Veterans World - Issue 20

Issue 20 June 2011 ®MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

The Armed ForcesCompensation

Scheme changes

3Issue 20 June 2011

Contents Issue 20June 2011

Help just a phone call awayRound the clock support provided by newservice

All changeThe Armed Forces Compensation Schemefollowing review

Dealing with visual impairmentNew project helping Scottish Veterans

James is now the bossInitiative helping Service leavers set up business

Take controlNew home and money programme

RegularsNews in BriefSPVA NewsNoticeboard

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Veterans WORLD is distributed to those work in an advisory role.Managing Editor: Laurie MantonEditor: Clare EllisDeputy Editor: Chrissie ButterworthEmail: [email protected]

For distribution enquiriesEmail: [email protected] or call: 01253 330451

Want to make an editorial contribution?Contributions are most welcome.To raise awareness of an initiative, scheme or organisation that offershelp, advice or support to veterans contact the editorial team by emailing: [email protected]

Editorial content enquiries contact:Managing Editor: Laurie Manton by Email: [email protected] by calling: 01253 333882

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For advertising opportunities please contact:[email protected]

Front cover: The Leopard at sea, Sea Sanctuary page 14

The content of Veterans WORLD is provided to raise awareness ofhelp, advice and support available to the veterans community.Publication of articles on services provided or developmentsaffecting the veterans community does not mean that they areendorsed by Veterans WORLD or the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans given a sporting chance

Veterans get help to kickstart a

healthy New Year

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News in brief

Veterans WORLD provides an update onthe Armed Forces BereavementScholarship Scheme launched in April.

THE scheme delivers the CoalitionGovernment’s undertaking to provideuniversity and further education scholarshipsfor the children of Service personnel whohave been killed on active duty since 1990.

It’s open to all bereaved children whoseparent’s death was attributable to theirservice in the UK armed forces. The

scholarships are intended to be acontribution towards the costs of staying inschool and of attending university.

Scholarship amounts may vary for each ofthe countries in the UK, because of thedifferences in the way that education isfunded across the Devolved Administrations.The intention is to provide the equivalentlevel of support regardless of which homecountry a family resides in or where a childchooses to study. For the purposes of theScheme, bereaved children from overseas

will be treated as though they are resident inEngland.

At the time of going to press, the size of theuniversity scholarships for those in Wales hasyet to be agreed. For the 2010 - 11 academicyear, the scholarships for a child resident inEngland are £1,500 per year for furthereducation and £8,240 per year while on afirst undergraduate degree course at a UKuniversity. This is likely to rise for academicyear 2011 - 12 in line with the increases intuition fees, when these have been decided.

HM Revenue and Customs have agreed thatthese scholarships will be free of Income Taxand National Insurance.

New scholarships for further education across the UK

Carole McEntee-Taylor is writing a book onthe history of Military detention inColchester focusing on the Centre todayand how it has changed since 1947 andneeds contributions about time spent there.Carole, who works at the Centre, explained:

“Whether you were a member of staff, adetainee, a visitor or a member of theArmed Forces who escorted someone to theCentre, we’d like to hear your story.However small or irrelevant you think yourmemory might be, please share yourmemory and contribute to the history of thecentre.

“I’ve received a great response from staffwho worked here in the 1950’s, many ofwhom are now in their 90s. It would begreat to get more stories from peoplewho’ve played a part in the centre’s historythroughout the decades.”

Editor’s Note: This is one of the currentappeals SPVA have published on theVeterans Community Section of theirwebsite – www.veterans-uk.info If youhave information that would be of

interest to the veterans community, thenemail details to [email protected] and add the address to yourpress release distribution.

Veterans asked to share memories of the Military Detention Centre in ColchesterShare military history

ContactsInformation with details of eligibility andhow to apply, which goes by the catchytitle of 2011DIN01-110, can be found onthe MOD website at:http://bit.ly/scholarshipscheme

The application form is also available atthis address.

Bereaved Service children given head start

“It would be great to get more storiesfrom people who’ve played a part in

the centre’s history throughout thedecades.”

“It would be great to get more storiesfrom people who’ve played a part in

the centre’s history throughout thedecades.”

Service Personnel & Veterans Agency

Aerial view of the centre prior to 1988

A geography lesson at Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Editor’s Note: News in Briefcontinues in page 25

ContactsTo record your memories, email Carole [email protected] or call Pat on 07738 172289. All information will betreated in confidence, details can be keptanonymous.

5Issue 20 June 2011

Round the clock telephone support forveterans with mental health problemsis now being provided following thelaunch, in March, of the Combat StressSupport Helpline, delivered by RethinkMental Illness and funded by theDepartment of Health.

