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The Winter issue of Army&You, the official magazine of the Army Families Federation.
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You&{for everyone with a sold
ArmyWWW.ARMYANDYOU.CO.UKWINTER2014
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION aff
Find out whether dual-serving holdsthe key to a successful Service life
Married to the job?
WelComE (Welfare Communications Everywhere) - providing communication services to link entitled UK Service personnel on operational duty with their families and friends back home.
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KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH
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FROM THE EDITOR
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 03
IT NEVER ceases to amaze us just how many Army families have an inspirational story to tell, how you cope with Army life,
what you’ve done in your community to make a difference or your top tips on how you’ve handled a particular aspect of our unique lifestyle.
In this edition we hear from some of those individuals: Nicky Clarke, who founded the Military Wives Choirs; Shellie Bell on being both an Army wife and mum; and one lady’s story of living through postnatal depression.
And it’s not just individuals who are making a difference. Units have been pulling their weight to support their families with brilliant initiatives such as 27 RLC Regt’s Partner Decompression Programme (page 43) and the Schools Liaison Group set up by the UWO at 19 Regt RA (page 20).
More and more county councils are recognising the needs of Army families; under the Armed Forces Covenant we hear about support for Gurkha families in Kent and Hampshire (page 49) and in
Wiltshire, the council shares how it’s preparing for huge numbers of
Service families rebasing to the area (pages 42-43).
There are lots of ways to get involved in your magazine: enter our giveaways, join our new book club, follow us on Twitter and write to Postbag! The Army&You team
wishes you all a very happy Christmas and
best wishes for 2015.
On the cover...Does having the same job make married life easier? We spoke to dual-serving couples to find out (pages 32-33).
Life lessons
A very happy Christmas and
best wishes for 2015
❝❞
Charlotte
AFF’S BIG DEBATE IN NUMBERS
100Percentage of the
audience at AFF’s Big Debate who agreed that widows should
be allowed to remarry or cohabit
1.8Billions of pounds set
aside to build new accommodation and carry out upgrades to
existing sites
6Millions of pounds in the annual MOD support fund which
schools can apply for a portion of
624Members of the Armed
Forces who have successfully applied for
Forces Help To Buy
@ArmyandYou
F ArmyandYou
K www.armyandyou.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW? You can find out all about the key moments from AFF’s Big Debate in our AFF in Action special. Turn to pages 10-12 to read more.
You&{for everyone with a soldier in their life}
ArmyWWW.ARMYANDYOU.CO.UKWINTER2014
THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARMY FAMILIES FEDERATION affFind out whether dual-serving holds
the key to a successful Service life
Married to the job?
56Emails one delegate had to send over six weeks
before Modern Housing Solutions replaced a key
1iPad given away by the Army Families
Federation in our Big Debate prize draw
CHARLOTTE EADIE, EDITOR
@ArmyandYou04 Army&You winter 2014
DID YOU KNOW? You can get your questions answered by the chain of command through our Postbag pages. Turn to page 64 to find out how!
CENTRAL OFFICE
01264 382324
AFF VIRTUAL CO-ORDINATOR
07974 970696
REGIONAL MANAGER SOUTH
07824 534345
OXFORDSHIRE
07787 091883
NORTH HAMPSHIRE
07527 492863
SOUTH HAMPSHIRE
07527 492803
SALISBURY PLAIN
07527 492783
SOUTH WEST
07787 301826
SOUTH EAST
07733 147001
LONDON
07901 778948
REGIONAL MANAGER CENTRAL
07824 534357
YORKSHIRE
07557 977141
WEST MIDLANDS
07557 977290
EAST MIDLANDS
07587 456280
EAST ANGLIA
07527 492807
REGIONAL MANAGER NORTH
07585 333115
SCOTLAND
07780 093115
WALES
07527 492868
NORTHERN IRELAND
07729 159013
AFF UK
CONTACT AFF Do you have concerns, questions or feedback on any issues affecting you? Use this list to find your local co-ordinator or the relevant point of contact.?
ARMY&YOU
EDITOR
Charlotte Eadie
DEPUTY EDITOR
Lisa Youd
Tel: 01264 382314
Army&You, IDL 414, Floor 2,
Zone 3, Ramillies Building,
Marlborough Lines, Monxton
Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
© All MOD British Crown
Copyright images courtesy
of Defence News Imagery
CONTRIBUTIONS
We love to hear from you.
If you’ve got a story you
would like to share about
Army life, do let us know –
DISTRIBUTION
Are you getting it four
times a year? A free copy
of Army&You should reach
every Army family every
season. It’s posted to all
UK SFA and sent overseas
via BFPO. If you are not
receiving your copy, contact
your AFF Co-ordinator or
call the Distribution Team on
01264 382313 or Andover
Mil 2313.
Email [email protected]
PUBLISHER
Army&You is published
quarterly by TylerBale
Communications on behalf
of the Army Families
Federation (AFF). Editorial
content and illustrations
© AFF 2014 (Registered
Charity No. 291202). Not
to be reproduced without
permission from the Editor.
ADVERTISEMENTS
For information about
advertising opportunities
in Army&You, contact
the team at TylerBale
Communications.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01252 714870
Web: www.ayads.co.uk
COMPETITIONS
To enter any of our
competitions, click the
giveaways link at www.
armyandyou.co.uk One
entry per household per
giveaway. Your information
will not be used for
marketing purposes. Closing
date for entries is 11 January
2015. Winners’ names
will be published on the
Army&You website.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Live in a hiring, your own
home or on an isolated
patch? Far-flung overseas?
Parent or friend of a soldier?
Army Reservist family?
Leaving the Army but want
to stay in touch?
Make sure you find out
the latest Army Families
Federation news by
subscribing to Army&You for
free! Visit www.armyandyou.
co.uk for details.
07552 861983
additionalneeds@
aff.org.uk
✪ Post generously sponsored by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
07527 492869
07789 551158
[email protected] 07799 045955
✪ Post generously sponsored by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
07833 448352
HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
YOUR AFF SPECIALISTS
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING & MONEY
COVENANT LIAISON
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
HOUSING
CONTACTS
Find us on Facebook or tweet @The_AFF
(0049) 05221 297 9644
GUTERSLOH
(0049) 03221 214 9895
HOHNE
(0049) 01522 547 7710
PADERBORN
(0049) 01520 744 9741
(0044) 07795 687930
CYPRUS
(00357) 2596 2110
ESBA
(00357) 9932 4990
WSBA
(00357) 9789 2230
CANADA
(001) 403 544 4600
KENYA
(00254) 07198 51834
AFF OVERSEASAFF GERMANY @affgermany @affcyprus
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 05
OUR EXPERTS We quiz our experts on what they have been up to over the last quarter. Their contact details can be found on the left, so please do get in touch if you have any questions or comments.
Taking your children out of school in term
time is high on my list. Families have
been fined £60 per parent for a week’s
holiday for R&R. AFF believes there are
circumstances when family time is of
the utmost importance. Absences are
acceptable if your child is ill or you have
permission from the school in advance.
We would like all head teachers to
understand the uniqueness of Service life
and inflexible leave so they can make an
informed decision. Having consulted with
the Department for Education, we are
putting together an AFF factsheet for you
to take into your school for guidance.
LUCY SCOTT,EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
CAROLINE MAYNEEMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, ALLOWANCES & MONEY
Lucy Scott and I are currently investigating
the new Special Educational Needs code
of practice. Statements of education have
changed to Education Health Care Plans
and there is a local offer attached to this.
We are concerned about how the local offer
will be transferred from one Local Authority
(LA) to another and what will happen when
families straddle LA borders. AFF is looking
at the impact these changes may have on
mobile Service families. We are updating
our Special Educational Needs web page
and have asked you what information you
would like to see included. Contact us if you
want to comment.
I’ve been focusing on engaging with
employers to highlight the issues that
Army spouses can face. I’m delighted
with the positive responses and examples
of best practice we received for AFF’s
Employer of the Year Award. Enterprise
Rent-A-Car won this year – congratulations
(see page 36). Our employment portal,
Jobs&You, continues to grow and I
encourage Forces-friendly employers
to join. AFF works with the MOD, DWP,
RBL, industry and other organisations to
highlight issues and improve employment
opportunities – whether it is getting a job,
setting up a business or pursuing training.
I’ve met lots of F&C soldiers who are
separated from their families as a result
of the new minimum income requirement,
particularly those at Deepcut who enlisted
before this rule came into effect. The
income threshold means that new recruits,
especially those with one or more children,
will have to wait a number of years before
they are reunited with their families. AFF
is working with RBL and a firm of solicitors
with the intention of challenging this
requirement. We believe that the threshold
should reflect the full value of a soldier’s
salary and should therefore be lower.
KAREN ROSS,HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
I am researching and looking for evidence
from families who are affected by the
loss of a council tax reduction for your
own home if posted abroad; issues for
families getting the 50 per cent council
tax reduction for their second home in
Scotland; problems for Army spouses
accessing social housing after a divorce;
and families who have retained their
SFA for spousal education reasons and
have then had to pay for removals when
they do move. If anyone has experienced
difficulties with the above, or if you have a
burning issue you think I should be looking
at, contact me at [email protected]
AFF continually monitors commitments
made under the Armed Forces Covenant
and identifies new areas where the
Army lifestyle has caused you to be
disadvantaged in comparison to civilians.
We present evidence directly to the MOD
Armed Forces Covenant Team. My recent
focus has been identifying commitments
we would like included in the 2014 Armed
Forces Covenant Annual Report. One
matter you have raised is improving support
to divorced and separated families. The
Covenant Team asks us for evidence, so
tell us and we’ll tell them! Look out for our
comments in this year’s Report.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING? WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING? WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING?
Scotland! Germany – Das hat Spaß gemacht! JHQ, Rheindahlen. Brilliant friends and frühstück.
DID YOU KNOW? Got an inspirational story about Army life? Share it with Army&You’s readers by emailing [email protected]
KATHERINE HOULSTON,FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
JULIE LOWE,COVENANT LIAISON
CAT CALDER,HOUSING
OUR EXPERTS
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING? WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING? WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST POSTING?
Hameln – friends, parties, great memories. Fallingbostel – the best community spirit. Experiencing the craic in Northern Ireland!
Queen VictoriaSchool
Raising to DistinctionAdmissions Deadline Thu 15 Jan 2015
Queen Victoria School in Dunblane is a co-educational boarding school for the children of UK Armed Forces personnel who are Scottish, or who have served in Scotland or who have been members of a Scottish regiment.
The QVS experience encourages and develops well-rounded, confident individuals in an environment of stability and continuity.
The main entry point is into Primary 7 and all places are fully funded for tuition and boarding by the Ministry of Defence.
Families are welcome to find out more by contacting Admissions on +44 (0) 131 310 2927 to arrange a visit.
Queen Victoria School Dunblane Perthshire FK15 0JY
www.qvs.org.uk
7824 QVS Admissions 297x210 +4mm aw.indd 1 10/09/2014 15:51
❞
@ArmyandYou www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 31
SPOTLIGHT
WHAT IS YOUR MUSICAL
BACKGROUND?
I have always loved music,
having played the piano from
when I was five. My mother
and grandfather were my
musical inspiration. I also
spent many years in our
church choir and found great
solace in the rhythm of weekly
singing – much as I do now!
WHERE WAS THE MILITARY
WIVES CHOIR IDEA BORN?
My husband, Hugo, and I
were posted to Catterick. It
was the autumn of 2009 and
the brigade was deploying to
Afghanistan in the spring.
I found my new life there
quite a challenge as I knew no
one, we didn't have children
at the time and Hugo was
continually away training.
I had given up my job as a
psychotherapist in Wiltshire
and found myself hundreds of
miles from family and friends.
At times it felt quite isolated.
I noticed that so much of the
welfare, understandably, was
focused on children and I
thought “but what about us,
the wives?”. While friends and
family try to help and military
welfare has its role, I had a
really strong sense that as
military spouses we are best
placed to look after each
other – because we have all
shared experiences and can
understand better than anyone
how we might be feeling at
any given point.
I can remember the moment
VOICESof the future
Earlier this year, Nicky Clarke received a richly-deserved MBE for her pivotal role in the phenomenal success of the Military Wives Choirs. She spoke to Army&You about how it all began and her vision for the future…
very vividly. I was sitting on
the sofa, looking out of the
window at about 3pm when it
was already dark and thinking
“what about a choir?”.
I had run one before and
really missed it. It would be
a good way to meet other
people and something for us,
not the boys or the children.
HOW DID GARETH MALONE
GET INVOLVED?
To do this properly, we needed
someone with great musical
experience and I thought
about Gareth Malone.
Through his agent I outlined
my ideas and suggested
doing a concert at the end of
the tour for charity. I hadn't
thought about doing it for TV, I
just thought he might be able
to get us up and running.
Although they were hugely
supportive, the timing didn't
work out. However, he was
hugely excited about the idea
and with backing from the
MOD, they ended up filming at
Chivenor and Plymouth.
In the meantime, my friend
Caroline Jopp and I set up our
own choir with the help of a
wonderful lady called Carol
Gedye. The choir proved to be
a huge support to us all during
Herrick 12 and at the end of
the tour we sang at a charity
concert; proud and excited
that our soldiers could see
what we'd been doing while
they'd been away!
The choir is still going strong,
providing the support and
friendships that I had always
hoped it would for those living
a life that isn't always easy.
HOW DO YOU FEEL SINGING
HAS HELPED SERVICE
COMMUNITIES?
Music is a great leveller; it
helps to bridge divides in a
way that I think is unique.
When we sing in a choir, we
are just an alto or a soprano.
It doesn't matter what job
our soldier has, where we
live or how old we are – we
are all there united in singing
because we're all part of
one community. As
someone once said to
me: “Once you've sung
with someone, your
relationship is never the
same again.”
The sole purpose of
the choirs is to provide
support and friendship –
it's just we're doing it on
a bigger scale with 75
choirs, rather than one!
Although there
have been amazing
opportunities that we
have taken part in, if
we didn't have that
support and friendship
we wouldn't have an
organisation that really
means anything.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE
HIGHLIGHTS?
It’s hard to choose but one
of the best days we had was
when we launched the Military
Wives Choirs Foundation
at Wellington Barracks with
more than 650 ladies from
all over the UK, Cyprus and
Germany coming together to
sing Stronger Together. To see
ladies meeting again having
moved choirs was a joy; that
sense of connectedness is
truly wonderful.
We've achieved more than
we thought which is testament
to the resourcefulness of
military wives!
MWCs HAVE HELPED RAISE
AWARENESS OF SERVICE
FAMILIES TO THE PUBLIC.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO
KEEP THAT GOING?
Our vision for the MWCF was
always to set it up for the
long-term; we want the choirs
to be here for our children and
grandchildren.
Given the transient nature
of Service life, choirs could
easily come and go as quickly
as they were set up and if we
didn't have the infrastructure
behind them, there’s the risk
they would just fade away.
So we hope that we've given
ladies the tools to keep the
choirs going and made it as
easy as possible to set up and
run wherever they are posted.
We are also delighted to
be asked to sing at so many
events around the country and
we hope to keep this going to
continue to raise awareness
of the lives we live and the
support we provide to the
Armed Forces.
HAS GARETH CONTINUED
TO SUPPORT YOU ALL?
Gareth (pictured below) is our
patron and a huge supporter
of all we do. He understands
the origins of the MWCF and
knows that without its roots
as a community organisation,
we would not have succeeded
as we have. That’s why he
hosts our Musical Directors’
workshop each year, attends
the annual meeting and is on
hand to talk through ideas on
how things are progressing.
He continues to help us with
some wonderful opportunities
such as the Prom we recently
performed at.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO
ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE?
My focus will always be
on ensuring that we never
forget our roots – that we
are “Stronger Together”. That
doesn't mean we sob into our
teacups every two minutes – it
means that we can achieve so
much more together than if we
brave things out alone. n
30 Army&You winter 2014
My focus will always be on ensuring that we never forget our roots – that we are “Stronger Together”
❝❞
Get involved: To find out how to join your local Military Wives Choir, visit www.militarywiveschoirs.org
Choir master: Nicky Clarke has been awarded the MBE for her work with the Military Wives Choirs
CONTENTS
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 07
@ArmyandYou28 Army&You winter 2014 www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 29
SPOTLIGHT
Illustrating war Army&You hears from two commissioned war artists who have spent time illustrating life on the front line…
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO BECOME A WAR ARTIST?My father was in the Army and I moved regularly as a child. My husband was also in the Army for a short time. I grew up surrounded by soldiers and so have a love and respect for them. They make me feel safe and part of a family. However, I hate camping and am not a frustrated soldier. I have never been for a run in my life!
I remember seeing soldiers training. From my child eyes looked like they were playing. When I then arrived in a war zone as an adult, I understood how vital that training is.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT GOING TO AFGHANISTAN?I was away from my husband and five children who remained forefront in my mind the entire time. It was not a decision I took lightly.
IN THIS WORLD OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY, DO YOU THINK THE WAR ARTIST IS STILL RELEVANT?Yes. In a painting a war artist can capture the essence of the soldier and the emotion and rawness of the situation. A photograph captures just one fleeting moment. The most significant moment is when the gates open and there is a sense of excitement, but then the soldiers change, the banter disappears and they fall silent as they set off. This range of emotions is what I wanted to capture.
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE OF ART?When I was young I spent most of the time painting on my bedroom walls and loved painting portraits from a very early age, completing a portrait of my sister when I was 12. I now work from a studio at home in Somerset whilst juggling the needs of five children and a husband.
DO YOU THINK ART HAS A TENDENCY TO GLORIFY WAR?Going to museums I have always felt moved by pieces brought back from the battlefield, [such as] a lump of breeze block from the Berlin Wall. I feel a strong connection to it and it brings the place physically to me. Hopefully my work connects the soldier’s story in Afghanistan to the public here.
After an Army officer spotted her painting for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Anna Redwood was put forward to be the brigade artist for the Desert Rats. She spent a
month in Afghanistan with them.
CAN YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST DISCOVERED YOUR LOVE OF ART?My school proffered either Art or Latin and Greek. No contest!
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY TO THE FALKLANDS COME ABOUT?I was commissioned by the Artistic Records Selection Committee at the Imperial War Museum comprising artists, Armed Forces and MOD.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO DRAW IN A WAR SITUATION?As official war artist I was accepted in both classified and restricted areas – a very rare privilege. Regrettably, I was too censorious on myself and out of deference for the men and their families I chose not to draw the most harrowing sights.
DO WE NEED ART WHEN WE NOW HAVE SOCIAL MEDIA COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF WAR? We need all possible mediums so that there is the broadest choice. Some people only react to one or two. The IWM’s Women At War exhibition showed poetry and verse, video, paintings drawings and sculpture. Images which can be taken home or exhibited publicly do make a precious contribution. We can “own” them for forever.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP THE ARMY ARTS SOCIETY (AAS)?I felt that it was indecent to make money out of war. I was paid £1,500 by the Imperial War Museum, so gave half to the Haslar Mental Health Unit and the other to the AAS. The AAS encourages its members whether serving, retired or families to showcase and promote their work. We also support injured and ill Servicemen and women through mentoring.
