To any potential veteran’s out there considering volunteering with FAB, age brings various and valuable life experiences. I learnt even more about myself and felt privileged to work with these amazing families. There is so much enjoyment to be gained from volunteering with FAB. It’s an experience that will stay with me for life.

Contacts For more information and to keep posted on FAB visit http://fabcamps.org.uk/ or like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/friendsoffab or follow them on Twitter @FriendsofFAB

SPVA News Transition to a new contractor In June, SPVA signed a seven-year contract for the provision of Armed Forces HR and IT services with our new supplier, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). CSC formally took over from the previous provider (HP) on 13 November.

The management of the tender process and transition to the new provider was challenging, but the aim to ensure a seamless commencement of services by the new provider has been achieved.

The regular feature providing you with updates from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Fraudulent Notification email in circulation.

SPVA have been made aware of a current email scam aimed at veterans saying that they are due monies from the MOD/Army pensions and quoting amounts. SPVA does not quote case specific information in emails and therefore any emails quoting amounts of money are likely to be bogus.

its being an active part of the Armed Forces Community or ensuring that your ‘veteran’ status is known when receiving treatment for a condition due to your time in the Armed Forces, your support can make the covenant a realistic goal.

The podcast and other SPVA social media products are all available on the SPVA Social Media Hub via the Veterans-UK website, www.veterans-uk.info.

Advertise your event for free

Anyone receiving messages of this nature should be very cautious and if unsure about the authenticity, can call our free enquiry lines, JPAC 0800 085 3600 or Veterans-UK Helpline on 0800 169 2277 to check if the message has come from SPVA. Not just a paper exercise SPVA Veterans UK National Calendar of events

For the future, CSC has some 18 key transformational changes it plans to introduce over the seven year period and SPVA will maximise any scope for developments in their services that fall from these changes.

The National Veterans Events Calendar holds details of events to be held across the UK, from reunions to advice days, Armed Forces Day to air shows.

It is a free service. Simply complete and submit an online application form; the details will then be entered on to the calendar.

Change of address

The National Calendar can be found at: www.veterans-uk.info If you don’t have access to the Internet and wish to submit an event please call 0800 169 2277 and provide details.

Podcast lifts the lid on the Armed Forces Covenant.

New VA&PC Webpage

It’s been over a year since the Armed Forces Covenant was published and progress is being made with the introduction of a community grant scheme and more than 100 communities signing up to the Covenant supporting the Armed Forces Community in their local area.

From October, the MOD Medal Office based at Imjin Barracks, took over full responsibility for applications and enquiries in respect of the Veterans Lapel Badge, The Bevans Boys Badge and the Kings Badge.

All future enquiries relating to the badges should be made to the MOD Medal Office, Innsworth House, Imjin Barracks, Gloucester, GL3 1HW.

Issue 26 December 2012

The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency’s podcast launched in October hopes to dispel myths and give a taster of what changes the Covenant is bringing about, with an interview with Kitty Jenkins from the MOD Covenant Team.

You can listen to the podcast on the Agency’s Social Media Hub on its website – www.veterans-uk.info. Find out how you can support the Armed Forces Covenant and make it a success. Whether

New webpage for the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee has been launched and can be accessed via the Veterans UK website www.veterans-uk.info/new.vapc

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Veterans will benefit from a new scheme offering discounts on the high street

Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012

The new Defence Discount Service

The Defence Discount Service website is now online

The MOD has launched a new Defence Discount Service, as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, in recognition of service in the Armed Forces.

THE Defence Discount Service is open to members of the Armed Forces community, including serving and Reserves personnel, Armed Forces veterans, spouses/partners of Service personnel, and bereaved spouses/partners. It is also open to MOD civil servants, members of the Cadet Forces and NATO personnel serving in UK-based posts.

Many high profile companies are engaged with the Defence Discount Service: Vodafone, KFC, Vue Cinemas and a number of major supermarkets, clothing stores and technology companies.

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A wide range of discounts and privileges can be accessed online immediately.

A privilege card is also a key part of the new Defence Discount Service and later this year it will be made available to members for a small cost, making it easier for people to access discounts in stores and online.

The Defence Discount Service front page

They are offering discounts on cars, laptops, supermarket shopping, holidays and mobile phones. The list is growing and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anticipated that many more companies will now come forward to add their support to those already committed to helping make life a little easier for the Armed Forces Community.

Contacts To find out more about the Defence Discount Service visit www.defencediscountservice.co.uk, keep up to date with their news by liking their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ defencediscountservice or follow them on Twitter @discounts_mod.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales meeting Service Personnel at the new Rehabilitation Complex at Headley court, see page 5