AVAILABLE 24 hours a day, seven days aweek at 0800 138 1619, the helplineallows veterans and their families toaccess expert advice from people trainedand experienced in dealing with ex-Service personnel and their mental healthneeds.

The Department of Health is giving£200,000 to fund the running of a one-year pilot of the helpline, which willprovide:

• round-the-clock support for veterans;

• advice on ways to access mental health support across various formats, including advice via telephone, text, email and websites;

• support to veterans' families, whose lives can be affected as a result of mental health problems, with improved support to help them to access mental health services in their local area; and

• assistance in accessing further advice on other social problems affecting veterans, including housing and employment advice.

Health Minister Simon Burns said:

“We are giving £200,000 to provideveterans and their families with a servicethat will help and support them wheneverand wherever they need it. This is part ofour commitment to deliver the bestpossible health outcomes to veterans.

“We are working with Combat Stress todeliver to veterans and their families freeand impartial advice. The helpline,delivered by Rethink, will provide mentalhealth support to help veterans and theirfamilies deal with issues that can seriouslyblight so much of their lives. This is also agreat example of how the expertise ofcharities can be used to foster a strongerand healthier society.”

Andrew Robathan, the Minister forDefence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans,said:

"The mental health of our personnel andveterans is a top priority of theGovernment, and it is right that we do allwe can to support them and their families.The launch of this 24-hour helpline,specifically designed to support veterans,is further proof of the close workingrelationship between this country'scharities and Government and allowsthose with the greatest expertise to helpthose in need whatever the hour."

Dr Andrew Murrison MP, whoseindependent review into the provision ofmental health services for veteranssupported the setting up of a veteransmental health helpline added:

"It is great to see that with the help of theDepartment of Health, Combat Stress andRethink this 24-hour helpline has beenlaunched. I am confident that it will giveex-Service personnel the support they notonly need but deserve, given the sacrificesthey have made for this country."

The launch of the new helpline issupported by a range of psychologicaltherapies that veterans experiencingmental health problems will be able torequest to help them improve theirmental health and well-being.

Alongside the helpline, the Department ofHealth is also working with the RoyalCollege of General Practitioners todevelop training tools for GPs to betterrecognise the needs of veterans andprovide the best support.

The helpline is part of the Government's'No health without mental health’strategy, which will invest £7.2m todeliver additional mental health servicesfor the Armed Forces community

Veterans' mental health helpline launched

"The launch of this24-hour helpline,specifically designedto support veterans, isfurther proof of theclose workingrelationship betweenthis country's charitiesand Government..."Andrew Robathan

“This is also a greatexample of how theexpertise of charitiescan be used to fostera stronger andhealthier society.”

Round the clock telephone support for veterans with mental health problems

6

Veterans WORLD reports on the changes to the Scheme . . .

Significant Improvements to the Armed Forces Compensation SchemeFrom May 9 this year, all current andformer members of the Armed Forcescan now benefit from significantimprovements to the Armed ForcesCompensation Scheme.

THE Armed Forces Compensation Scheme(AFCS) provides compensation for anyinjury, illness or death which is caused byservice, on or after April 6, 2005. TheScheme was recently reviewed by Admiralthe Lord Boyce, former Chief of DefenceStaff, who made a number ofrecommendations for its improvement.

The Ministry of Defence worked with theServices and ex-Service organisations suchas The Royal British Legion, BLESMA, WarWidows’ Association, the Confederation ofService Charities (COBSEO), SSAFA FH andthe Family Federations, to successfullyimplement all of the recommendations,within one year of Lord Boyce’s reportbeing published.

The Army Pay Colonel, Col Fiona Gardner,summed up the Services’ view of thesechanges, commenting:

“I believe that the changes recommendedby Lord Boyce, and implemented in full,represent a significant improvement to theScheme which now appropriatelyrecognises the totality and severity ofinjuries suffered by our people, and deliversawards that are both fair and just.

“The changes to the Scheme havedelivered a comprehensive compensationpackage which should give our Servicepersonnel confidence in the event ofinjury.”

The most significant change is the averageincrease, which represents around 25 percent, to all lump sum payments, except thetop award which was recently doubled to£570,000. Other awards have also beenconsiderably improved, for example, themaximum lump sum payable for mentalhealth has been almost tripled to £140,000;those receiving payments for the mostserious injuries or illnesses, includingmental health awards, will also benefit fromincreases to their monthly income stream.