The current AAS exhibition runs until 29 November 2014 at the Young Gallery, Salisbury. To find out more, visit www.armyartssociety.org n
Linda Kitson was appointed the official war artist for The Falklands campaign in 1982. She was the
first commissioned female war artist to accompany troops into battle and remained on the South
Atlantic islands for three months.
IN THIS ISSUE...9 A WORD FROM...Chief Executive Catherine Spencer reflects on AFF’s Big Debate
10 AFF IN ACTIONWe bring you the key questions and comments from the Big Debate
18 LIFE FATHER, LIKE SONWhat is it like for Service spouses when children follow parents into the Army?
28 ILLUSTRATING WARTwo top war artists share their experiences of capturing conflict
30 VOICES OF THE FUTUREArmy&You catches up with Military Wives Choirs founder Nicky Clarke
32 MARRIED TO THE JOBUncovering the reality of life as part of a dual-serving military family
36 ENTERPRISING FIRMFind out which company has scooped AFF’s Employer of the Year Award
42 WELCOME TO WILTSHIREDiscover the plans one council has put in place to prepare itself for rebasing
44 FLIGHT FRUSTRATIONSAFF’s Overseas Director outlines the case for an overhaul of Service Children’s Visits
50 DEALING WITH DEPRESSIONA Forces spouse shares her experience of living with postnatal depression
59 A BEAUTY AND A BEASTWe put the Range Rover Sport through its paces – on and off road
61 STAR ACT Former Forces sweetheart Claire Sweeney reveals her admiration for Britain’s soldiers
62 ASK THE EXPERTSFrom legal issues to beauty tips, our experts answer your burning questions
64 POSTBAGYour views about every aspect of Service life
35X-FORCES’ AMBITION IS TO CREATE AN AMAZING COMMUNITY OF SERVICE BUSINESSES
28
❝
MY FOCUS WILL ALWAYS
BE ON THAT WE NEVER
FORGET OUR ROOTS
❞❝
32
62
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www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 09
A WORD FROM
A WORD FROM... CATHERINE SPENCER, AFF Chief Executive
Follow Catherine on Twitter @AFFChiefExec
DID YOU KNOW? AFF’s Big Debate 2014 was hosted by Patrick Eade of BFBS and chaired by journalist Jill Misson.
Pic
ture
: D
om
inic
Tu
rne
r
OUR 2014
conference was
a day of debate
and discussion.
Regarding rebasing plans,
we heard assurances that
the big move for families
rebasing from Germany and
around the UK has been
meticulously planned.
From discussions on the
day it seems that all things
have been considered, but
we will not see whether
this is the reality for some
months and AFF will
continue to highlight the
need for sufficient housing
in the right areas with
access to school places and
medical facilities.
HOUSING
Housing continued to be
a main theme. Defence
Minister Anna Soubry was
adamant that families should
not be told that mould is
their own fault and that
structural issues should be
addressed. This is welcome,
but AFF will be asking what
money will be available to
fund remedial work.
The audience was
promised that when the
new housing contract rolls
out many of the enduring
housing issues will be
resolved (see page 25).
Once more, it’s too early
to say whether housing
will be improved but AFF is
monitoring the progress and
will continue to engage with
command and DIO to push
for the best solutions.
PENSIONS
After a passionate question
from the floor, the Minister
suggested positive news
on the Justice for Widows
campaign; that the issues
could be resolved by using
the Armed Forces Covenant
– which may see widows of
those soldiers who were on
the 1975 pension scheme
being able to remarry or
cohabit in the event of the
soldier’s death.
OVERSEAS
Living overseas also
came under scrutiny,
with assurances from the
Adjutant General that
the Army aims to remove
“disincentives” of taking up
a posting abroad.
One delegate said that
current School Children’s
Visit flights were insufficient
and it was agreed that this
will be looked at. Spousal
employment and the lack of
second income was raised
and understood by the panel
and AFF’s Overseas Branch
will continue to engage with
you and command on the
issues which make overseas
postings problematic.
EMPLOYMENT
Our session gave families
the opportunity to ask for
advice on how to improve
employment prospects or
start their own business.
WATCH THIS SPACE
As we look forward, many
of the changes that the
Army has been working
towards are on the cusp
of fruition and it’s too early
yet to measure the success
of these projects. In some
ways, AFF’s Big Debate was
the calm before the storm.
We know that our work is
not done and that changes
to Army life bring more
challenges which continue
to need representation.
AFF is here, ready to listen,
act on your concerns, help
answer your questions and
hear your ideas – whether
you are a family of a Regular
or Reserve soldier. Get in
touch at [email protected] n
The calm before the storm?AFF’s Big Debate included our first jobs fair attended by:
l Skanska
l Annington Homes
l HSBC
l CTP
l Serco
l CarillionAmey
l Barclays
l Irwin Mitchell
l Asda
l SORTED!
l RBLI Lifeworks
l X-Forces
l Brook Street
l Enterprise Rent-A-Car
l Cranfield University
l Sodexo
DID YOU KNOW? Other issues raised at the Big Debate included PTSD support; Ebola concerns; JPA access abroad; Financial support for adult learning; Child Support Agency rules; Female generals; NHS waiting lists; Running a business from your quarter; Adaptations to SFA; Covenant issues.
@ArmyandYou10 Army&You winter 2014
Housing dominated the
early part of the day, with
issues including mouldy
quarters, cleaning standards,
shorter appointment times
and a request for better
communication from DIO.
One delegate, who has
been married to a soldier for
30 years, said: “Why can’t
we get it right on housing?
Nothing ever changes.”
Representing DIO, Air Cdre
Ian Tolfts said: “The new
housing contract will offer
a one-stop-shop for repairs
and allocations,” going on
to promise more ways for
families to communicate with
DIO, a better repair service
so less repeat call-outs and
flexible appointment times.
He said that if If there is a
defect on move-in, there will
be a 24-hour window to get
[minor] faults fixed, adding:
“We are striving to get as
close to perfect as we can.”
Any money in the pot for
quarter upgrades?
Air Cdre Tolfts revealed that
£90m was spent on upgrades
last year, but admitted DIO is
coming from a “low baseline”
in some areas. He promised
that every property will reach
the “decent homes standard”
by 2019.
Why can’t unmarried dual
serving couples in a long-
term relationship and with
children live in a quarter?
Adjutant General (AG) Lt Gen
Gerry Berragan said: “We
have been wrestling with this.
It’s one we need to resolve
because the trend is going
away from marriage.”
He explained that the Army
doesn’t have the capacity to
suddenly open the door to
those who are not in legal
partnerships. The audience
gave an overwhelming
thumbs up for couples to
live in SFA regardless of
marriage/civil partnership.
We have heard that SFA
charges are increasing to be
the same as civilian rates.
How can this be fair?
AG reassured the
audience that the MOD
will continue to subsidise
SFA. There is a new
system for charging but
it will not be more than
the current top rate. If
there is an increase within
the new bands, it will be
graduated over a number
of years.
Other issues included
the lack of SFA in some
areas; living on isolated
patches; and whether
families will continue to live in
SSFA (hirings). There was
also a request for a more
logical approach when
allocating quarters.
Summing up the housing
session, AFF Chief Exec
Catherine Spencer said:
“There’s a willingness to
resolve housing issues.”
How do spouses persuade
employers to take a chance
on them?
Catherine confirmed that AFF
receives lots of enquiries
from non-serving partners
who feel they have missed
out on jobs as a result of their
chequered CVs.
Stuart Tootal, from Barclays,
advised: “If you’ve not
worked for a long time,
see where you can access
support to ready you for
work. Build your story; be
proud of yourself and how
you support your soldier.”
One delegate pointed out
that it’s more difficult to get
a job in Northern Ireland
because of the security
issue. Stuart said: “If it’s a big
national brand it shouldn’t be
an issue.”
What plans are in place to lift
work restrictions for spouses
posted overseas?
Catherine said: “We have
set up an overseas branch
to look at this issue,” with
AG adding: “If you are
contemplating an overseas
tour, find out what the rules
are [in that country] to make
A day of debatePassions ran high at this year’s AFF Big Debate – our Conference held in October in
London – as families aired their frustrations about decisions that affect their everyday lives. We round up some of the key questions and answers raised during the day…
HOUSING
EMPLOYMENT
Pic
ture
s: D
om
inic
Tu
rne
r
DID YOU KNOW? Other issues raised at the Big Debate included PTSD support; Ebola concerns; JPA access abroad; Financial support for adult learning; Child Support Agency rules; Female generals; NHS waiting lists; Running a business from your quarter; Adaptations to SFA; Covenant issues.
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 11
AFF IN ACTION
an informed decision.”
A delegate also asked the
panel to look at the whole
overseas package. Catherine
agreed: “It’s been a great
concern for many years. The
Army is not doing enough
to make up for the lack
of spouse’s salaries. The
benefits of being overseas
are reduced because families
don’t have enough money to
enjoy it.”
AG agreed to look at
the overseas allowances
including Disturbance
Allowance, School Children’s
Visits and resettlement. He
said: “In some places we’re
asking people to subsidise
overseas postings.”
Why don’t some schools
understand that R&R and
POTL should come under
authorised absences?
Mike Cooper, from
Directorate Children and
Young People, said: “The
Department for Education
(DfE) has issued guidance to
head teachers. We’re looking
at getting authorisation for
families through the chain
of command.”
David Fugurally, from DfE,
added: “Some head teachers
and schools don’t know
enough about Service life.”
Anna Soubry, Minister for
Defence, Personnel, Welfare
and Veterans, commented
that she would like to know
of any cases where families
have had a problem with this.
Is there guidance on how
schools should spend their
Service Premium?
Mike pointed out that Ofsted
now requires schools to
publish how they are using
the money, while David
confirmed that heads often
ask the DfE for advice on how
they can make a difference.
What is the MOD doing
to ensure that there are
enough school places,
dentists and doctors in
rebasing areas?
There were assurances
from the panel that all those
things will be in place. Maj
Gen Alastair Dickinson
said: “There are three
areas of concern – North
Yorkshire, Wiltshire and
Hampshire. We’ve had
detailed discussions with the
county councils and public
consultations and we now
have a master plan.”
Catherine added: “Families
are used to moving but it’s
the fear of the huge numbers
involved – it will affect the
whole population.”
The 1975 pension states
that Army widows cannot
remarry or cohabit without
losing their pension. What’s
being done?
Anna Soubry agreed the
situation is unfair. She
said: “Governments have
problems changing rules
retrospectively; the argument
is if you do it for one you do
it for all. However, women
‘married to the Army’ were
disadvantaged in their career
because of their service. It’s a
Covenant issue.”
l A comprehensive round-
up of the day can be found
at www.aff.org.uk n
Involved audience: Our “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” cards captured delegates’ views as the key players outlined how the Army of the future will be shaped
EDUCATION
REBASING
SILVER SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
@ArmyandYou12 Army&You winter 2014
AFF IN ACTION
JILL ABRAM
The top issues are definitely housing and the mobility of families. For me, it is the ability to form a career whilst moving every 18 months. There are questions to be answered but I appreciate all the work that the AFF does.
VICKY MACGREGOR
I am interested in how the transition [of Service children] between schools is going to be addressed. It is an issue for lots of families with young children. If people are going to be staying put in one location then the infrastructure needs to be built.
EMMA BARRY
One of my questions is why, given the amount of money that needs to be spent on quarters, are we not allowed to provide our own capital upgrades – even if it is within the rules. If someone is prepared to pay £600 to put in a better shower, why can’t they do it?
AMY NEALE
My question regards education and why there is no support for spouses seeking Level 4 qualifications who have been unable to obtain them because of their husband’s career.
SGT MARTIN STAPLES
It is the same questions every time – regarding the quarters and lack of them. The biggest thing is housing – getting faults fixed, overpriced bills when it comes to utilities (certainly on the Canadian Estate in Bulford) and it is about all the agencies working together.
LYNN BRAITHWAITE
It is the housing issues which have been on-going for 30 years now. [The MOD] is putting great faith in this new housing contract but I don’t believe it unless they’ve got pots of money. I think as an Army wife that spouses and housing come last in the pecking order.
SARAH HILTON
I was here two years ago and it’s the same again – it’s always about accommodation and it doesn’t seem to get resolved. Will the new company deliver? They’ve made a lot of promises so hopefully they will. We’ve got to give them the benefit of the doubt.
EMMA PLEWS
I think the big questions surround the settling in of recent changes. We’ve been through the redundancy bit, but the New Employment Model, the changing of the pension and the uncertainty over whether they will penalise us are definitely concerns.
READ MORE ONLINE
Scan this code with your smartphone to view extended interviews from the AFF Big Debate. Alternatively, visit http://bit.ly/1owHEq2
Family affairs Big Debate delegates share their key concerns about modern military life...
SARAH MACIVER
We’ve just done a big move from Edinburgh and I got a letter saying that I am being charged £35 for a watermark on a door and a rust mark under the sink from a can and another £30 to vacuum a house which was vacuumed. How can they justify that?
NICOLA DUGMORE
I hope the new housing contract delivers. I’ve lived in quarters for the past 15 years and it can’t be much worse than it has been. Things can only get better so my fingers are crossed.
TRACEY DOWALL-LYNCH
I came for the jobs fair. When wives move away, they lose their jobs. There is employment out there if you have the time and energy to look but I don’t think a lot of the wives have. If there were more job-specific adverts in Army&You targeting wives that would be amazing.
YOUR BIG DEBATE PANEL
Jill Misson, Panel ChairAnna Soubry MP, Minister for Defence
Personnel, Welfare and VeteransLt Gen Gerry Berragan CB, Adjutant General
Catherine Spencer, AFF Chief ExecutiveMike Cooper, Director MOD Directorate
Children & Young People Air Cdre Ian Tolfts, Head of Service Delivery
Accommodation, Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Maj Gen Alastair Dickinson, DG – Basing and Infrastructure
Ren Kapur, Founder & CEO, X-ForcesStuart Tootal, Barclays
Fleur Thomas, Dir Engagement, CRFCA
CONGRATULATIONS to the University of Wolverhampton, winner of AFF’s Community Award for outstanding work supporting Army families.
The University’s free business start-up programme “Supporting the Unsung Heroes” has already helped more than 150 dependants of serving soldiers, veterans and Reservists and
has expanded across the UK, Germany and Cyprus.
The four-day course followed by on-hand advice and group mentoring, helps you build confidence and knowledge to start or grow your own business. Email
[email protected] for more information.
The award was kindly sponsored by Irwin Mitchell.
SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HEROES
DID YOU KNOW? You can find out who won our first Employer of the Year Award by turning to page 36.
GRAPEVINE
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 15
GRAPEVINEReally useful bits about Army life
GET INVOLVED
✎Have you got a story you would like to share with Army&You? If so, contact the Editor at [email protected]
DID YOU KNOW? The 2015 General Election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 7 May.
Top tweets What you’ve been saying about Army life on Twitter.
Follow us @ArmyandYou and @The_AFF...
@JillMisson
Great day chairing panels @The_AFF #BigDebate with @Anna_SoubryMP and military top brass. Back home to our quarter with broken boiler now.
@Liam_Walker
As our troops return from Afghanistan they should know their country is proud & we owe them a debt of gratitude
@OutdoorMarketer
#bigdebate I’m a milspouse in business for 9 yrs; it’s the only solution to work for my family’s needs (and I love being the boss!)
THE next General
Election is not
far away and
registering to vote
is now easier than ever for
Army families.
As part of the move
to Individual Electoral
Registration, a new system
of online registration has
been introduced.
This means that if you’re
based in the UK, you can
register to vote at www.gov.
uk/register-to-vote
Army families can also
register as a “Service Voter”
which allows you to be
registered for five years at
a fixed address in England,
Scotland or Wales even if
you move around.
It’s particularly handy
if you’re already based
overseas or think that your
soldier may be posted
abroad in the next year.
Log on to www.gov.uk/
register-to-vote/armed-
forces to register.
Paper registration forms
are still available if you
prefer – contact your local
authority.
POST YOUR VOTE
Due to a new Parliamentary
Bill, ballot papers will be
sent out earlier to overseas
postal voters to give you
more time to ensure your
vote is counted. You can
also appoint a proxy.
l www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Register now to have your say
X marks the spot: Register now to have your say in 2015’s General Election
DID you know that Citizens
Advice has a dedicated
section on benefits and
concessions for Armed
Forces families and
veterans?
There’s information on
how you can get financial
help in areas including:
l Benefits in the UK and
abroad
l Council Tax relief
l School fees and
childcare costs
l Travel costs
l Military discounts
Just visit www.
adviceguide.org.uk and
search for “Armed Forces”.
SOUND ADVICE
The Driving Vehicle and
Licensing Agency (DVLA)
is no longer issuing paper
tax discs.
If you have been posted
overseas, you may not be
aware that the changes
came into effect from the
beginning of October.
You still need tax to drive
or keep a vehicle on the
road, but instead of using
paper discs to spot tax
evaders, police cameras
automatically check a car’s
number plate.
If you are selling or buying
a car, the tax is no longer
transferrable so the onus is
on the seller to inform DVLA
when they sell their vehicle.
You could face a fine if your
vehicle is not taxed.
For full details on the new
rules, go to www.gov.uk
TAXING TIME
@ArmyandYou16 Army&You winter 2014
Snap shotOur selection of the best images
we have come across during the
production of Army&You...
1. Transatlantic teddies
Bears Bill and Ted joined a trip
to the USA to raise funds for the
Royal Hospital Chelsea
2. Back together
Two youngsters are reunited with
their soldier dad after nine-and-a-
half months apart.
3. Next generation
@missymaimie’s son sports a
Poppy in honour of his great
grandpa, a Great War veteran
4. Never forget
A closer look at the poignant
poppy field installed in the
grounds of the Tower of London
GRAPEVINE
THERE’S more to
arranging vehicle
breakdown cover than you
might think.
It is worth considering
what suits your finances –
either automatic (pay up
front) cover which gives
you piece of mind that
any call-out is free, or
pay-and-claim cover,
which is normally
cheaper but
requires you to
pay for a local
service in an
emergency
and then
claim the money back.
Most companies will try
to fix a problem at the
roadside or tow you to
the nearest garage, but
you may need to include
onward travel or home
assistance. Consider:
l Can anyone help you
get home if you break
down?
l Is your soldier
away?
l How old
or reliable
is your
vehicle?
l Are you posted in a
rural area?
l Do you need to get to
work and/or children to
and from school?
l Have you already got
cover through your bank
account or as part of a
new car deal?
l Do you need cover for
driving overseas, towing a
caravan or trailer?
l What happens if you’re
travelling with pets?
Go to online comparison
websites or www.which.
co.uk for further details.
Check your cover carefully
DID YOU KNOW? You can put your own photos forward to appear in Snap shot! Tweet your snaps to @ArmyandYou
THE festive season is a busy time for
Military Wives Choirs, both across the
country and overseas.
If you’re not already a
member, why not go along to
an event near you?
From village halls to concert
halls and schools to stadiums,
the ladies are certain to be
singing their hearts out at a venue
in your community.
The Military Wives Choirs Foundation
was created following the enormous
success of the number one single
Wherever You Are, which
raised more than half-a-million
pounds for SSAFA and The
Royal British Legion.
Visit militarywiveschoirs.
org/events to see performance
dates in your area or turn to page
30 for more MWC news.
Choirs’ Christmas cheers
The Military Wives Choir network
includes groups from as far afield as Brunei
and The Falklands
DID YOU KNOW?
Pic
ture
: My
Da
dd
y is
a S
old
ier
Ad
ven
ture
s
Forces Pension Society68 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RL Tel: 020 7820 9988 - email: [email protected] - www.forcespensionsociety.org
JOIN US AND GET THE MOST FROM YOUR PENSION
CobseoThe Confederation
of Service Charities
A member of
WHATEVER YOU THINK OF YOUR ARMED FORCES PENSION, WE’LL HELP YOU GET THE MOST FROM IT.
The 2014 Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey shows dissatisfaction with pensions has continued to rise across all three Services. But you can protect your interests and fi nd out how to get the most from your pension by joining the Forces Pension Society.
HOW WE CAN HELPArmed Forces Pensions are complex and we can help ensure you get the most from your pensionby advising when to leave (and when not to), commutation, how to deal with pension troughs, the impact of AFPS2015, the implications of redundancy, divorce, how you might be able to top up your pension, and if you are a reserve, what the new pension rules mean for you. Help is available from our acknowledged Pension Advisory Service experts.
INDEPENDENT, NOT-FOR-PROFIT We value our independence as it enables us to serve the interests of our Members as their pension watchdog. We campaign to put right injustices in the system such as the case we are arguing now for all Service widows who
remarry to be allowed to retain their pension.Our role also includes holding the government to account to ensure the Armed Forces Covenant recognises the vital importance of pensions.
There is no other not-for-profi t organisation dedicated to looking after the pension interests of the whole military community.
PLUS VALUABLE MEMBERSHIP SERVICESWe offer our Members a range of valuable through-life services with signifi cant discounts from trusted affi liates.
JOIN ONLINE NOW AND RECEIVE A FREE £100 CITY BREAK VOUCHERSimply visit our website at www.forcespensionsociety.org quoting Promo Code AAY2014(t’s & c’s apply). Membership for you and your partner costs just £35 per annum.
FPS TRAVELFPS HEALTH FPS MOTORING FPS LEGAL & FINANCIAL FPS PERSONAL
FPS LEGAL & FINANCIALFPS HEALTH FPS TRAVEL FPS MOTORING FPS PERSONAL
FPS-soldier-A4.indd 1 29/10/2014 13:37
18 Army&You winter 2014 @ArmyandYou
IHAVE been an Army wife for almost 16 years now. Dave
was already in the military when we met through my
brother, who he served alongside in the Royal Green
Jackets, now known as the Rifles.
We have three amazing boys – Jacob (17), Charlie (12) and
Billy who is five – and are currently living at Catterick Garrison
where Dave is part of the Infantry Training Centre and our
eldest is a recruit.
Jacob first told us he wanted to be a soldier “just like his
daddy” at a very early age.
I thought it would be a phase that all little boys go
through and was awaiting the next one, be it “I want to be a
policeman” or “I want to be a fireman”, but they never arrived
and he was determined he was going to join the Army.
When the time came for Jacob to seriously think about his
career path, he still insisted on joining up.
I had spent years worrying about Dave as he went off for
tours of Iraq and Afghanistan and have to admit I didn’t want
to spend more years worrying about my son too.
I’m his mum, he’s my first born and it’s my job to protect my
kids and keep them from harm, so why would I want him to go
to war zones?
With persuasion from Dave, I agreed to let him join the Army
Foundation College Harrogate.
It was a good compromise as he balances military training
with his education.
JOINING UP
The day he left for Harrogate was heart-breaking. I wasn't
allowed to take him as he told me I would embarrass him
Like father, like sonShellie Bell shares her experience as an Army wife and
mum as her son follows her husband into the military…
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 19
so it was the job of Dave
and Charlie.
Life was strange, adjusting
to making meals for four not
five and smaller washing
piles, although he now makes
up for it when he’s on leave!
We went to visit him six
weeks into his training and
I could see how happy he
was and he had made some
great friends.
I’ve seen Dave and Jacob’s
bond get stronger as they
have so much in common
now – there’s always lots of
talk of Army life when they
are together.
THE PROUDEST WIFE
AND MUM
The worst thing about being
an Army wife and mum is
the goodbyes.
The constant worry if
they’re okay and safe, and if
they’ve had a decent meal.
But I am the proudest wife
and mum.
I love telling people about
“my boys” – they do the
bravest job and I am so lucky
to be able to say “he’s my
husband” and “he’s my son”.
MY ADVICE
Over the years I have learnt
to cope with what Army life
throws at you.
If I was to give advice to any
new spouses or parents, I
would say support your loved
one as much as you can.
For couples, always talk to
each other; it’s a tough job
being a soldier but it’s also a
tough job being a partner of
a soldier.
You spend your life
following them around the
world and being at home
with the kids while they are
away but it’s important to
find time for yourself too.
I have a great career and
it’s just what I need to keep
my independence and to be
someone my boys and Dave
can be proud of.
For mums and dads, you
have to keep the contact
going. These lads and
lasses are hopeless with
that stuff.
Although they have
probably texted a
dozen friends that day
and not thought about
dropping you a line,
they need to know we
think about them.
Be prepared for
them spending most
days catching up with
their friends when
they come home
on leave.
They might be
at home less than
you expect and
it’s usually to be
fed or to sleep,
but knowing they
have a supportive
family waiting for
them is enough.
Once they
start their Army
training, our babies
become men
and women.
They are soldiers,
prepared to fight for
their country. Jacob
may be a young man
but he will always
be my boy and will
always need to be
told I love him. n
YOUR FAMILY
20 Army&You winter 2014 @ArmyandYou
AFTER a survey of families in 19 Regt
RA in Tidworth, Welfare Officer Maj
Taff Evans was amazed to discover
that the unit had children in 24
different schools and nurseries across Wiltshire
and Hampshire.
Armed with this information, he set up a
Schools Liaison Group to keep head teachers
updated as the Army transitions towards its
major rebasing programme.
With around 4,300 people expected to
relocate to the Salisbury Plain area, the group
will also be the civilian link into the military
community and parents are encouraged to
volunteer as school liaison officers.
Maj Evans explained: “Gone are the days that
regimental families were housed in catchment
areas whereby the children attended the
same school.
“Since its launch last year, the Schools Liaison
Group has been a huge success. The number
of schools contacting me for information,
predominantly about rebasing, has increased
– clear evidence that they’re speaking to each
other and passing on my contact details.”
Most of the schools now meet in clusters
every quarter and Maj Evans is on hand to
answer any questions that may arise.
He recently helped two schools prepare bids
for funding which both ended successfully.
He’s had some great feedback too, with one
school writing: “Thank you for coming to our
meeting and giving us valuable information
about the families rebasing to this area.
“This will obviously impact on our school
and in addition to our new classroom, we are
already looking at future plans to cope with
these additional pupils.”
AFF’s Education & Childcare Specialist, Lucy
Scott, said: “Schools Liaison Groups help to
promote better understanding of Army life and
build relationships between the military and the
local community.
“AFF would like to see this adopted in other
garrisons where similar schemes do not
already exist.”
If you’re moving to a new area, find
information on schools through your local HIVE
(www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support) or get in
touch with Lucy at [email protected] n
Rebasing aceReady for rebasing: Maj Evans and his team supported an open day at Woodford Valley Primary in Salisbury, one of the schools that is benefiting from the Schools Liaison Group
YOUR FAMILY
GET your hands on the
gorgeous 2015 calendar
from My Daddy Is A
Soldier Adventures.
It features photgraphs
capturing the special
moments between soldiers
and their children and every
purchase will directly support
Little Troopers everywhere.
The winning photo
(pictured), is of Declan Jones,
aged seven, and his dad
Sergeant Mike Jones, who
serves with the REME.
My Daddy is a Soldier
Adventures supports
children of Regular and
Reserve soldiers. Visit www.
mydaddyisasoldieradventures.
org to find out more or order
a calendar for £9.99.
THE Working Parent is an
advice and information portal,
with up-to-date news and a
members’ forum for all mums
and dads that are juggling
work and family life.
Parenting can be difficult
and being a working parent
throws in a new set of
challenges, so the site is full
of information and advice
about money, work, childcare,
lifestyle and families.
With everything from your
finances, returning to work
or planning a career change,
through to your child’s
health, The Working Parent
helps you find that work/
life balance and supports
you through the minefield of
parenting, all the way!
Check out theworkingparent.
com for more details.
CUTE CALENDAR
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We can help you sort out all your family separation issues without the hefty legal fees
Is your relationship falling apart?
What will happen...
To our children? To the
pension?
To relationships with extended family and
friends?
To the military allowances?
To our accommodation?
We can help you sort out all your family separation issues without the hefty legal fees
To our finances?
0300 4000 636 www.nfm.org.uk
To our well-being?
SCHOLARSHIPSSCHOLARSHIPS
Please contact Kate Rippin, Registrar: 01823 328204Application closing date 1st February
www.kings-taunton.co.ukA Woodard School
13+ Scholarships:Academic, Music, Art, DT, Drama and Sport
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 21
EX-ROYAL Signalman
Peter Williams lost his
sight after leaving the
Army and he and his
family struggled to cope.
Peter said: “I gave up. I
thought I was on the shelf and
there was no one who could
help me.”
The veteran’s four children
noticed a huge change in
their father. Peter’s daughter,
Jess, said: “It was a miserable
household. Dad just faded into
the background, he was so
depressed. It was difficult.”
The family heard about
Blind Veterans UK and made
contact. A welfare officer
from the charity visited Peter
at home to talk through
how Blind Veterans UK
could help and arranged for
him to visit a training and
rehabilitation centre.
“After Dad came back from
the Blind Veterans UK centre
we could see he was more
confident and just that bit
more independent,” Jess
explained. “Before he couldn't
leave the house and then
suddenly he was going up to
the shops.”
Peter has received IT training
and specialist equipment to
help him live independently
at home, as well as emotional
support from other vision
impaired veterans which
has helped him to regain
his confidence.
Blind Veterans UK has also
assisted with education grants
for his children and welfare
grants when the family moved.
NO ONE ALONE
Blind Veterans UK’s No One
Alone campaign is reaching
out to the estimated 68,000
vision impaired veterans in the
UK who could be eligible for
support, but are not currently
aware of it. If you have a blind
or vision impaired veteran in
your family and would like to
find out more, call freephone
0800 389 7979 or visit
www.noonealone.org.uk n
YOUR FAMILY
Bright future for the blindSight loss can be devastating at any age, not only for the person losing their sight but also for those around them. Thankfully for those affected, organisations such as Blind Veterans UK are on hand to provide the dedicated support required to overcome the challenges of blindness…
Scan this code with your smartphone to visit Blind Veterans UK’s No One Alone website
Reassured: Former soldier Peter Williams and daughter Jess have been able to call on the expert services of Blind Veterans UK
22 Army&You winter 2014 @ArmyandYou
Opening Doors to Independenceby providing specially trained assistance dogs to injured
and disabled men and women of the Armed Forcesand Emergency Services.
Hounds For Heroes is registered in England, Wales and Scotland as a charitable company, limited by guarantee.Regd. Charity: 1134359 and SC043751
We’re accepting applications from thosewith injuries or disabilities from any
combat zone, or degenerative conditions.
Want to open the door,or know someone who might...
or just want to fundraise...
Then contact us [email protected]
or join us atwww.houndsforheroes.com
www.twitter.com/houndsforheroeswww.facebook.com/houndsforheroes
Free initial appointmentExeter: (0)1392 421777 Plymouth: (0)1752 674999
www.thefamilylawco.com
To arrange a visit, please contact the Admissions Registrar on 01823 285921.
Five nights weekly boarding at King’s Hall School for less than £50 per week*, including breakfast,
supper and fun evening activities.
* Terms & Conditions apply
w w w . k i n g s h a l l t a u n t o n . c o . u k
A N I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L F O R G I R L S & B O Y S A G E D 2 - 1 3 Y E A R S
KHS AFFv2 10.14.indd 1 14/10/2014 12:11
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 23
Your Family Friendly Club in Central London for Serving personnel and their family
www.ujclub.co.uk 020 7902 6000 Find us on Facebook Badge CMYK / .ai
Union Jack ClubOn Twitter
@unionjackclub
✓Opposite Waterloo Station✓Safe and secure atmosphere✓Restaurant with tailored children’s menu✓Bar and espresso bar✓Family rooms and Flats available✓Games Room✓Parking ✓Located close to top family attractions
Please call 020 7902 6000 and quote UJC/FAMILYTH
E GA
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IGN
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OO
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OW
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OO
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THE
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Conference 140Presenta on 140 30 16 30 16 40Boardroom 40 14 24 16 22 12 14 24Recep on 180 30 30 18 20 40Formal Dinner 120 14 24 16 22 12 14 24Bu et 140 30 16 30 18 40
Rental Charge £599 £350 £450 £350 £290 £220 £220 £290
Room Useage
MannedBar Charge £100 n/a n/a n/a £100 n/a n/a n/aUnitl 11.00pm
Facili es
LaptopProjector & ScreenFlipchartScreenTV/DVD/VideoMicrophone (up to 3)Speakers & PA system
WI FI internet connec on in allrooms
Permanent water, tea and co eefacili es are inclusive in theDisney, Ghika, Robarts, Langleyand Cowap rooms.
All rates quoted are per day andinclude VAT where applicable
Available Equipment
Banquet & Conference Room TariCorporate Rates Union Jack Club
Conference & Banque ng
How to nd us
The Union Jack Club, Sandell Street Waterloo, London SE1 8UJ
For all enquiries please call
020 7902 6062
www.ujclub.co.uk
@ArmyandYou24 Army&You winter 2014
YOUR HOME
ON THE the old plot
of Army HQ Land
in Wiltshire, the
local council gave
permission for 320 civilian
properties to be built.
Surrounding the building site
are around 100 military homes
and little did the Army families
know how much disruption the
demolition would cause.
Residents raised their
concerns to AFF’s Salisbury
Plain Co-ordinator, Carol
Morris, who meets them once
a month at a coffee morning.
They explained that
disruption goes on six days a
week, from 7am until 7pm.
Young children and soldiers
who have been on night duty
can’t sleep, washing can’t be
hung outside and there’s been
an increase in theft from the
site where people are cutting
through fences.
Carol’s AFF Volunteer, Julie
Knoller, put together a letter
on behalf of the residents to
request a rent reduction.
After a visit to the site, 43
Wessex Brigade and DIO
confirmed that the quarters
would be temporarily
downgraded until the works
finish and that it would be
backdated to when it began.
CONTACT AFF
At their latest coffee morning,
families agreed that without
the help of their local AFF Co-
ordinator, nothing would have
been done.
If you have an issue affecting
your Army life, check our
contacts on page 4 for your
nearest AFF Co-ordinator. n
Families agreed that without the help of their AFF Co-ordinator, nothing would have been done
❝❞
Rent reductionfollows AFF action
Noisy neighbours: New houses being built in Wilton paved the way for excess sound, dust and traffic
The Defence Infrastructure
Organisation, which takes care of
all quarters, has been taking our
damp houses seriously and has
put in place an action plan – plus
£6m to spend over two years – to
help eradicate the issue.
Here at AFF, we welcome this
news and, with our database
of evidence, have helped the
organisation to pinpoint hotspot
areas for investigation.
As the winter weather hits,
please continue to fill in the AFF
mould database at www.aff.org.uk
and if you experience any further
problems with damp and mould,
remember to report the issue to
MHS/CarillionAmey.
MILLIONS TO FIX MOULD
AS soon as you get your
posting order you need to book
your removals through Agility
Logistics. However, this should
just be provisional – don’t book a
firm date until you have a move-
in date to your new SFA!
AFF has heard from families
who have organised removals
but then don’t have a house to
move into at the other end. Go to
https://grms.agilitylogistics.com for
more information.
REMOVALS REMINDER
LIVING in Service Families
Accommodation? CarillionAmey,
working on behalf of the Defence
Infrastructure Organisation, is
the new company offering a
one-stop military housing service
throughout the UK. It will help
with applying for and allocating
quarters; move-in appointments;
furniture; maintenance;
improvements; pre move-out
appointments and move-out
appointments.
Changes take effect from
1 November in Scotland and
Northern Ireland and from 1
December in England and Wales.
Keep an eye on aff.org.uk and
listen to broadcasts on BFBS.
You can also visit carillionamey.
co.uk or call the helpdesk on
0800 707 6000.
As with any new contract, there
can be hiccups, so email housing@
aff.org.uk with your concerns.
ONE-STOP SHOP FOR SFA
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 25
The Royal Hampstead Education Fund provides financial assistance to help with the education and training of the dependents (up to 25 years of age) of members or ex-members of the UK Armed Forces. For more than 150 years we have helped to provide betterment through education for thousands of the needy dependent children of members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. If you require assistance with fees for any school, college or university in the UK, please visit our website and follow the steps outlined to have your request considered by our grants committee.
Contact us through: www.rshtrust.com
DO YOU NEED HELP WITH FEES FOR ANY SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR
UNIVERSITY IN THE UK?
The Royal Hampstead Education Fund
www.doyrms.com [email protected]
Tel: 01304 245073
PRIDE • SELF-DISCIPLINE • CHARACTER • SPIRITUALITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • LEADERSHIP • RESPECT FOR OTHERS
An independent school style education at an affordable price
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is a full state boarding academy for children aged 11 to 18.
“One of the strongest parts of the Dukie community is having your friends around you all the time.One of my proudest moments of being a Dukie was watching the school marching band play the anthem for the England rugby team at Twickenham.”
Bryony Y13
Sixth Form Open Day, 15 November
Contact us for details
Historically established for military families, we now welcome applications from any student who wants to study at our unique school with its strong military ethos and traditions. The School has recently been graded Good in all areas by Ofsted.
Why study with us?• We are in the top 100 non-selective state schools for GCSE results. DfE 2013/14
• Every student is actively encouraged to achieve the very best they can - developing their self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills while living and studying in a friendly and supportive community.
• Our military ethos, ceremonial parades and Combined Cadet Force will help your child to develop essential life skills including character and resilience.
• They will enjoy an active independent school lifestyle with sport, music, drama and activities all playing a key role while studying for their GCSEs and A Levels.
• Our £24.9 million School refurbishment will be completed by September 2014. Your child will benefit from purpose-built classrooms, a new Sports Centre, new and refurbished boarding houses, and a drama studio.
For 2014/15 our fees are £3,665 per term. We are competitively priced because the education is free. Please call us to arrange a hosted tour of the School.
@ArmyandYou26 Army&You winter 2014
YOUR HOME
LONG gone are the
days when you could
expect to walk out of
the Army and into a
council house – there just isn’t
enough social housing to go
around, writes AFF Housing
Specialist Cat Calder.
To give you an idea,
Redbridge Council in London
has a waiting list of up to
seven years for a three-
bedroom property according
to its website.
Rushmoor, which covers
Aldershot and Farnborough,
currently has 1,191 families
waiting for social housing; it
only allocated homes to 213
families last year – and only 37
of those were three- or four-
bedroom properties.