Lord Boyce’s Review took special accountof the changing nature of injuries and inparticular the serious multiple injuries thatsome individuals received from ImprovisedExplosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq andAfghanistan. As such, there has also been asubstantial change to how the Schemecalculates payments for those individualswhere previously compensation was onlyawarded for the three most severe injuries;now they will receive some compensationfor each of their injuries.

And, the change which Andrew RobathanMP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, believes to be ‘mostnotable’ is the increase in monthly

paymentsfor those with themost seriousinjuries. TheseGuaranteedIncome Payments*have beenincreased to reflectthe lasting impactof more seriousinjuries on likelyfuture promotionprospects as a resultof injury and on theability to work up toage 65.

All of these changeswill have a tangible impact. For example, ifan individual takes part in service-approvedAdventurous Training (AT) and sustains abroken nose, but the bones are stillconnected, they could receive £1,200;previously this would have been £1,115. At the other end of the scale, the impact ofthe changes for the more severely injured iseven more significant. For example, if an

“The changes tothe Scheme havedelivered acomprehensivecompensationpackage whichshould give ourService personnelconfidence in theevent of injury.”

7Issue 20 June 2011

Armed Forces Compensation SchemeAFCS – the facts

What is the AFCS?

The Armed Forces CompensationScheme (AFCS) provides compensationfor any injury, illness or death which iscaused by service on or after 6 April2005.

The War Pension Scheme (WPS)compensates for any injury, illness ordeath which occurs up to this date.

Who is eligible?

All current and former members of theUK Armed Forces, including Reservists,may submit a claim for compensation.

What can I claim for?

You can claim for any injury or illnesswhich has been sustained as a result ofservice. This includes AdventurousTraining (AT), physical exercise andorganised sport, for example, inter-Service athletics.

What payments can I receive?

Everyone who receives an award underthe AFCS receives a lump sum paymentof between £1,200 and £570,000,depending on severity.

For serious injuries, which reduce anindividual’s ability to earn futureincome, a monthly tax-free, index-linkedincome stream is paid as anenhancement to the pension. This iscalled a Guaranteed Income Payment(GIP).

How do I make a claim?

You will need to submit a claim to theService Personnel and Veterans Agency.You can download a form here:http://www.veterans-uk.info/pensions/claim_forms.html

Where can I get advice?

To request a form or for advice andguidance call the free helpline:

0800 169 22 77 (UK only), +44 1253 866 043 (overseas)

Or visit: www.mod.uk/afcs orwww.veterans-uk.info

“This is a no-faultscheme open to allService personnel,covering the wholespectrum of injuriesfrom life-changingoperational injuriesto a broken toe;and if you havebeen injured as aresult of yourservice in theArmed Forces youcan and shouldmake a claim.”Army Pay Colonel, ColFiona Gardner.

individual loses both legs below the kneethey could receive a lump sum payment of£290,000: this is a 68 per cent increase in theamount paid under the old Scheme,£172,000. As well as the increased lumpsum, he or she will receive a GuaranteedIncome Payment – a tax-free, index-linkedincome stream for life.

It is worth stressing that these changes donot just benefit future claimants –exceptionally, all those who have alreadyreceived an award under the Scheme willsee it increased in line with the changes. Butdo not worry – you don’t need to take anyaction as the Service Personnel and VeteransAgency, who deliver the Scheme, will benotifying the 10,000 plus people who havepreviously received an award.

Yet, there is still work to be done. TheReview also set up an Independent MedicalExpert Group, which looks at how theScheme can best compensate for specificillnesses. This group’s recommendationshave been published in a report, but theywill be doing further work this year onissues including mental health and hearingloss. It will also look at diseases which mightbe recognised under the Scheme.

These changes, in their entirety, provide acompensation scheme that it is fit forpurpose: to provide financial compensationin recognition of the sacrifice made by ourService personnel on the Nation’s behalf.

As Andrew Robathan MP stated: “Thesechanges will have a direct and positiveimpact on our Armed Forces personnel.”

Editor’s Note: * The Guaranteed IncomePayments commence once the individualhas left the Services.

To help provide information on thechanges to the Scheme a series ofproducts including leaflets, posters andpodcasts have been developed. Thesecan be downloaded at www.veterans-uk.info, click on pensionsand compensation. Or alternatively visitwww.mod.uk/afcs.The podcasts include an interview withCoI Fiona Gardner.


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Inspired by a visit to her nativeDenmark, Queen Alexandra created acharity to raise funds for the poor andneedy. Today, the charity continueshelping over 350 charities, removing thefinancial and administrative burden andbecoming their fundraising arm.