REMOVING DISADVANTAGE
The Armed Forces Covenant
was put in place to remove
disadvantages faced by
Service families compared to
civilians and in housing terms
this means that councils can’t
penalise you for not having
a local connection – but that
doesn’t mean you go to the
top of the housing list.
Local councils prioritise
families in need and whilst
they have a duty of care to put
a roof over your head if you
are homeless (after your 93-
day Notice to Vacate has run
out in your quarter), this could
easily be a hostel or a B&B –
not ideal if you have a family.
Many local councils won’t
give you social housing if
you have more than £16,000,
so if your soldier has had a
redundancy pay out or a lump
sum at end of Service this may
well affect you.
ENOUGH DOOM AND
GLOOM – WHAT ARE THE
POSSIBILITIES?
l Plan ahead – even if your
soldier has only just joined
up, it’s worth thinking about
civilian housing options as
soon as possible.
l Do your homework – SFA is
subsidised so you will always
pay more to live in civvy street.
Find out how much civilian
housing is likely to cost and
work out your finances.
l Talk to the council where
you want to live – even if they
can’t house you they can give
you advice on local options.
l Talk to the people at
the Joint Service Housing
Advice Office – they are the
gurus on civilian housing for
Service families.
l Think outside the box –
there are options available
such as private rental, housing
associations, MOD referral
scheme, rent to buy schemes
and shared ownership to
name but a few; JSHAO will be
able to advise you.
If you need any further
information, contact me at
[email protected] or JSHAO
on 01252 787574 or AWS-
Looking for social housing?Councils can’t penalise you for not having a local connection – but that doesn’t mean you go to the top of the housing list
❝❞
Property pinch: Social housing can be hard to come by for military families, so proper planning is essential
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 27
@ArmyandYou28 Army&You winter 2014
SPOTLIGHT
Illustrating war
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO BECOME A WAR ARTIST?My father was in the Army and I moved regularly as a child. My husband was also in the Army for a short time. I grew up surrounded by soldiers and so have a love and respect for them. They make me feel safe and part of a family. However, I hate camping and am not a frustrated soldier. I have never been for a run in my life!
I remember seeing soldiers training. From my child eyes looked like they were playing. When I then arrived in a war zone as an adult, I understood how vital that training is.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT GOING TO AFGHANISTAN?I was away from my husband and five children who remained forefront in my mind the entire time. It was not a decision I took lightly.
IN THIS WORLD OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY, DO YOU THINK THE WAR ARTIST IS STILL RELEVANT?Yes. In a painting a war artist can capture the essence of the soldier and the emotion and rawness of the situation. A photograph captures just one fleeting moment. The most significant moment is when the gates open and there is a sense of excitement, but then the soldiers change, the banter disappears and they fall silent as they set off. This range of emotions is what I wanted to capture.
WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE OF ART?When I was young I spent most of the time painting on my bedroom walls and loved painting portraits from a very early age, completing a portrait of my sister when I was 12. I now work from a studio at home in Somerset whilst juggling the needs of five children and a husband.
DO YOU THINK ART HAS A TENDENCY TO GLORIFY WAR?Going to museums I have always felt moved by pieces brought back from the battlefield, [such as] a lump of breeze block from the Berlin Wall. I feel a strong connection to it and it brings the place physically to me. Hopefully my work connects the soldier’s story in Afghanistan to the public here.
After an Army officer spotted her painting for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Anna Redwood was put forward to be the brigade artist for the Desert Rats. She spent a
month in Afghanistan with them.
Ba
ckg
rou
nd
ima
ge
: Ra
ul T
aci
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www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 29
SPOTLIGHT
Army&You hears from two commissioned war artists who have spent time illustrating life on the front line…
CAN YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST DISCOVERED YOUR LOVE OF ART?My school proffered either Art or Latin and Greek. No contest!
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY TO THE FALKLANDS COME ABOUT?I was commissioned by the Artistic Records Selection Committee at the Imperial War Museum comprising artists, Armed Forces and MOD.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT TO DRAW IN A WAR SITUATION?As official war artist I was accepted in both classified and restricted areas – a very rare privilege. Regrettably, I was too censorious on myself and out of deference for the men and their families I chose not to draw the most harrowing sights.
DO WE NEED ART WHEN WE NOW HAVE SOCIAL MEDIA COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF WAR? We need all possible mediums so that there is the broadest choice. Some people only react to one or two. The IWM’s Women At War exhibition showed poetry and verse, video, paintings, drawings and sculpture. Images which can be taken home or exhibited publicly do make a precious contribution. We can “own” them for forever.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP THE ARMY ARTS SOCIETY (AAS)?I felt that it was indecent to make money out of war. I was paid £1,500 by the Imperial War Museum, so gave half to the Haslar Mental Health Unit and the other to the AAS. The AAS encourages its members whether serving, retired or families to showcase and promote their work. We also support injured and ill Servicemen and women through mentoring.
The current AAS exhibition runs until 29 November 2014 at the Young Gallery, Salisbury. To find out more, visit www.armyartssociety.org n
Linda Kitson was appointed the official war artist for The Falklands campaign in 1982. She was the
first commissioned female war artist to accompany troops into battle and remained on the South
Atlantic islands for three months.
@ArmyandYou
SPOTLIGHT
WHAT IS YOUR MUSICAL
BACKGROUND?
I have always loved music,
having played the piano from
when I was five. My mother
and grandfather were my
musical inspiration. I also
spent many years in our
church choir and found great
solace in the rhythm of weekly
singing – much as I do now!
WHERE WAS THE MILITARY
WIVES CHOIR IDEA BORN?
My husband, Hugo, and I
were posted to Catterick. It
was the autumn of 2009 and
the brigade was deploying to
Afghanistan in the spring.
I found my new life there
quite a challenge as I knew no
one, we didn't have children
at the time and Hugo was
continually away training.
I had given up my job as a
psychotherapist in Wiltshire
and found myself hundreds of
miles from family and friends.
At times it felt quite isolated.
I noticed that so much of the
welfare, understandably, was
focused on children and I
thought “but what about us,
the wives?”. While friends and
family try to help and military
welfare has its role, I had a
really strong sense that as
military spouses we are best
placed to look after each
other – because we have all
shared experiences and can
understand better than anyone
how we might be feeling at
any given point.
I can remember the moment
VOICESof the future
Earlier this year, Nicky Clarke received a richly-deserved MBE for her pivotal role in the phenomenal success of the Military Wives Choirs. She spoke to Army&You about how it all began and her vision for the future…
30 Army&You winter 2014
Choir master: Nicky Clarke has been awarded the MBE for her work with the Military Wives Choirs
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 31
SPOTLIGHT
very vividly. I was sitting on
the sofa, looking out of the
window at about 3pm when it
was already dark and thinking
“what about a choir?”.
I had run one before and
really missed it. It would be
a good way to meet other
people and something for us,
not the boys or the children.
HOW DID GARETH MALONE
GET INVOLVED?
To do this properly, we needed
someone with great musical
experience and I thought
about Gareth Malone.
Through his agent I outlined
my ideas and suggested
doing a concert at the end of
the tour for charity. I hadn't
thought about doing it for TV, I
just thought he might be able
to get us up and running.
Although they were hugely
supportive, the timing didn't
work out. However, he was
hugely excited about the idea
and with backing from the
MOD, they ended up filming at
Chivenor and Plymouth.
In the meantime, my friend
Caroline Jopp and I set up our
own choir with the help of a
wonderful lady called Carol
Gedye. The choir proved to be
a huge support to us all during
Herrick 12 and at the end of
the tour we sang at a charity
concert; proud and excited
that our soldiers could see
what we'd been doing while
they'd been away!
The choir is still going strong,
providing the support and
friendships that I had always
hoped it would for those living
a life that isn't always easy.
HOW DO YOU FEEL SINGING
HAS HELPED SERVICE
COMMUNITIES?
Music is a great leveller; it
helps to bridge divides in a
way that I think is unique.
When we sing in a choir, we
are just an alto or a soprano.
It doesn't matter what job
our soldier has, where we
live or how old we are – we
are all there united in singing
because we're all part of
one community. As
someone once said to
me: “Once you've sung
with someone, your
relationship is never the
same again.”
The sole purpose of
the choirs is to provide
support and friendship –
it's just we're doing it on
a bigger scale with 75
choirs, rather than one!
Although there
have been amazing
opportunities that we
have taken part in, if
we didn't have that
support and friendship
we wouldn't have an
organisation that really
means anything.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE
HIGHLIGHTS?
It’s hard to choose but one
of the best days we had was
when we launched the Military
Wives Choirs Foundation
at Wellington Barracks with
more than 650 ladies from
all over the UK, Cyprus and
Germany coming together to
sing Stronger Together. To see
ladies meeting again having
moved choirs was a joy; that
sense of connectedness is
truly wonderful.
We've achieved more than
we thought which is testament
to the resourcefulness of
military wives!
MWCs HAVE HELPED RAISE
AWARENESS OF SERVICE
FAMILIES TO THE PUBLIC.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO
KEEP THAT GOING?
Our vision for the MWCF was
always to set it up for the
long-term; we want the choirs
to be here for our children and
grandchildren.
Given the transient nature
of Service life, choirs could
easily come and go as quickly
as they were set up and if we
didn't have the infrastructure
behind them, there’s the risk
they would just fade away.
So we hope that we've given
ladies the tools to keep the
choirs going and made it as
easy as possible to set up and
run wherever they are posted.
We are also delighted to
be asked to sing at so many
events around the country and
we hope to keep this going to
continue to raise awareness
of the lives we live and the
support we provide to the
Armed Forces.
HAS GARETH CONTINUED
TO SUPPORT YOU ALL?
Gareth (pictured below) is our
patron and a huge supporter
of all we do. He understands
the origins of the MWCF and
knows that without its roots
as a community organisation,
we would not have succeeded
as we have. That’s why he
hosts our Musical Directors’
workshop each year, attends
the annual meeting and is on
hand to talk through ideas on
how things are progressing.
He continues to help us with
some wonderful opportunities
such as the Prom we recently
performed at.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO
ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE?
My focus will always be
on ensuring that we never
forget our roots – that we
are “Stronger Together”. That
doesn't mean we sob into our
teacups every two minutes – it
means that we can achieve so
much more together than if we
brave things out alone. n
My focus will always be on ensuring that we never forget our roots – that we are “Stronger Together”
❝❞
Get involved: To find out how to join your local Military Wives Choir, visit www.militarywiveschoirs.org
MANY of us struggle to achieve a healthy work-life
balance but for couples who work together, it’s
even harder, writes Kate Viggers. Sharing an office
and a bedroom can be complicated!
“Maintaining external interests and good communication is
really important for any couple in the same job,” explains Relate
counsellor Christine Northam.
“They need to be disciplined about boundaries, to
ensure work doesn’t take over home-life and
emotions don’t spill into the workplace.”
For married soldiers, juggling the
professional and the personal brings unique
challenges including anti-social working
patterns, limited joint leave and the
consuming nature of military service.
“Sometimes it’s hard to switch off,” says
Bulford-based Unit Welfare Officer Rachel
Willis, whose husband is currently serving
unaccompanied in Plymouth.
“At home we try to concentrate on [domestic]
life and our son.”
HOME & AWAY
For dual serving families, the challenges of working in the same
job are combined with managing their relationship long-distance.
Both are likely to be absent from home for extended periods,
which can make it difficult to secure adequate childcare.
One couple A&Y spoke to had no option but to send their
daughter to live with relatives when they were both posted
abroad. And one husband recalls arriving home from a
lengthy tour only for his wife to leave immediately on her own
deployment; inevitably, waving goodbye to first mum, then dad –
or vice versa – has an emotional impact on children.
“As my son gets older it’s starting to affect him more,” Rachel
says. “Deployments are on the one hand easier to cope with
because I understand it more – but on the other not, as I know
what’s going on out there!”
Some spouses find, however, that their own
experiences as serving soldiers make it easier to
cope when their partner deploys because they
do not dwell on the danger. It is “just part of
the job”.
“I can appreciate the frustration of delayed
R&R flights, the buzz of deployment
and the sense of achievement that
accompanies any tour,” says Clare Sapwell,
who met husband Jeremy in Bosnia in
2000. More recently, the couple served
together – albeit in different departments –
at Army HQ in Andover.
COMMUTING & CAREER FOULS
Logistics can make it difficult for dual serving families to
find suitable accommodation or to follow individual professional
goals. Rachel’s husband commutes at weekends and she is
struggling to manage work and parenting commitments alone.
They are seeking an early return posting and, having bought
their own house, will aim for local postings in future.
The Sapwells have also endured lengthy daily commutes and
unaccompanied postings in order to maintain a family home
Married to the jobThere are more than 1,300 married couples serving together in the British Army. Does having the same
job make it easier to deal with the demands of Service life? Or is it hard to switch off when the boots come off? Army&You talks to dual-serving families…
Deployments are easier
to cope with because I
understand more
❝❞
@ArmyandYou32 Army&You winter 2014
FEATURE
centrally located between
their jobs.
In addition, Clare – who
retired in November last year –
has had to take a “professional
back seat” during her service.
“Since having children, I
had to select jobs based on
location rather than career-
enhancement,” she says.
The Army says it is “almost
inevitable” that dual serving
couples will experience
separated service and that
realistic expectations need to
be set by advising officers.
A spokesperson for the Army
Personnel Centre explains:
“The management of serving
couples’ careers is on a case-
by-case basis.
“Every attempt will be made
to assign them together into
the most career-enhancing
appointments – or at
least within a reasonable
commuting distance where
possible, particularly if they
have children.”
Soldiers with a posting
conflict must declare in writing
to Career Management
Branch which of them is
to have priority. Workable
solutions are found where
possible, with the general rule
being for the higher rank to
take precedence unless the
soldiers specify otherwise.
Rachel believes an
understanding chain of
command makes a difference,
although she feels a policy for
dual serving families would
“support them and back
them up”, going some way to
alleviating obstacles she and
others have encountered.
WHAT TIME DO YOU
CALL THIS?!
There is no doubt that
combining duty with
domesticity can be complex.
But dual serving couples
can also reap the benefits of
a shared career path, such as
greater empathy and having
plenty to talk about.
One husband told A&Y that
the best thing about being
married to a soldier is that his
wife understands the job, so
he won’t get a hard time if he
comes home late!
Clare agrees: “Understanding
the nature of the Army and
what it requires of you has
made us more accepting of
Service life as a family.”
“It can put you through the
wringer,” adds Rachel. “But if
you can survive that, you can
survive anything!” n
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 33
Understanding the nature of the Army and what it requires of you has made us more accepting of Service life as a family
❝❞
AFF wants to make sure that the views
and experiences of dual serving
families are shared and considered. Our dual serving survey aims to gather your
opinions on Army life. Visit www.aff.org.uk and click the link.
TAKE OUR SURVEY!
TYLERBALECOMMUNICATIONS
Join the Army familyWith copies sent directly to Service households up and down the
country, Army&You is the perfect way to promote your brand to the military community.
Find out morewww.ayads.co.uk
01252 714870
aff
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@ArmyandYou34 Army&You winter 2014
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 35
IHAVE always been
an entrepreneur even
as a youngster. I can
remember turning my
bedroom into a sweet shop
and selling to the other local
children where I grew up in
Birmingham – I’d have to say
that it is in the blood.
It seems a long time ago,
but I wanted to join the Army
when an arranged marriage at
16 took me in a direction that I
just did not want to go.
I guess, in the way of an
entrepreneur, I spent the next
four years fighting to have
control of my own life.
In the end, I had to run away,
which allowed me to strike
out in the face of family and
cultural pressures and pursue
my ambition of success in the
world of business.
During this time I also
had my two sons,
one at 17 and the
second at 19.
I have had a
varied career
since those
days, shaping
and creating
innovative
businesses, both
in an executive
role and as an investor and
founder.
I am an ideas person and am
told that I operate at a million
miles an hour; I don’t like to
sit still!
In the first 24 years of
my career, I have
created my own
businesses and
helped others
to grow theirs
whilst shaping
new ideas for
both clients
and our own
ventures.
Latterly I was also
appointed by the Government
as an Ambassador for Youth in
Learning and Enterprise, which
I greatly enjoyed.
My upbringing fuelled my
passion to create opportunity
for others and, in what my
spiritual side would describe
as “an alignment of the stars”,
a discussion about my vision
at a dinner sat next to a senior
director at the Department
of Business, Innovation and
Skills is what led me to start
X-Forces. It has been great
fun – incredibly hard work, but
great fun.
Me and my business partner,
a military man, and our team
have now launched some 200
entrepreneurs from the ex-
Service community, including
spouses and dependants, into
their own businesses.
The demand created by the
perfect opportunity that self-
employment presents to these
disciplined, hard-working and
responsible people continues
to grow.
X-Forces’ ambition is to
create an amazing community
of Service businesses that
can support each other and
become a real power-house
for the British economy.
l Ren attended AFF’s Big
Debate as a guest speaker
and panellist, offering advice
to audience members on
business start-ups. n
X-Forces supports Service leavers, veterans, Reservists, spouses and dependants to start businesses by providing loans, mentoring and support. The company’s founder and CEO Ren Kapur (pictured centre left) reveals the inspiration behind her latest venture to Army&You…
Driving force
X-Forces’ ambition is to create an
amazing community of Service
businesses
❝❞
✓ There are approximately 100,000
military partners in the UK
✓ Fewer than 3 per cent are
currently in business, far below the 8
per cent national average
✓ Families often feel isolated
behind the wire and find it difficult
to make the first step into business
X-Forces can help spouses into
their own businesses by providing:
✓ Advice and training
✓ Access to loan funding
✓ Peer support
✓ Post launch support and
signposting
✓ Role models
✓ Increased public awareness
✓ Sales and marketing support
Have a business idea? Contact
[email protected] or call us on
0207 811 3238.
KEY FACTS
Happy family: Ren (second left) with sons Arun (left) and Vin and stepdaughter Hannah
@ArmyandYou36 Army&You winter 2014
THIS year’s
nominations helped
us to identify best-
practice employers
and share initiatives that
benefit employees with a
Service connection.
Barriers to employment have
been a key concern for AFF
for many years.
You have been telling us
about the issues you face,
with comments such as: “Most
employers are discouraged
by my CV as there is a lot
of employment over a small
period of time” and
“Apparently I was not suitable
for the post as it would cost
too much both financially and
time-wise for them to take me
on and train me up when I
would only leave anyway.”
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
We asked employers how
they attracted and recruited
spouses and how they
supported flexible working
opportunities, for example
during periods when your
soldier is deployed.
We explored home working
opportunities, flexible hours,
unpaid leave, career breaks
and portable careers that
enable you to maintain your
employment when your soldier
is posted.
Importantly we wanted to
know how employers support
spouses during times of
uncertainty which are unique
to Army life.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Many congratulations to
Enterprise Rent-A-Car for
winning AFF’s first Employer
of the Year Award. In second
place was SSAFA, with NAAFI
coming third.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
supports home-based working
in existing roles and any
employee is able to request
alternative arrangements –
with special consideration
being given to Armed
Forces employees.
Enterprise offers national
opportunities, meaning there
will be a high possibility that
spouses who are posted can
maintain their existing career
or take up an alternative post,
and there are plans to offer
jobs in Europe in the future.
Marco Bardino, Talent
Acquisition Manager at
Enterprise, explains: “We
recognise that behind every
successful soldier’s career
there has to be a support
mechanism in place in the
form of a spouse or loved one.
“As an employer [which]
really prides itself on diversity
Excellent employers
AFF’s Employer of the Year
Award celebrates organisations
that support and recognise the value of employing Armed
Forces spouses.Here, we reveal our
2014 winners...
Friend of the forces: Enterprise Rent-A-Car is crowned Employer of the Year at AFF’s Big Debate. Pictured, from left, are: Caroline Mayne (AFF Employment Specialist); Marwan Bateh (Assistant Vice President of Finance for Enterprise); HRH The Duchess of Gloucester; and Marco Bardino (Enterprise Talent Acquisition Manager) Picture: Liz Rhodes
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 37
and attracting great people
into our workforce, it makes
sense to forge strong
relationships with the Armed
Forces to help us attract the
best people into our business.”
SECOND: SSAFA
SSAFA demonstrated that it
understood the complications
many spouses face while their
soldier is away.
It works to provide flexible
working hours and unpaid
leave. Progression is
encouraged, with all vacancies
advertised internally, and the
charity actively works to retain
talented staff.
Training opportunities are
provided to give military
spouses and dependants
transferrable skills, enabling
them to find work wherever
they are posted next. SSAFA
recognises the skillset military
spouses have and often
welcomes them back to
employment.
THIRD: NAAFI
NAAFI’s flexible working
policy helped secure a
commendable third place
with ideas such as smart
rostering around childcare and
school timetables, support of
unpaid leave during holidays
and job share and career
break options.
OUR JUDGES
We invited Heledd Kenrick,
CEO and founder of Recruit
for Spouses; Fleur Thomas,
Director of Engagement
for Defence Relationship
Management; and Caroline
Mayne, AFF’s Employment &
Training Specialist, to judge
this year’s nominations.
Heledd said: “It’s wonderful
to see employers realising
the value of employing
military spouses. This award
demonstrates the nominees’
understanding of military life
and willingness to support us
as valued employees.”
Fleur Thomas agreed. “The
Employer of the Year Award is
a very encouraging initiative
from AFF,” she said. “It is
heartening to read of so many
organisations recognising
the skills of Service spouses
and embedding such positive
commitments in their HR
policies. Seeing examples of
the support given to spouses
by businesses has been
inspiring and I hope that more
organisations will follow suit.”
Many of those nominated
will also be eligible for the
Ministry of Defence Employer
Recognition Scheme. More
details at ers.sabre.mod.uk
LOOKING AHEAD
AFF is delighted with the
response to the Award and we
aim to engage with even more
employers next year.
Get in touch if you believe
your employer should be
nominated – [email protected]
Along with the MOD and
Recruit for Spouses, AFF
will continue to work with
employers to educate them
and remove disadvantage.
Spouses are a unique,
resourceful and resilient breed
of employee who can add
value to any organisation. n
There were many other employers nominated who deserve recognition for their support of Army spouses in their workplace, including:
l CarillionAmey
l Defence MedicalWelfare Service
l Seen2Help
l Service Children Support Network
FLYING THE FLAG
The Employer of the Year Award is a very encouraging
initiative from the AFF
❝❞
Scottish schooling structuresMoving to or from a Scottish school can be daunting. Changes in curriculum and class groups are among parents’ key concerns. National Transitions Officer – and Army spouse – Carolyn MacLeod delivers a masterclass in teaching traits north of the border...
@ArmyandYou38 Army&You winter 2014
IWORK with the Scottish
Government, local
authorities, schools
and support networks,
Education Scotland and Armed
Forces organisations to look
at what is in place to support
Service children.
My role encourages
understanding of the various
life experiences that may be
challenging to a child with a
serving parent.
So what should you bear
in mind when moving your
child to or from a school in
Scotland? Firstly, for those
concerned about what is
taught in classrooms north
of the border, the Scottish
Curriculum is in place in
every nursery, primary and
secondary school.
It’s designed to equip
children with the skills,
knowledge and experiences
that they will need to play a full
part in their world.
When it comes to school
years, in Scotland children
learn with their age-
appropriate peer group.
Teachers plan programmes
to suit the learning of each of
their students and encourage
them to achieve their potential.
So even if the number on
your child’s classroom door
is different, be assured that
they are in the right class for
their age.
As a parent, you can do the
following to ease your child’s
educational move:
l Start planning early
l Research the new school
and area online
l Involve your child
l Gather information and
evidence about your child’s
achievements and progress
l Ask for a copy of the school
handbook
l Check what support or
arrangements can be made if
exams are looming
l Bring Special Educational
Needs information to the
school
l Visit your child’s prospective
school. Parents often
report that their fears have
disappeared when they have
spoken to the school and
seen it for themselves.
To share your experiences
of moving to and from
Scotland, get in touch with
AFF’s Education & Childcare
Specialist Lucy Scott via ec@
aff.org.uk or contact AFF’s
Scotland Co-ordinator, Zoe
Teale, at [email protected]
Even if the number on your child’s clasroom door
is different, be assured that they are in the right
class for their age
❝❞
USEFUL LINKSAFF
www.aff.org.uk Parent Zone
www.educationscotland.gov.uk Children’s Education Advisory
Service (CEAS) [email protected] or
01980 618244Guide for Service families
www.gov.uk
Encouraging understanding: Carolyn MacLeod, who works for
the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland
THE date to let your English state school know
that your child has a parent in the Armed Forces
is 15 January 2015.
This is to enable the school to claim the
Service Premium – extra funding for military
children. The money is for social and emotional
support for your child in school and amounts to
£300 for 2015/16.
It’s time to take action. Parents – let your
school know that you are a Service family before
15 January.
Schools – make sure you check you have all
your Service children included.
To find out more about the scheme, go to
www.gov.uk/school-census
You can also view further information on the
Service Premium and how it can be spent on our
website, www.aff.org.uk/excellence
RELOCATING? Whether you’re returning from overseas or just moving from Larkhill to Catterick, family relocation
specialists Parental Choice can provide you with free, impartial advice on childcare issues. The company provides tailored
searches and also offers a payroll and nanny contract service. Call 020 8979 6453, email [email protected]
or go to www.parentalchoice.co.uk for more information.
300 the amount in
pounds schools can claim per Service child
Time to engage with English education
EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
winter 2014 Army&You 39
Appealing answersDidn’t get your child into the school of your choice? Don’t panic.
Follow Army&You’s 10-step guide to appeals…Your allocation letter will have a date by which to tell the admissions authority that you wish to appeal. Save it!
Appeal hearings happen throughout the year including in school holidays.
Contact the Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS). It has experienced Parent Support Officers who
can help.
Write your appeal letter. Include background, reason for appeal, impact and summary. Explain why your
preferred school is better for your child than the one you have been allocated.
Read guidance and information available from AFF, CEAS and the Armed Forces Community Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant, the School Admissions Code and Appeals Code 2012 do not offer guarantees
for military families to get places in their preferred school.
Don’t be put off by the number of people at the appeal hearing – they will not all want places at your school.
The appeal panel is completely independent and you should hear the result within five working days.
You can appeal to more than one school but only to each school once, unless there is a significant change in
your circumstances.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly or been given the wrong information, contact the Local
Government Ombudsman to make a formal complaint.
1. 2.3.
4.
5.
6.
7.8.9.
10.
For more info, contact AFF Education & Childcare Specialist Lucy Scott at [email protected]; visit lgo.org.uk (Local Government Ombudsman);
download Coram Children’s Legal Centre’s appeals leaflet from childrenslegalcentre.com; or get in touch with CEAS via [email protected]
FOLLOWING lots of enquiries
from families asking for
information about Continuity
of Education Allowance (CEA),
our Education Specialist Lucy
Scott talks you through the
scheme’s ABCs…
Allowance
CEA exists to help
mobile Forces
families with the costs of
boarding school, aiming to
reduce the number of schools
their children attend.
Boarding
If you decide that
schooling is the
non-mobile aspect of your
children’s lives and choose
boarding, do your research.
Visit the school, check out
how many boarders there
are, what the pastoral care is
like, whether there are other
Service children and how
many exeats (weekends at
home) they have.
Certificate
The MOD’s
Children’s Education
Advisory Service (CEAS) gives
advice, has application forms
for CEA and a database of
approved schools. Paperwork
is assessed by the chain of
command and the Governance
Team. If you qualify, you’ll
receive a CEA eligibility
certificate. Don’t sign up for a
school until you have this!
Details
CEA is for Regular
Service personnel.
Your soldier can access up-to-
date details via the Defence
Intranet in JSP 752.
Expense
State boarding
schools charge
for boarding only, so they’re
likely to work out cheaper.
Independent schools may offer
bursaries; read the small print
to find out exactly what you
are signing up to. Bursaries
can include percentage
deductions of advertised
fees or sibling discounts. The
contract is between you and
the school, not the MOD and
the school.
CEA is an allowance;
you are expected to pay a
contribution.Consider extras
including uniform.
Further help
Contact Lucy at
[email protected], CEAS
at [email protected] or
call +44 (0)1980 68244.
A
B
Your ABC guide to CEA
C
D
E
F
The contract is between you and the school, not the MOD and the school
❝❞
www.armyandyou.co.uk
T: 0117 905 5271 • E: [email protected] • @AcorntoOakBriswww.badmintonschool.co.uk
Open Mornings held in October, March and May
If you would like to find out more about our 20% Fee Discount for Forces Families or our forthcoming open mornings, please contact our Admissions team. Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18
A world-class education in the heart of Bristol.
Co-educational Day & Boarding from 3 - 13Education for Life...
|www.chafyngrove.co.uk44 (0)1722 333423 Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1LR|
Chafynsalisbury
Grove
Education is‘ Inspiration
‘
Education is‘ Inspiration
‘
Education is‘ Inspiration
‘
Discount
for
Forces Families
Chafyn_Army&You_Winter.indd 5 31/10/2014 11:13
Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4 to 18
Entrance Test Days31 January 2015 – Years 3 to 107 February 2015 – Sixth Form
BARNARD CASTLE SCHOOL | BARNARD CASTLE | COUNTY DURHAM DL12 8UN
For further information on our competitive fees and Forces Discount please contact Julia Simpson, Admissions Secretary, telephone: 01833 696030
or email: [email protected]
barnardcastleschool.org.uk
School fees fi xed at CEA +10% of the school fees – there is no more to pay.*
makesWycliffe
the difference
“Emily started at Wycliffe Preparatory School in September 2011 as a boarder in Year 3. We chose Wycliffe because of its family atmosphere and the ethos of the Head, Mr Palmer; “if a child is happy then they are able to learn.” The pastoral care is second to none and, for Emily, Wycliffe has become her second home.”Warrant Offi cer Andy Kerslake, RAF Police and Flight Sergeant Emma Kerslake, RAF M Emily Year 5 and Billy Year 3
Full boarding available with an exciting weekend activity programme. Small class sizes.
Wycliffe, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2JQTwitter @WycliffeCollege www.wycliffe.co.uk
* Terms and conditions apply ** We accept Childcare Vouchers
Wycliffe Nursery, Preparatory,
Senior School & Sixth Form
For more information please call
Charlotte Phillips on 01453 820412.
@ArmyandYou40 Army&You winter 2014
GERMANY
GERMANY
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 41
NO ONE living in
BFG can escape
the fact that we’ve
started the process
of rebasing to the UK – unless
you have been in hibernation,
writes AFF Germany DIrector
Diane Weir.
And your enquiries to AFF
about the big move are on
the rise. Many of you with
children about to take public
examinations have contacted
AFF with concerns about
moving house, school and
location at such an
important time in
your child’s life.
Our team has
found that not
one size fits
all when this
happens, and
we have been
well supported by
the chain of command in
working with families to find a
sensible solution.
WHAT SHOULD
YOU DO?
If you do find
yourself in this
situation you
may be able
to remain in
Germany while
your soldier returns
to the UK, or apply to
move before your posting
date under the Early Movers
Scheme.
It will depend on your
family’s circumstances but the
important thing to remember
is that where possible the
system tries to be flexible.
Speak to your Unit Admin
Office or your local AFF
Co-ordinator (see page 4)
for more advice or email
Gearing up for the big move
GREAT news! If your child attends or is due to enrol into a Service Children’s Education (SCE) school overseas, from reception class through to year two they will be eligible for free lunches.
For schools in warmer climes where a hot meal may not be ideal, packed lunches will be provided too.
The policy has been introduced in line with the Government’s decision to provide free school meals in England. SCE schools comply with Schools Food Standards which govern all food and drink on offer. It’s hoped that it will help your children get the nutrition they need across the whole school day – as well as saving you money.
For more information, contact your school’s head teacher or our Education Specialist, Lucy Scott, by email at [email protected]
Free school mealsfor kids overseas
IF you rely on public transport to get you
out and about in Germany, you will notice
that there have been some changes to the
current service.
Journeys to places such as your local
medical centre and the NAAFI will now be
tailored to meet the demand of the local
garrison population and will only run when
you need it, meaning that some garrisons will
no longer have regular buses.
Depending on where you live, transport
may need to be booked at least 24 hours in
advance – check your garrison Facebook
pages for details.
All other services, such as transport to
youth clubs, after-school activities and airport
transfers for trooper flights remain the same.
If you have any problems, do get in touch
with us here at AFF Germany by emailing
Just the ticket: all change for German bus services
You can find an
up-to-date list of all SCE
school closure dates
for the next few years
at www.aff.org.uk
END OF TERM
Illu
stra
tio
n: L
ian
ne
Pla
mo
nd
on
Welcome to Wiltshire
@ArmyandYou42 Army&You winter 2014
UNITED KINGDOM
Increasingly my role sees me liaising with local authorities on routine matters, writes AFF Director
UK Jill Baines. This work is of great benefit to us both – I am able to keep them updated on current issues faced by families, and they are able to discuss new initiatives planned for communities, both civilian and military. A recent visit to Wiltshire Council’s
headquarters at Trowbridge opened my eyes to the scale of the rebasing programme and just how much the local military population is being considered and
consulted. Mark Gwynne, Head of Corporate Support, spoke to me about his work...
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UNITED KINGDOM
WHO LEADS ON YOUR
COMMUNITY COVENANT
WORK?
Our drive and passion
starts at the top. Our
Chief Executive, Jane
Scott, takes the lead and
is totally dedicated to
making sure we meet our
commitments and more. As
part of our plans to ensure
Service families rebasing
are integrated into the
community quickly and
efficiently, Jane has visited
Germany to talk with families
and the chain of command.
HOW DID YOU FIRST
ENGAGE WITH WILTSHIRE’S
MILITARY POPULATION?
We carried out a county-
wide assessment and visited
locations, including Salisbury
Plain, where we heard views
from both the local military
and civilian population. What
struck me was how keen the
population are to take part
in events “behind the wire”.
Work is done to encourage
military families to take part in
community events, but little
is known by civilians
about “patch life”.
HOW MANY
PEOPLE IN
WILTSHIRE
DO YOU
CONSIDER AS
‘MILITARY’?
We estimate that 10
per cent of Wiltshire’s
population are serving military
personnel and their families,
with another 10 per cent
being veterans and military
extended families; they are
a large group and make a
considerable contribution to
the life of Wiltshire.
HOW ENGAGED HAS THE
COUNCIL BEEN WITH THE
COMMUNITY COVENANT
GRANT SCHEME?
We have been successful in
securing funding for wide-
ranging projects including
a skate park at Colerne and
replacing the Scout and Guide
hut at Lyneham. The work at
Lyneham shows our continued
support in this area prior to
the arrival of the new military
families here. Our Corporate
Covenant is also about to be
signed to demonstrate our
commitment to staff members
who are part of the wider
military family.
WHAT DO YOU THINK
FAMILIES CAN DO TO FEEL
AT HOME IN WILTSHIRE
AFTER THEY ARRIVE?
Alongside seeking work
and joining local
groups, there are
also plentiful
volunteering
opportunities.
I know people
need paid work,
but volunteering
can help build
CVs, encourage
networks and often lead
to a job.
IF YOU COULD GIVE
ONE MESSAGE ABOUT
WILTSHIRE’S WORK TO
ARMY FAMILIES WHAT
WOULD IT BE?
I would say grasp every
opportunity offered to you,
both through your military
and local communities.
Wiltshire is a fantastic county
and we are committed to
supporting our military
personnel and families. n
autumn 2014 Army&You 35www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 43
ADVENTUROUS training has always been
a great way for the Army to ease soldiers back into normal life when they return from deployment, so one unit welfare officer thought it might work for families too.
Capt Mick Peters and his team at 27 Regt RLC in Aldershot introduced a Partner Decompression Programme (PDP), taking 12 people for an activity break in Newquay at the end of their soldiers’ tour.
It helped them to adjust when their loved ones returned home and gave them respite from the
pressures of Army life. While making new friends, they also gained an insight into what their soldiers get up to on adventurous training.
Families took part in two days of coasteering and surfing, and they were overwhelmed by the emotional and physical benefits of the PDP.
One Army wife said: “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It really made me feel valued for the sacrifice we make.”
Another added: “I have missed my husband loads but he has driven me mad over leave.
“I think the Army forgets the adjustments we make as a family while our partners are away.
“They have their decompression time, which they deserve, however, we just carry on.”
If you’re based in Wiltshire or moving there
soon, go to wiltshire.gov.uk to find out more.
Our AFF Co-ordinator, Carol Morris, is available at
[email protected] or for Covenant issues, contact Julie Lowe at covenant@
aff.org.uk
Partners partake in end-of-tour treat
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@ArmyandYou44 Army&You winter 2014
Overseas and out of pocket
OVERSEAS
Families from all over the world have asked AFF to campaign for an increase in the number of Service Children’s Visits (SCVs) to reflect modern-day boarding. AFF Overseas Director Phil Robertson highlights the issue…
CURRENTLY families
posted overseas
whose children are at
UK boarding schools
are entitled to claim up to three
return journeys per year.
The allowance is designed
to help families to see each
other when they are many
miles apart. However, families
have reported having to find
substantial funds to pay for
extra trips, especially when
there is no second income
coming in.
THE TRUE COST
For one family, each time their
child uses an SCV to Kenya,
there’s an additional cost.
Grandparents have to get
them to the airport – sometimes
involving a pricey overnight
stay – and the flight cost is only
partly covered by the MOD so
has to be topped up.
When the full expense of
return flights has to be borne
by the family at half-terms, it
can end up costing as much as
£3,000 per year.
This has put them under huge
financial strain and they have
had to forfeit being able to
spend time together.
IMPROVING THE OFFER
AFF believes the current policy
leaves families bankrolling the
MOD’s need to have Service
personnel overseas.
We realise that a change
would have financial
implications, but the MOD must
support the overseas offer to
ensure that children do not miss
out on vital family time because
their parents cannot afford the
travel costs to see them.
Families feel that it would
be fair and reasonable for the
MOD to grant them six fully-
paid flights for each child, one
for each of the school holidays.
Addressing this issue could go
some way towards improving
the overseas offer. If you have
concerns about access to your
children from overseas, contact
me at [email protected] n
AFF believes the current policy leaves families bankrolling the MOD’s need to have Service personnel overseas
❝❞
PHIL ROBERTSON,AFF OVERSEAS DIRECTOR
HAVING listened to families from all over the world about what you would like to see on the AFF website – www.aff.org.uk – we have been revamping our overseas pages with your ideas.
They are now packed with top tips, pre-move information and much more.
If you would like to see anything else added about your location, get in touch by sending an email to [email protected]
BASED OVERSEAS? HAVE YOUR SAY ON AFF’S UPDATED WEBSITE
Overseas aid: Forces families separated by service feel they should be entitled to six fully-funded flights per child, per year
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autumn 2014 Army&You 35www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 45
FOR Cyprus-based Army wife Gail
McNeil, having a driving licence is a
crucial life skill.
When she lived in the UK, Gail
grew used to her husband being
able to ferry her about and could
also rely on frequent and convenient
public transport.
But fast forward to her arrival
in Cyprus and the Army spouse’s
lack of a licence became a distinct
disadvantage.
“Living at the top of Episkopi camp
with two kids and constant walks
in 35 degree heat, learning to drive
became a necessity,” she explained.
“After many lessons in Cyprus, I
returned to the UK to take my test
and passed after eight hours of
refresher sessions.
“It’s had a real impact on my life. I’m
able to shuttle the kids to all their clubs
and I can go shopping without dragging
my husband with me.
“I wonder how I ever spent eight years
married to a soldier who has constantly
been away without being able to drive. I
would recommend it to any spouse.”
Esther Thomas, AFF’s Regional
Manager Cyprus, said that the ability to
drive will become even more important
as a review of transport across Cyprus
may lead to a reduction in the number of
school buses.
She added: “Coupled with the lack of
public transport, it means that being
able to drive in Cyprus will become a
valuable skill for families in the future.”
IRRESPECTIVE of where you are moving to
or from, families receive the same amount of
Disturbance Allowance (DA).
Many of you have told us that the true cost of
moving overseas is one of the reasons that you
might choose not to serve outside of the UK.
DA is currently £1,036 (plus £81 per child at
school) and although that sounds like a lot,
relocating abroad or returning to the UK has
left lots of you out of pocket.
This could be down to the expense of items
like cars, white goods, kitchen equipment and
mobile phone contracts. What you take with
you differs depending on location and what is
supplied in your overseas quarter.
AFF INVESTIGATES
In AFF’s recent survey on DA, 1,000 of you
from almost 50 countries worldwide voiced
your opinion.
A staggering 91 per cent of you said that
DA is not enough for an overseas posting.
We provided the chain of command with your
comments and excellent examples of just how
much moving abroad costs.
As promised, we will report back to you via
aff.org.uk with updates about how we are
representing your views and pushing for a
reasonable and much-needed change to DA.
L
Cars key to trouble-free tour
✓ Anyone aged over 17-and-a-half can apply for a provisional licence by taking a theory test on the Highway Code, but you must be 18 to take your practical test✓ You must be resident on the island for six months before applying for a provisional licence or driving test. British provisional licences are accepted so we recommend you get one before you arrive
✓ Vehicles drive on the left side of the road, same as the UK✓ There are Cypriot driving schools on most camps which offer European standard tuition✓ Average costs of lessons are €30 per hour and the test is around €120
DRIVING IN CYPRUS: WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW
BATUK Welfare in Kenya took children aged seven to 18 on an action-packed 24-hour trip to Camp SWARA, north of Nanyuki. After setting up base, the
adventurers enjoyed rounders, football, game drives around Ol Doinyo ranch, a game walk and river swimming. They also learned about the area and its wildlife from the ranch manager. After supper and a sing-song, the group slept under the
stars, listening to the hyena circling and lions roaring in the distance!
MOVED OVERSEAS?AFF NEEDS YOU!
MONMOUTH SCHOOLAND THE GRANGECurrently Archant Best British Boarding SchoolBOYS 7 - 18 with boarding from 9 Tel: 01600 710433
HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND INGLEFIELD HOUSE
GIRLS 7 - 18 with boarding from 7 Tel: 01600 711104
www.habs-monmouth.org
PAY ONLY 10% OF THE FEES, AROUND £850 PER TERM**This applies to Service Families who are eligible for the Continuity of Education Allowance, entering the School 2014/15. Additional means-tested support, subject to availability, may be offered to families who lose the CEA.
HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS
Preparing for life’s journey
Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England
T: 01843 572931 E: [email protected] Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE www.slcuk.com
Boarding from 7 to 18 years
Strong academic results
Warm and supportive ethos
Outstanding modern facilities
Full weekend programme for boarders
Generous Forces Bursaries
@ArmyandYou46 Army&You winter 2014
OVERSEAS
autumn 2014 Army&You 35www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 47
OVERSEAS
IF YOU are a divorced
parent serving overseas
who does not have full
custody of your child
or children – PStat1 in Army
speak – then you will not
receive financial assistance for
them to visit you.
It’s not an uncommon
position to be in, and leaves
you with three options:
l Pay for your child to
travel overseas
l Pay to travel to the UK to
see your child
l Not see your child – not, in
reality, an option at all.
Divorced parents in the Middle
East, Cyprus and Kenya have
already contacted AFF about
this issue.
To illustrate the financial
impact it can have, this is how
much families can claim
by way of Get You Home
Allowance from various
locations:
l Cyprus £341
l Canada £845 (east) or
£1,024 (west)
l Kenya £775
l Jordan £669
l Brunei £1,763
l USA £773 (east) or
£831 (west)
l France £156
l Gibraltar £327
l Saudi Arabia £577
These rates are determined
by the MOD based on the
actual cost of travel.
AFF’S VIEW
Funding overseas travel for
children is currently tied to
the Continuity of Education
Allowance, but we would
like to see that changed so
that children of divorced
personnel can visit their
family in the same way
that children at boarding
school can.
If you’re facing this
issue or it has put you off
applying to serve abroad,
get in touch with us at
Overseas equalityfor far-flung families
“My husband has three children from his first marriage aged 13, 15 and 19.
“Although he has joint custody, the Army does not recognise this in the same way as if he had parental responsibility.
“Therefore, we need to buy their passports, pay for vaccinations, visas and flights at a cost of roughly £1,200 per child in order to maintain contact with them while posted in Kenya.
“Travelling back to the UK to see them is just as cost prohibitive because although his flight may be covered, he needs to hire a car and pay for a hotel as we don’t have any relatives near his children to stay with.
“He’s not seen his youngest children in ten months and we’ve paid more than £1,000 for his older daughter to visit.”
Divorced parents in the Middle East, Cyprus and Kenya
have already contacted AFF about this issue
❝❞
YOU TOLDAFF
Fair funding: AFF would like children of divorced personnel to be able
to visit their families in the same way as those at boarding school can
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 49
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH
Community spiritAFF’s work with local authorities has highlighted excellent initiatives in many areas to help Army families settle into communities. Our Covenant Liaison Julie Lowe found out more about the work being carried out by two county councils in support of the Nepali community…
THE Gurkha and
Nepali community
has been a part of
Hampshire for many
years. Recently, a new group
of ex-Gurkhas and Nepali
citizens have moved to the
county, in particular to the
Aldershot area.
Melissa Juniper, Gurkha/
Nepali Strategy and
Community Co-ordination
Officer at Hampshire County
Council, explains: “We pride
ourselves on being able to
provide specialist support
and services to all residents
of Hampshire. Sometimes this
requires a targeted approach.
“We have supported
integration with the wider
community. For example, the
Maddhat Shamua social group
has been set up which focuses
on self-help.”
Kent County Council has also
improved support for Gurkhas
and their families in Ashford,
Maidstone and Shepway.
Funding from the Department
for Communities and Local
Government (DCLG) has
helped launch:
l A community development
worker to help families settle
into their new communities.
l A face-to-face support
programme offering
information and guidance and
a new helpline.
l A co-ordinator to recruit and
train volunteers from Nepali
communities to signpost local
health services.
l Training to support the
transition into civilian life,
ranging from the language
skills required for job
searching, house hunting,
medical and community
facilities, to the higher-level
skills required to pass the B1
English Language test as a
route to citizenship.
Stephen Meades, Gateway
Operations Manager and
Customer Relationship at Kent
County Council, says: “The
funding provided by DCLG is
being used to full effect with a
range of projects which, over
the next 12 months, will deliver
better community integration,
increased cultural awareness
and enhanced access to public
and third-sector services.
“But to deliver these four key
projects just wasn’t enough.
Working with the voluntary
community we were able to
offer community grants which
will enhance the work of the
core projects.”
One example is the BBQ
and party held by the Gurkha
Peace Foundation in Ashford
and attended by 500 people.
Katherine Houlston, AFF’s
F&C Specialist, says: “These
projects sound brilliant.
These two local authorities
are definitely leading the
way in the support they are
providing for Gurkha families
on discharge.
“I would love to see these
projects expanded to other
local authorities that have
large numbers of families
settling in the area, and for
them to be opened up to
other nationalities such as
Fijian families.” n
AFF is seeking spouses to work within the community to ensure that F&C Army families are aware of how we can help them.
Your job will be to encourage use of the website and Facebook page, organise get-togethers, help publicise presentations, signpost enquiries and ensure that F&C families are aware of any changes which may affect them.
We want F&C families to receive support but also we need to know about the issues that are affecting the community in your area, so regular liaison with AFF’s F&C team and the local AFF Co-ordinator will
be important. You won’t need any in-depth knowledge of immigration law but a general interest in the issues affecting families would be expected.
Ulamila, an AFF volunteer from Catterick (pictured left), explains: “I decided to volunteer because I wanted to support the work of AFF in reaching out to families within my community.
“I was looking for an opportunity to do something else apart from my part-time studies and being a stay-at-home mum. It will really help to boost my skills and knowledge and also to enhance my CV.”
Interested? Check out www.aff.org.uk/volunteer VO
LUN
TE
ER
WIT
H A
FF
AFF F&C Assistant Michelle Prince-Burnett:[email protected]
gurkhapeacefoundation.org
www.nepalesehelp.co.uk
www.migranthelp.org
www.gwt.org.uk
Kent County Council:[email protected]
Hampshire County Council: www.hants.gov.uk
USEFUL LINKS
Coming together: Nepalese families attending an open day at Maidstone Skills Plus Centre
W HY am I
writing this?
I suppose if
it makes a
difference to just one person
then I will be happy.
My sister suffered from
postnatal depression and
I will admit to wishing that
she would pull herself
together so we could all go
back to normal.
A friend described the day
when a black cloud came to
hang over her head following
the birth of her second child.
Mine felt more like a small
crash after the euphoria of my
perfect daughter arriving into
our lives.
I knew pretty quickly
something was wrong – I
knew I was in a dark place.
My very loving soldier
husband was working long
hours and commuting so he
could live at home.
I knew I frightened him.
Heck, I was frightening myself.
I still believe he was glad to
have his job as an excuse.
NOT COPING
Being home alone most of
the time with two young
children who really needed
me was terrifying and yet
that was also the thing that
saved me.
I prayed hard that I would
die in my sleep; that way my
husband and children would
@ArmyandYou50 Army&You winter 2014
Having a baby is supposed to be a happy time, but it’s common to feel down in the first few days after giving birth. For 10-15 per cent of new mothers, those initial “baby blues” can turn into a deep, longer and more frightening experience. One Forces spouse told Army&You her story of living through postnatal depression…
Dealing with depression
Some people are battling every day to be normal
❝❞
It gets better: Perinatal depression can affect more than one-in-ten women, but support for sufferers is available. Picture posed by models.
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winter 2014 Army&You 51www.armyandyou.co.uk
not blame me for leaving them.
What scared me? Everything.
The washing pile, untidiness.
You name it, I was unable to
cope with it.
My daughter’s cry would
make me physically stiffen. I
would hold my breath and stay
perfectly still in the hope she
would stop. Yet she was such
a good baby.
HIDING FEELINGS
Friends were complimenting
me on losing my baby weight
so quickly. I was unable to tell
them the real reason why.
My ability to hide my feelings
surprised me. Inside I was
screaming to be found out,
rescued, and yet to the
outside world I was a busy
mum of two with a busy
husband and a tidy house.
My sister was to be my
confidant and I will never
forget her kindness. We built a
new relationship based on her
experience of the hell I was
suffering and my clinging to
someone who understood.
My GP advised me to bring
my mother over (she lives
a flight away), but I was
determined not to tell her
the truth and I didn’t want to
appear weak in her eyes, so I
returned to the doctors.
Confessing my feelings was
monumental, so going for the
second trip was excruciating.
She reassured me that this
was something which others
suffered from and wrote out
a prescription for an anti-
depressant. You would think
I went immediately to the
pharmacist. Oh no, that would
have been too easy.
I hid the prescription in a
drawer, partly from myself but
mostly from my husband –
someone else I didn’t want to
admit defeat to.
ON THE MEND
Eventually I did pick up the
pills, then had to wait to notice
any signs of them working.
My sister was on the phone
every day encouraging me
through it. I scraped through
and popped the pills.
I exercised to the point of
pain; punishing my body for
letting me down, but it helped.
My husband tried his best,
but I think the anti-depressants
added to his fear.
He later admitted his
greatest worry was that I
would have to take pills to
keep me “right” for the rest
of my life. I took them for six
months and then reduced
my dose until I stopped
altogether nine months from
my first prescription.
GROWING STRONGER
My daughter is now four years
old and I still look at baby
pictures and feel sadness at
the precious time I missed
– the feeds and bath times I
wished away.
Has every day since I
popped the last pill been fine?
No. Like the rest of the
population I get sad, angry
and a bit low on occasions.
But I also know I am
incredibly strong and have the
ability to keep going.
I remember reading
something on Facebook
recently which said: “You
never know how someone is
feeling on the inside, so be
kind – always.”
The friend who posted it will
never know how I felt all those
years ago.
Some people are battling
every day to be normal. n
HEALTH
SEEK SUPPORTIT IS estimated that more than one-in-ten women suffer from a mental health illness during the perinatal period. Recent data suggests that almost 50 per cent do not receive the services they need. Talk to your midwife, health visitor, GP or friends and family and if you think you know someone who may have PND, encourage them to seek professional medical help.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSl Mind: www.mind.org.uk or 0300 123 3393l NHS: www.nhs.uk l The Royal College of Psychiatrists:www.rcpsych.ac.uk
AVENUES OF SUPPORTl Army Welfare Service in the UK and Germany: 02072 189000. In Germany visit www.patient-wise.de for 24/7 medical advicel Action Postpartum Psychosis: www.app-network.org or 0203 332 9900l The Association for Postnatal Illness: www.apni.org or 0207 386 0868l PANDAS: www.pandasfoundation.org.uk or 0843 2898 401l Mothers for Mothers: www.mothersformothers.co.uk or 0117 975 6006l Big White Wall:www.bigwhitewall.com
HEALTHY LIVINGl Netmums: www.netmums.com
l National Childbirth Trust: www.nct.org.ukl Home-Start: www.home-start.org.uk or call 0800 068 6368 (UK);028 90 460772 (NI); 0049 5251 101 866 (Germany); 00357 2472 4977 (Cyprus ESBA); 00357 2596 3748 (WSBA)l SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 731 4880 (UK); 0800 1827 395 (Germany); 800 91065 (Cyprus); #6111 (Falklands); +44 (0)1980 630854 (rest of the world)
HELP FOR FATHERSl Fathers Reaching Out: www.fathersreachingout.com l Dadzclub:www.dadzclub.com
The Royal College of Midwives and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance is calling for specialist mental health midwives in every maternity service through the “Everyone’s Business” campaign. For more information, visit www.everyonesbusiness.org.uk
CONTACT KAREN ROSS, AFF HEALTH & ADDITIONAL NEEDS
SPECIALIST, AT ADDITIONALNEEDS@
AFF.ORG.UK
@ArmyandYou52 Army&You winter 2014
GIVEAWAYSGet set for Christmas with this issue’s selection of cool competitions!
HOW TO ENTERClick the giveaways tab at armyandyou.co.uk and follow the links. One entry per household per giveaway. Closing date for entries is 11
January 2015. See page four for competition rules.Your information will not be used for marketing purposes. Winners’ names are published on the Army&You website.
✎
READY for a romantic break or some
midweek me-time? Then the Montagu
Arms is the perfect place.
Located in the idyllic New Forest
village of Beaulieu, this country house
hotel is steeped in 17th century history.
Its unique charm is captivated in 22
luxurious individually-designed en-suite
bedrooms. During the winter, roaring
log fires in the elegant lounge area
invite you in, whilst summer evenings
can be enjoyed al fresco before
retreating to the stylish conservatory.
Army&You has teamed up with Pride
Of Britain Hotels (prideofbritainhotels.
com) to offer two people:
l Overnight accommodation in a
luxurious suite
l Three-course dinner at the Michelin
Star Terrace Restaurant with a bottle of
sommelier’s choice wine
l Complimentary morning newspaper,
tea and coffee in your suite
l A full New Forest breakfast
l Reserved car parking.
The prize can be used Sunday-
Thursday and excludes Bank Holidays,
Christmas and New Year. It is valid for
12 months from January 2015.
Flawless breakfor Forces foodies
DISCOVER a world of chocolatey
fun and enjoy an action-packed day
out at Cadbury World in Birmingham
this Christmas.
You’ll be treated to a special
pantomime of Snow White and the
Chuckle Beans and Santa will be
handing out free gifts to children
visiting his magical grotto.
Join Freddo and a host of
Cadbury characters in a 4D cinema
experience, dive into a bowl of liquid
Cadbury Dairy Milk, ride the Crunchie
Rollercoaster and take to the skies
in a Cadbury Creme Egg
airship. With 14 zones,
there’s something for
everyone! Find out more
at cadburyworld.co.uk
We have one family ticket (two
adults and two children) valid until 30
June, 2015 to give away.
LOOKING for a great year-round
attraction? Then dive into The Deep,
in Hull, one of the world’s most
spectacular aquariums and home to
3,500 fish.
Journey through a unique blend of
marine life from tropical waters to cold
Antarctic seas and enjoy interactive
and audio-visual presentations.
Visitors can watch divers hand-
feed sharks and rays each day and
meet smaller critters including bumpy
starfish, velvet swimmer crabs and
spikey sea urchins. To find out more,
visit www.thedeep.co.uk
Army&You has one family ticket for
four (up to two adults and children age
3-15 years) up for grabs.
AMAZING AQUARIUM
CHOCOLATE HEAVEN
Cause some KaosALL the family can enjoy a high-ropes
experience at Kaos Adventure in
Lytham, Lancashire.
Children as young as five and adults
will love clip-n-play, tree climbing
sessions and bouldering.
It’s all indoors, there’s soft play
for babies and toddlers too and if
you prefer to watch you
can relax in the comfy
seating area and café.
Find out more at www.
indoorhighwireadventure.com
Army&You has a family
clip-n-play session for four
people to giveaway.
GIVEAWAYS
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 53
CHRISTMAS? Already? Fear not; help
is at hand. The Great Gift Company has
more than 1,000 unusual presents. With
everything from groovy gadgets to stocking
fillers, there’s something to suit every taste
and budget.
The Great Gift Company ships
worldwide, including
BFPO, so visit www.
thegreatgiftcompany.
co.uk and start shopping.
Four lucky readers will
each win a £30 voucher
to spend.
GREAT GIFTS
FURBY Boom lets you play, chat, dance
and interact with an electronic pet like
never before.
Featuring crazy new designs, your
Furby Boom will react to you and other
Furbys. How you treat it will shape
its personality. It’s available, priced
£64.99, from The Entertainer, which
has more than 90 stores in the UK and
stocks thousands of products at www.
TheToyShop.com
We’ve teamed up
with The Entertainer
to offer two readers a
Furby Boom.
FURBY FRIEND
IT HAS been an exciting year at the
Union Jack Club, London’s friendly
venue for Service families.
A new restaurant, with a superb
menu, offers stylish dining,
complemented by carefully-selected
artwork that reflects our Armed Forces.
The separate buffet breakfast area
ensures a relaxed atmosphere and, if
you don’t have much time, there is also
a popular Espresso Bar.
The beds are reportedly so
comfortable that getting up in the
morning is especially tough – so make
sure you pack your alarm!
All this in the heart of London, next to
Waterloo Station – perfect for exploring
all the capital has to offer.
Go to www.ujclub.co.uk to book or
find out more.
You could be heading to the big city
with Army&You. We have a two-night
stay in a family room (two adults and
two children) with breakfast, worth
£320, to give away to a lucky reader.
New-look club
WITH one of the biggest ranges in
the UK, Skates.co.uk has everything a
skater could want. Scooters, Heelys,
rollerskates, skateboards, BMXs, ice
skates – not to mention protective gear.
Skates.co.uk is also proud to offer a
Forces discount. Just enter
“Forces5” to receive 5 per
cent off your order.
Roll over to www.
armyandyou.co.uk
and you could win
£100 to spend.
GET YOUR SKATES ON
WHATEVER they get up to, your little ones
won’t come home as clean as they left!
Messy Me tunics (£9.50, www.messy-
me.com) save on wash loads
thanks to their wipe-clean
oilcloth covers. Kit your kids out
with one of three tunics in our giveaway.
MADE FOR MESSES
Season’s eatingsYOU could win a superb Season’s
Greetings food and wine hamper from
Virginia Hayward to enjoy with family
and friends or send to a loved one.
This wicker basket is full
of treats such as cherry
chocolate-chip biscuits,
chilli rice crackers, oat
crumbles, luxury mince
pies, chocolates and
a fine bottle of red
Montepulciano Folonari.
View the entire range of more
than 150 hampers and gifts at www.
virginiahayward.com. Army&You
readers can claim a 10 per cent
discount by entering the code
ARMYANDYOU at the
checkout.
We have one Season’s
Greetings hamper, worth
£50, to give to a lucky
reader. This giveaway
closes on 7 December.
outdoor adventure weekends for youth groups
Inspire, motivate, change perspectives and widen horizons with a PGL adventure! You’ll see your youth group meet challenges head-on, work as a team, have fun, develop their self-confidence and sense of achievement.
Price includes:◾ full board accommodation◾ adventure activities◾ activity instruction and supervision◾ varied evening entertainment programme◾ generous free places for group leaders◾ free leader preview visits◾ extensive insurance cover
For further information call 08703 800 258 or visit www.pgl.co.uk/youth
Weekends from £47
+VATResidential adventure centres located across the UKfind your nearest at www.pgl.co.uk/youthcentres↸
Boundary Oak School
Roche Court, Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire PO17 5BL Telephone: 01329 280955
Boundary Oak is an independent coeducational boarding and day prep school for children age 2 – 13 years.
All of our boarders are from the Tri-services and the house- parents are experienced on the particular care of children from forces families. Conveniently situated 15 mins from Portsmouth
with easy access to all major routes via rail, road and air.
Please contact: [email protected]
Armsy and You ad.indd 1 05/11/2014 09:56
WOW!
Boarding in a top Surrey school for £4,640 per term.l Boarding and Flexi Boarding for boys and girls aged 7-18l Huge range of extra-curricular sports and activitiesl Excellent academic resultsl Situated in 260 acres of parkland near Reigate, Surreyl Thriving Sixth Form
Gatton Park Reigate Surrey RH2 0TDwww.raa-school.co.uk01737 649001
OPEN MORNINGS Sat 14th March and Sat 16th May 9.00 – 10.30am
@RAASchoolGatton
@ArmyandYou54 Army&You winter 2014
YOUNG GENERATION
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 55
With more than 46,000 cadets in almost 1,700 detachments all over the country, the Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the biggest and best teams around. When it comes to action, excitement and adventure, it’s hard to find anything to beat it. Army&You meets two teenagers who have come into their own after joining up...
FOURTEEN-year-old Lance
Corporal Shamsher Sultan
described himself as a shy
person who was nervous and
quiet around other people.
Since his father recommended
joining the Warwickshire and
West Midlands (South Sector)
ACF, he’s never looked back.
“At first I wasn’t sure if I
wanted to join, but it has been
the most successful decision I
ever made,” he told Army&You. “I love doing all the activities,
including taking part in a St John Ambulance first aider
course, the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and the
Corps of Drums. It’s extremely fun and challenging and my
favourites are shooting and drill.
“I really want to go to Welbeck Defence College and go
on to The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Thanks to the
help and support of ACF I can follow my dreams.
“I would definitely recommend it, especially for anyone
who lacks confidence and self-belief because this
organisation has changed my life.” n
Appetite for adventure
COMPANY Sergeant Major
Chris Phillips (17) was
attracted to the ACF after
seeing a poster at school. A visit
to Shropshire ACF detachment
confirmed that it was for him.
“I was quickly into my recruit
training and soon achieved my
basic certificate,” he explains.
“The annual camp is always
the highlight of my year. We
complete a range of packages,
from adventure training to shooting, [while] developing our
skills and meeting new people.
“My favourite activities have been the Duke of Edinburgh
Award expeditions; we pulled together as a team and had
so many laughs along the way.
“The extra skills I’ve gained will hopefully make me stand
out from my peers. But it’s not all about qualifications; I
have developed as a confident leader and communicator,
skills which I severely lacked before. I’d recommend the
ACF to anyone. Give it a try!” n
i
Get involved: The ACF is open to those aged 12 (and in school year 8) to under 18. For more information, visit www.armycadets.com
Pic
ture
: M
OD
Cro
wn
Co
pyr
igh
t
www.forces.tv
S K Y 2 6 4 | V I R G I N 2 4 4 | F R E E S AT 6 5 2
There’s a unique new television channel about Britain’s armed forces and all that they do. It’s full of news, documentaries and compelling stories about the men and women of the services.
© Crown Copyright
From the battlefi eld to the home front, from weapons to welfare, Forces TV brings you the inside story of Britain’s military and the world of defence, 24 hours a day.
Battle StationFORCES TVON AIR NOW
@Forces_TVForces TV +ForcesTV
Force-TV-Army-&-You-210x297.indd 1 05/11/2014 16:14
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 57
WITH a record
number of us
set to shun
the high
street in favour of HD tablets
when it comes to Christmas
shopping, it should come as
no surprise that many children
will be hoping to find tech-toys
beneath the tinsel.
Among 2014’s must-haves
are Cayla (£59.99), a state-of-
the-art doll who uses speech-
to-text software to look up
answers to questions online,
and the Kiddizoom Smart
Watch (£39.99), which can
take photos and videos and
be used to play built-in games.
However, hotly-tipped to be
the biggest seller is Teksta’s
T-Rex. Following in the
paw prints of 2013’s hit – a
robotic puppy – the digital
dinosaur responds to your
voice, actions, motions, lights,
sounds and an Apple and
Android-friendly app.
Sensors and clever AI
combine to let T-Rex roar, cry,
whine and change his eye
patterns to communicate.
For those with a family
member due to deploy,
Sparkup: The Magical Book
Reader is an ideal gift for
those set to miss out on
having a loved one read them
a bedtime story.
The innovative device clips
onto any picture book and
reads it aloud in your voice.
While recording, Sparkup’s
tiny camera takes
a picture of the
book’s cover
and each
page so
that when a
child connects it,
it immediately
recognises what
is being read.
LEGO
may lack
the digital
dynamism
of many
toys but, as a
blockbuster movie testifies, the
appeal of the multi-coloured
bricks is enduring. The brains
behind the blocks have
also found a way of mixing
technology and traditional play
with their latest product range,
Ultra Agents. In an bid
to take play “beyond
the build”, kids can
download a free
app featuring
a six-episode
interactive
graphic novel.
The centrepiece
of the range is the
Ultra Agents Mission
HQ – a hi-tech truck
complete with missile
shooters and on-
board buggy.
Bricks also provide the
bedrock of Flair’s WWE-
themed construction toys. An
ideal purchase for those tired
of policing bedroom bouts,
the Stack Down Ring allows
budding wrestlers to recreate
their favourite encounters on a
more manageable scale.
The set includes a
Jumbo Tron screen,
an entrance ramp
and three figures.
Of course,
when it comes
to building
blocks,
Minecraft
is likely to
monopolise
stocking
space
this Christmas. Whether
a console copy of the PC
phenomenon or a handbook,
the brick-based behemoth
has spawned a plethora of
products. Among the cheaper
options available for “Steve”
supporters is a six-pack of
Animal Mob action
figures.
Bridging the
gap between
construction
toys and more
traditional
playthings are
Ravensburger’s
3D puzzles.
The jigsaw-based
sets allow aspiring
architects to piece
together a range of
famous landmarks –
including the Eiffel Tower and
Empire State Building – which
once complete light up like
Christmas trees.
With a new movie out,
Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles will undoubtedly also
feature on lists. Available
alongside the usual array of
action figures is the
Billboard Breakout
playset, which
features a series
of zip lines that
allow the
Turtles to
perform
perpetual
motion
acrobatic
combat
moves.
And finally,
for those purists
who prefer to see their
children engage in imaginative
play without the aid of gizmos,
Schleich continue to set the
standard. A new horse stable
with accessories and selection
of Dragon and Griffin Knights
feature among the figurine
maker’s latest range. n
Courtesy of Vivid, Army&You
has three Sparkup: Magical
Book Readers to giveaway.
Click the giveaways tab on
www.armyandyou.co.uk
to enter.
RETAIL THERAPY
FESTIVE FAVOURITES
Children’s Christmas lists are rarely delivered to adult-friendly deadlines. With rewrites often continuing throughout Advent, buying early can be a fraught tactic. For those still awaiting a final edit, A&Y takes a look at some of the most likely contenders for a place under the tree...
SPARKUP: THE MAGICAL BOOK READER
£39.99
ULTRA AGENTS
MISSION HQ £79.99
SCHLEICH KNIGHTS
£5.99
TURTLES BILLBOARD BREAKOUT
£29.99
MINECRAFT ARTICULATED
ANIMALMOBS£19.99
3D PUZZLE
£19.99
TEKSTA T-REX £59.99
WWE STACKDOWN
RING £49.99
Created around the driver
RANGE ROVER SPORT
THRILLING PERFORMANCE IN EVERY SENSE landrovermilitarysales.co.uk
The all-new Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic, agile and responsive Land Rover ever. And the inside is impressive too. Using only the finest materials, the quality and finish exude luxury. However, nothing has been lost in performance. For instance, the 5.0 litre LR-V8 Supercharged goes from 0-60mph in just 5.0 seconds. Benefits to armed forces personel include:
– Up to 13% discount available across the full Land Rover range, finance packages available*
– Personalised specification designed around exact requirements, including injury
– RHD or LHD depending on your posting demands
– Dedicated experienced military sales support
– Tax Free / Tax Paid pricing options
– Military agents in both UK and Germany
Land Rover Military Sales To find out more please contact our dedicated Military Sales team visit www.landrovermilitarysales.co.uk/rrsport or contact us at [email protected] or call +44 (0)1733 213231
Vehicles supplied tax free for export are subject to the relevant HMRC Regulations. Model shown is a 15MY Range Rover Sport HSE Diesel 3.0 SDV6 in Firenze Red. Official fuel consumption figures for the all-new Range Rover Sport in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.4 (18.3) – 42.0 (6.7),Extra urban 29.1 (9.7) – 45.0 (6.3), Combined 22.1 (12.8) – 44.1 (6.4). CO2 emissions g/km: 426 – 165. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. *Finance is subject to status and only available to serving members of HM Forces only, aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. Indemnities may be required.
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 59
MOTORING
GIVEN the company’s
distinguished military pedigree, it
was only a matter of time before
a member of the Land Rover line-up
graced the pages of Army&You.
With the manufacturer’s 4x4 vehicles
already familiar to those in and around
the Services, we climbed into the refined
cabin of the all-new Range Rover Sport
HSE to see what the premium marque
has to offer civilian customers.
The Sport’s exterior pulls off a
neat aesthetic trick in softening the
muscularity one would expect from a two-
tonne vehicle with flourishes such as a
sloping roof, slimmer lights and pleasingly
rounded corners.
Its ability to do two things at once
extends to the luxurious interior. Although
the additional height afforded to drivers is
noticeable, the vehicle’s geometry makes
the jump between a conventional car and
the Range Rover easy to handle.
Whether you are behind the wheel
or in one of the soft leather passenger
seats, comfort and customisability are all
around. The ergonomic steering wheel
is intuitive and places everything from
cruise and voice control to paddle shifting
within easy reach.
The front seats are heated and can
be adjusted in a multitude of ways at
the touch of one of a cluster of buttons
attached to their sides. The ability to
manually select your prefences and then
save the settings to one of four memory
positions is a particularly nice touch.
A central screen handles a wealth
of audio/visual options, with in-car
entertainment including digital and
analogue radio, CD and aux and USB
inputs. Learning how to switch between
the various options takes a bit of
familiarisation, but it is well thought out
and ultimately very user-friendly.
So far so luxurious, but how does the
Range Rover cope on the open road? The
answer is exceptionally well. We tested
the vehicle on motorways, through a busy
town centre and across a particularly
lumpy field and found the ride smooth
and fluent.
The automatic gearbox and three-
litre diesel engine are capable of rapid
acceleration, while fuel economy – aided
by a stop/start feature – is very good
for a vehicle of this size. Noise from the
powerplant is noticeable but unobtrusive.
There is, of course, a rather hefty
elephant in the room in the size of the
Range Rover’s price tag. With the basic
model weighing in north of £60,000, this
certainly isn’t a vehicle for all wallets.
But for those who do aspire to own a
British-made classic, the Range Rover
Sport’s winning combination of growl
and grace make it an investment that few
motorists will ever regret. n
MOTORING
A beauty and a beast
REVIEW: RANGE ROVER SPORT
'We hit the open road in the Sport HSE Dynamic. Find out more at www.landrover.co.uk/vehicles/range-rover
Design
Performance
Value
Overall rating
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '
A&Y BOOK CLUB
@ArmyandYou60 Army&You winter 2014
CAMBERLEY CRITIQUE
The RMAS/Camberley book club volunteered to run the rule over our autumn offerings. Host Karen Ross shares the group’s assessment of the titles below...
THE WOMAN IN THE PICTURE
Attracted by the cover, three of our group opted to tackle this title. Sian particularly liked the historic descriptions of London, while Beth felt the central characters were strong. Conversely, Jane found it a long novel that could have developed the characters more. All would recommend this book but with reservations.
THE FAIR FIGHT
Proving you should never judge a book by its cover, all five of our group who read this title gave it a thumbs up. Lucy enjoyed it because of the “unusual subject matter” and unconventional “heroine”, although she found the story quite disjointed at times. Both Karen and Jane felt the ending was a little abrupt and left the reader wanting more, but would still recommend the book to others.
GHOST MOTH
The consensus among those members of our group who read Ghost Moth was that it is a book of two stories, neither of which is properly developed. Becks and Louise found it “depressing” and “a failed love story”. In contrast, Jane considered it beautifully written, although she didn’t click with Ghost Moth as either a title or overarching theme.
Nominate your club to receive copies of the titles opposite and feature in the next issue of Army&You by emailing [email protected]
KE
Y T
HE
ME
S
Emma is a struggling mother
who has put everything on
hold. Nina is sophisticated and
independent. When the pair
meet, Nina draws Emma into
her life. But this isn’t the first
time their paths have crossed.
Nina remembers Emma and
what she did. But what does
Nina want and how far will she
go to get it?
Her is a deeply affecting
psychological thriller, drawing
on forensic social observations,
the sinister side to unlikely
friendships and disturbing
insights into English obsessions
with class and status.
Best-selling author and
journalist Amanda Craig
describes this edgy page-
turner as “the best-written
novel about a toxic friendship
since Zoe Heller’s Notes on a
Scandal”.
Thomas Post is an expert
on coincidences. He’s an
authority. Every coincidence,
he says, can be explained by
the cold laws of chance. But
why then do coincidences
so afflict the life of Azalea
Lewis? And why has Thomas
Post’s orderly life been
thrown into such disarray by
the coincidences of Azalea?
The Coincidence Authority is
a love story set in a random
universe, which explores
the mysteries behind fate,
circumstance, destiny and
coincidence.
Praise for the title includes
“[it] twists like a pretzel and
it’s delightfully unexpected”
(The Times) and “an
absorbing novel suffused
with intelligence, charm and
humanity” (Bookseller).
Welcome to Midnight, Texas: a
dried-up Western town and the
latest creation of celebrated
crime novelist Charlaine Harris.
Located at the crossroad of
Witch Light and Davy Road, the
settlement is home to a limited
cast of full-time residents
including an internet psychic, a
new age magic store manager
and a pawn shop owner.
Midnight Crossroad is a novel
of mystery, intrigue, domestic
drama and supernatural
adventure.
A perfect example of what
Charlaine Harris – the author of
four consecutive number one
Sunday Times bestsellers –
does best: chilling small town
murder mysteries with a jaw-
dropping twist.
SY
NO
PS
ISW
HY
TH
IS?
Good titles we bringSeason’s readings and welcome to the second meeting of the A&Y Book
Club. This issue we have three Christmas crackers to help you wile away the long winter evenings...
TITLE:
Her
AUTHOR:
Harriet Lane
PUBLISHER
Weidenfeld & Nicolson
TITLE:
The Coincidence Authority
AUTHOR:
John Ironmonger
PUBLISHER
Phoenix
TITLE:
Midnight Crossroad
AUTHOR:
Charlaine Harris
PUBLISHER
Gollancz
DE
TA
ILS
Readers of Army&You can order copies of The Coincidence Authority for the special price of £6.99
(rrp £7.99) by calling 01903 828503 and quoting ref no: PB109; Her for £10.99 (rrp £12.99) by quoting
ref no: PB112; and Midnight Crossroad for £16.99 (rrp £18.99) by quoting ref no: PB111. UK postage and
packing is free, for overseas add £1.60.
EntertainerCLAIRE SWEENEY
ARMY&ME
You’re more qualified than
most to comment on the
trials and tribulations of
Service life. Remind us why
a former star of Brookside
knows so much about the
British Army?
I was part of a military family
and was also the Armed
Forces sweetheart for a
number of years. I went to
Afghanistan and have done
quite a bit of work with the
British Army. My brother
joined the cadets when he
was younger and went on to
serve in the King’s Regiment
for many years. He got very
badly injured in Northern
Ireland and was medically
discharged, which was a
shame because it had been
his life, but he is OK now and
has a lovely family.
Did a star turn in uniform not
appeal to you?
As a kid I used to have a
poster above my bed for the
Wrens and I thought that was
what I wanted to do, but then
I discovered dance classes
and that was that. I went
to dance school, so I’d be
tap dancing round the
house and my brother
would be putting spit
and polish on his
boots with a
spoon.
What was it like
having a soldier
as a brother?
We kind of got
used to it and I
think that is the case
for most military
families. I spent
time with him at
Mill Hill and spoke to the wives
and girlfriends of soldiers and
[being separated by service]
just becomes a way of life. It is
hard when they are not there
for Christmas but I was so used
to him being away.
Some may argue that time
apart from a brother or sister
is no bad thing. Was it not a
blessing on occasions?
No, not at all – he’s a great
brother and I’m really proud
of him. One of my proudest
moments was when he was
in charge of [his] cadets and
during a presentation all the
kids came forward and gave
a little speech about how
my brother changed their
lives; how he’d got them off
the street and how he had
influenced them.
Did your brother’s military
career influence your
decision to accept the role of
Forces Sweetheart?
Yes, it was a great insight
into my brother’s life and a
huge compliment to be
approached. I was
asked if I would get
a show together
to entertain the
troops and be the
first entertainer into
Afghanistan. I
was very
flattered
and
honoured. It
was an amazing trip – I went
to Kabul when they were just
building the camp; there were
no showers and everyone was
sleeping in tents.
Were you nervous about
visiting a war zone?
I’m not one of those people
who worries unnecessarily
about stuff like that. When we
reached Kabul the airplane
had to land in darkness
because aircraft had been
getting shot at but I just
thought I’m in the safest
hands possible – those of the
British Army – and if anything
is going to happen, it is
going to happen. I was very
philosophical about it all as
you can go outside and get
run over. I focused on enjoying
the experience.
Your career has taken in
everything from Brookside
Close and a hit solo album to
appearing on Celebrity Big
Brother and presenting Loose
Women. What’s been the
highlight to date?
That trip [with the military] was
one of the highlights. Singing
in a lovely hotel for the Navy in
Dubai, on a stage in the desert
in Oman and on the back of a
truck in Afghanistan was great.
It was a brilliant experience.
This Christmas you are
appearing on stage alongside
Ray Quinn in Aladdin at the
Liverpool Empire. How does
being in pantomime compare
to treading the boards of the
West End?
It’s my home crowd isn’t it –
I’m coming home. My first ever
panto was when I was 17 and
it was at the Liverpool Empire
and this is the first time I’ve
been back. The cast are all
Scousers and I’ve known them
for years – it’s like working
with family. n
Claire is appearing as the Genie of the Ring in Aladdin at the Liverpool Empire from Saturday 13 December to Sunday 4 January. Tickets are priced between £10 and £30.40 and are available from the box office at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or 0844 871 3017
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 61
ASK THE EXPERTS
@ArmyandYou62 Army&You winter 2014
OUREXPERTS
LEGAL MANDEEP GILLConsultant solicitor Mandeep is here to answer all of your law-related queries
BEAUTYGRACE BROWNFrom top tips on new products to looking good on a budget, Grace has the answers
How can I sparkle this season?Q THE winter
often seems
so dull and grey, but
of course the party
season always adds a
bit of sparkle!
For me, it’s a chance
to really experiment
with my make-up.
If you fancy a fresh
look, but without the
drastic change, eye
shadow is your new
best friend.
I always tend to
use a matte finish,
as shimmery or
metallic powders can
highlights lines and
age the eyes.
For a truly flattering
look, a lovely brown
shade blended well
to just above your
eye socket can
really warm up your
whole face.
Eyelashes are a
perfect way to glam
up this season.
Adding strip lashes
completely transforms
everyday make up
into evening, in just
two minutes!
If you find them
uncomfortable, don’t
just give up and take
them off. You can
always remove them,
snip them to size and
re-apply to just the
outer eyes.
You can get a
smaller volume
lash if you want the
more natural look too.
Eyelash newbies, go
and grab a pair to try
– you have nothing
to lose! GB
A
How do I access legal services overseas?Q IF you are posted overseas, depending on the issue,
you may be able to access legal advice and take
action if required, whilst you are abroad.
If you are unable to deal with an issue as you need to be
present in the UK, for example, a court appearance, you
should initially write to the parties involved – and the court
– to inform them of your situation.
Remember, original documents can be scanned and sent
via email.
The Law Society provides an online “Find a Solicitor”
service which enables you to find a solicitor by postcode
and specialism if you require advice.
For useful information on a range of legal issues please
refer to the following links:
] Citizens Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk
] Step Change (debt help) www.stepchange.org
] Resolution (family issues) www.resolution.org.uk
] Law on the Web lawontheweb.co.uk/criminal_law
] Law Society (find a solicitor) www.solicitors.
lawsociety.org.uk
] Queen Mary University (free advice)
www.lac.qmul.ac.uk MG
SEND US YOURQUESTIONS!Whatever your query, send it in to us and we’ll find an expert to give you an answer.
A
MENTAL HEALTHCAT WILLIAMSCounsellor and Army wife Cat can help you cope with the stresses of life around the military
NUTRITIONALEX COOKIf you want to maintain a healthy diet, Alex is here to help. Find out more at www.diet360.co.uk
Q&A
ASK THE EXPERTS
WHETHER you are
travelling to see your
family, have in-laws visiting,
your soldier is away or there is
just not enough time or money,
there are some simple steps to
help you:
l Watch your own
expectations – you can't do
everything. Be gentle on
yourself, especially when you
feel under pressure. Prioritise
and let some things go.
l Find somewhere to be
alone. Lock the door and
practise “toilet seat therapy”,
closing your eyes and
imagining warm light pouring
in so that all stress and
self-doubt is replaced by
calmness. See YouTube
for a demonstration
by me. It works!
l Be kind to
yourself by
keeping time for favourite
activities. Ask others for help
and appreciate their efforts.
l Talk to a friend – share
how you feel with the person
you’re comfortable with. They
are likely to be feeling the
strain of Christmas too and will
support you.
Cat’s “Stay Calm and
Content” service
(staycalmandcontent.com)
is available on telephone
and Skype. Funding may be
available.
If you have a mental health
question for Cat, email
Q A
WE ALL know how easy it is to let your healthy eating
routine go when your soldier is away – hands up if
you’ve tried to survive on wine and crisps!
You’ll be pleased to know that despite being an expert in
nutrition, even a dietitian has slip-ups. When left alone for
months with two small children, a career and a house to
maintain, I come last of a long list of priorities.
When my husband Martyn deployed earlier this
year I was determined not to get into the habit
of snacking for meals. I decided to set myself
some rules, which I hope you can follow
to give you the energy needed to survive
the tour:
✓ Keep a full fridge – if you’re busy, shop
online and have it delivered.
✓ Weekly plan – we all get stuck in a rut,
so plan your meals for the week; it will
save time and money too.
✓ Five a day – more if you can! Five fruit and
veg a day ensures a good boost of vitamins and
minerals. Three tablespoons of carrots counts as one portion, as
does one medium apple. That’s two already!
✓ Three meals a day – don’t skip. Eating little and often will
keep energy levels up and hunger at bay.
✓ Eat your evening meal together – if you have children, avoid
cooking twice by eating with them. It’s also a good time to
discuss the day’s events.
✓ Don’t pick – lots of extra calories can be
consumed picking at leftovers so busy
yourself with something else.
✓ Bulk cook – you can freeze the leftovers
and have instant dinners at your fingertips.
✓ Limit comfort foods – quiet nights
in have most of us reaching for the
chocolate but if it’s not there, you can’t
eat it. Don’t buy it!
✓ Have breakfast. Evidence shows
that those who skip breakfast end up
consuming more calories during the day so
wake your metabolism up. AC
How can I stay healthy while my soldier is deployed?Q A
How can I survive the festive period?
I RECENTLY sat through a 90-minute
welfare presentation (mainly about
mould) and not once was the word
“partner” mentioned.
My partner and I are not married,
although we have bought a house
together within 15 minutes of camp. This
decision, however, could pose a problem
when my other half is posted in 2016.
When I asked the speaker about the
lack of provision for military partners, I was
rebuffed and told that we would never get
a quarter. I wasn’t asking for one but some
kind of concession would be welcome.
Given I have been with my man for three
years and bought a house with him, you
would think there would be some kind of
sliding scale regarding benefits.
I appreciate there needs to be a cut-
off point to stop every Tom, Dick and
Harry trying to claim a quarter and other
associated perks afforded to military
spouses, but I have less rights than
someone who may have met and married
a soldier within three weeks.
I communicated this to the speaker,
who told me (again) that I couldn’t get
a quarter and suggested that if I didn’t
want the expense, I should just go down
to the registry office. As you can imagine
I left feeling rather deflated and like I
have no option but to get married to be
recognised as a partner by the military.
Name & address supplied
Response from AD PS4 (Army):
Defence recognises that it needs to
remain informed by societal changes
and trends; in respect to this particular
issue, concerning the potential to widen
the eligibility for subsidised Service
accommodation and allowances, it
will be taken forward under the work
that is currently supporting the New
Employment Model.
The issues and complexities of 21st
century living will be incorporated into
a strategic long-term perspective of the
future accommodation offer which will
encompass supporting allowances.
POSTBAGGet in touch – you don’t need to worry that it will affect your soldier’s career. Please include your name and address. They will not be published or revealed to anyone outside AFF without your permission.
CONTACT US
✎To have your say on the issues affecting you, send your letters to the Editor at [email protected]
@ArmyandYou64 Army&You winter 2014
No quarter given to unmarried partners
‘I’M NOT A DEPENDANT’I CONSIDER myself as a pretty
independent person who is able to
cope with a considerable amount on my
own without the physical presence of
my soldier husband. I therefore find it a
derogatory term when I am labelled a
“dependant” – defined as “a person who
relies on another person for support, aid,
or sustenance”.
Army spouses and children are some
of the most independent people I have
ever met. This antiquated label is an insult
to what we do whilst we remain at home
holding the fort.
For two years I refused on principle to
obtain a dependant’s ID card on the basis
that I am not dependent on my husband
for anything. Circumstances have forced
me to make the shameful trip to camp to
fill out the necessary form which states
that he is “responsible” for me. If we must
be labelled, surely there is a better term
that more accurately represents the role
we play.
Just because it’s widely used by the
MOD doesn’t necessarily make it the
right term. With morale at such a low,
perhaps the Service should recognise an
overall shift in the roles families play and
not merely see them as a bolt-on to the
soldier they recruit, but as an integrated
part of Army life.
Name & address supplied.
Response from AFF Chief Executive,
Catherine Spencer: I agree. If the Army
is serious about equality and diversity this
offensive term must be removed from all
policy documents.
I raised this question when I was
Director AFF Germany. At that time I was
given the response that “dependant”
was a legal term used in the Status of
Forces Agreement and as such could not
be adjusted.
However, with the closure of BFG it is
time for a new phrase – Entitled Family
Member (shortened to EFM) is my
suggestion. It may not be as catchy but it
certainly doesn’t carry the same negative
connotations of dependence.
www.armyandyou.co.uk winter 2014 Army&You 65
POSTBAG
I AM told that under the new Service
housing contract there will be no more
“routine” pre move-out inspections.
We have relocated several times and
not once have we had a move-out that
could be described as “routine”. In our
experience, the inspection provides an
opportunity to iron out any issues so
that we don’t receive any surprise bills
later on.
We are about to move again and our
quarter has very old carpets and lino
which we’re pretty sure will be ripped
up and replaced. How do we ensure
this is the case and we don’t waste time
and money cleaning them?
Name and address supplied
Response from AFF Housing
Specialist Cat Calder: If there are
issues like this that you need to discuss
you can still request a pre move-out
inspection, it is only routine ones which
have been suspended. If you have
any problems getting an appointment,
contact me at [email protected]
‘THERE’S NOTHING ROUTINE ABOUT A MILITARY MOVE’
HOMEOWNERS LEFT ALONE
I AM a military wife with two children aged
six and six months and work full-time with
an hour commute from my own home.
My husband has been deployed for
almost 450 nights out of bed over the
past three years.
During his six-month tour of Afghanistan,
I received no information from the welfare
office, not even a phone call to see if
there was anything I needed.
During his six-month deployment to
the Falklands I was heavily pregnant, but
only received one call which came after
my husband complained that no one had
been to check up on me or my daughter.
I was also going through a redundancy
process at work.
My daughter did find support from the
charity My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures,
which supports young children with
separation packs and events, but we
should not have had to rely on a charity
to step in.
In the current climate – where it looks
increasingly likely that there will be more
deployments not less – there needs to be
better support for families from the Army.
Name and address supplied
Response from PS4 (Army) Welfare:
Army policy clearly states that prior
to deployment, units should inform all
families, regardless of their location, of
the level of support that will be provided
to them whilst their soldier is away as
well as offering an option of follow-up
support if required.
Whilst I would not always expect the
welfare staff to phone a spouse of a
deployed soldier during the deployment,
I would expect the unit to initiate the
correct support, as this would ensure
the spouse held all the requisite welfare
contact details.
Units should also be seeing if families
in their own homes would like visits from
a support organisation such as SSAFA
Forces Help.
PS4(A) does support greater self-
reliance and resilience, encouraging
individuals to initiate contact as and
when required, so I would at least hope
that you received an information package
when your soldier arrived at their unit
with all the relevant welfare specialist
contact details and advice on what to do
in given circumstances.
WHEN we received our posting order we
were really impressed with the housing
allocation system. You could pick your
future home based on the information
you supply; the selection of houses
appears on the screen and you can also
see if anyone else is interested as their
first, second or third choice.
We picked three houses in one area due
to several factors such as jobs, friends
and schools.
Our first choice had no other interest
on the day we submitted the application.
A full 15 working days later, we were
allocated a house which was not
even in the area we chose.
Furthermore, the nearest
school has no places
available and the Armed
Forces Covenant does not
apply as 90 per cent of the
children there are military.
I understand that there are lots of
families coming and going but why give
us the choice if you just get what you are
given regardless of preference? We rang
the HASC and were told we could reject
that offer but would have to wait a further
15 working days. My husband has to be at
his new unit in 11 weeks and I had already
organised visits to schools.
Why introduce a new system which
is meant to give you a small amount of
control of your future when in fact it’s the
same old system that’s always been in
place? And why does it take 15 working
days to allocate a home?
Name and address supplied
Response from DIO: It is not always
possible to allocate preferred choices
to applicants. This can be for a number
of reasons, primarily as other applicants
may not have expressed a preference.
In these cases, staff are then required
to make the choice for them and allocate
properties according to requests
from other applicants, availability of
accommodation to meet requirement
dates, the wishes of the chain of
command and other factors.
In relation to the 15 day period that is
given, these rules are laid down in JSP
464 Tri-Service Accommodation
Regulations and allocations
staff are required to adhere
to them.
AFF comment: It can
seem unfair if you don’t get
any of the SFA you select.
Unfortunately, selections are only a
preference and not a choice.
Whilst it is difficult to comment on
individual cases, AFF is aware that in
some areas there are local agreements
in place which mean only those posted to
that specific location are to be allocated
there. This is not currently reflected in
the options which the system shows as it
displays everything which is available to
your entitlement within a ten mile radius.
AFF has already brought this to the
attention of the new contractor and will
continue to lobby for local agreements
to be reflected so that families are not
given false hope.
Same old system
@ArmyandYou66 Army&You winter 2014
POSTBAG
WE are moving for the third time in four
years and unlike previous moves I am
feeling sick with worry and don’t know
where to turn.
My husband was informed that he was
to be posted a year earlier than planned.
I am a qualified social worker currently
on maternity leave. As usual, and as
expected of an Army spouse, I have again
handed in my notice and will be moving
to our new posting.
I knew that by marrying a soldier I
would have to put my career on hold
and that every move and job change
would be to the detriment of my CV and
employment prospects.
However, I think the “powers that be”
should recognise the financial impact
every move has, particularly on those
families who rely on two incomes.
We knew it may take some time
following a move to find a job and so we
put money aside each month to ensure
there are enough funds to cover the bills
whilst I look for work.
However, I have recently had my first
child and savings accrued are easily
spent on things for the baby. We did so
expecting we would have another year to
save to alleviate any financial burden.
Consequently, we’re facing the stress
of yet another move and the reality of
financial hardship and mounting debt.
We will once again lose a second
income and I must find and pay out for
childcare before I am able to work.
Most child minders want at least a
month’s fees upfront and the garrison
nursery will charge £905 per month for
three-and-a-half-days a week.
Whilst we will be provided with
Disturbance Allowance and have access
to childcare vouchers, this does not come
close to covering a second salary.
I often read how the Forces want
to support spouses into employment
and prevent families from being
disadvantaged as a result of Service
life, but this cannot be achieved without
consideration and action being taken to
address the impact of regular moves.
Name & address supplied
Response from Directorate of
Personal Services (Army): The
circumstances described are clearly
frustrating for you and other families
who have to manage difficult choices
between mobility and stability and the
impact that has on accompanied service
and family unity.
Our surveys tell us that the effect of
frequent moves on children’s education
and spousal employment remain key
concerns for the majority of Army
families. We recognise these concerns
and are working to address them as part
of the New Employment Model.
There are no easy answers, as the
military lifestyle creates a number of
challenges. However, they are reflected
in X-Factor and in the allowances that
support mobility.
X-Factor is a pensionable addition to
pay and covers a range of issues that are
unique to the Armed Forces, including
“turbulence” and “support to personnel
and families”, and the effect on spousal
employment is taken into account by
these two components.
Last year X-Factor was increased to
14.5 per cent for Regular personnel. The
Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB)
and MOD both recognise the importance
of two incomes to Service families and
the effects that frequent moves can have
on a spouse’s ability to gain, and keep,
appropriate employment.
The AFPRB intends to make spousal
employment a component when
considering levels of X-Factor.
I appreciate that you are already
qualified for your chosen field of
work, but for those less fortunate the
Government, as part of the Armed Forces
Covenant, is committed to removing or
mitigating any disadvantage Service
partners face in employment.
The Corporate Covenant enables all
businesses to formally support our Armed
Forces community and to help overcome
Service-related disadvantages.
As part of the New Employment Model’s
Partner Employment Project, the MOD
has been sponsoring two programmes
designed for Service spouses and
civil partners: The Royal British Legion
Industries Lifeworks employability
workshops and the University of
Wolverhampton’s Supporting the Unsung
Hero business start-up courses.
The cost of childcare is an issue for
many families, civilian as well as military.
I appreciate that the MOD childcare
voucher scheme does not replace
a second income, but it can provide
savings of up to £1,866 per year.
Childcare costs vary across the country
and Army families face additional
difficulties when living away from their
home town and family support networks.
The garrison nursery you mention
(run by a private company) has said
that it would accept two weeks’ fees
in advance, as opposed to four, and
your husband’s commanding officer
can authorise an advance of 14 days’
pay where an individual (or family) is
experiencing hardship.
Career put‘on pause’
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