CHARITIES under the Alexandra Roseumbrella can carry out a collection atany time of the year within theircommunity and draw on the experienceand advice from the team of dedicatedstaff.

In 2010, the charity helped 28 veterans’charities across the UK. By collectingwith Alexandra Rose and initially raisingat least £100 themselves (from a streetcollection or by selling raffle tickets)charities can then apply to the specialappeal fund. The charity then writes aletter to Alexandra Rose explaining howmuch they need for the specific projecteach year they participate.

They can get up to £1,000 for a project or£500 for core costs. These requests gobefore the board at Alexandra Rose inOctober each year. Alexandra Rose alsoruns an annual raffle which is totally risk-free.

A lasting tribute

In 2010, the Royal Naval AssociationDriffield Branch used their grant to make amemorial rose garden. The original idea forthe rose bed was put forward by one oftheir members, who thought it would be afitting and lasting tribute to remember pastmembers.

After speaking to the East Riding ofYorkshire Council Parks and GardeningDepartment, permission was obtained.Brass plaques were bought from a local

memorialcraftsman inDriffield, andplinths weremade by alocalengineeringfirm andcemented inplace by alocal builder.The Councilare extremelypleased withthe results asthey say itenhances their Green Flag Award status forthe Garden of Remembrance.

Editor’s Note: The D-Day NormandyVeterans used their grant to visit theNational Memorial Arboretum wherethey laid a wreath.

The charities charityHow to apply

To join Alexandra Rose - The CharitiesCharity complete their Year 1 Application(Form ARC001), which can be requestedby ringing 01252 726 171 or [email protected] orregister online atwww.alexandrarosecharities.org.uk.

Take time to complete the form, thinkingabout who your volunteers might be, thebest location in your area for this and whatdates the collections might take place.Collections take place throughout theyear.Return the form to ARC with a payment of£50.

The Rose Collections Manager will thenapply for the permit or licences that youhave asked for and will assess whatequipment you will need, for examplecollecting buckets, badges, stickers . . . You can ring at any time if you have aquestion, want to change your dates orneed advice.

As soon as the permit or licence comesthrough, you can finalise what equipmentyou need and the charity will send all thepaperwork that you will need and theirCollections Booklet which gives step-by-step advice on what you have to do. Shortly after King Edward VII’s reign

ended in 1910, the now elderly (but stillbeautiful) Queen conceived the idea ofher Rose Day. Queen Alexandra hadreturned to her native Denmark for aholiday. While visiting, she met with apoor priest who turned his house into ahome caring for crippled children. TheQueen asked how he managed to supportthe children, he replied that he sold smallbunches of roses from his garden. Thisgave the Queen the idea of how to helpthe poor and needy of London.

So, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary ofher arrival in this country, she invited hersociety friends to sell roses on the streetsof London. This was in 1912 and 15,000ladies collected on the streets, the firstrose collection raised a staggering£30,000. The roses sold were silk andmade by the “Watercress and Flower GirlsChristian Mission”. This was a charity setup to help flower sellers of a previousgeneration. This was the first ‘flag day’.

Founded in 1912, The Alexandra Rose charity continues providing support

An Alexandra Rose Charity street collector

Queen Alexandra

9Issue 20 June 2011

Edinburgh is gearing up for ArmedForces Day national event, the thirdsince the annual celebrations began in2009, with parades, concerts,exhibitions, aerial displays and aspectacular Massed Pipes and DrumsParade organised by charity DecAid*.

THE weekend of activities from 24 to 26June sees Edinburgh take on the mantle asthe national centrepiece for 2011's ArmedForces Day celebrations. This prestigiousrole for the city was announced in Cardifflast summer; Council Leader Jenny Dawevisited the national event staged in theWelsh capital and took part in the officialhandover to Edinburgh. She said:

"Hosting an event on this scale issomething for which Edinburgh hasbecome internationally revered - indeed,the city has won a reputation as one of thetop events destinations in the worldthanks to the success of such majoroccasions as the visit by Pope Benedict XVIin 2010 and Edinburgh's Hogmanay. Eversince I attended the Armed Forces Daynational event in Cardiff last year, I havebeen looking forward to bringing thecelebrations to Scotland's capital, where Iknow we will put on a sensational three

days of activities and entertainment foreveryone to get involved with."

Lord Provost George Grubb said:

"It's a tremendous privilege for Edinburghto be the host city for this year's ArmedForces Day national celebrations and weand our partners and sponsors areworking very hard to ensure this year'sevents are a great success. Edinburgh hasa long and proud tradition of honouringits Armed Forces and this will be a uniqueopportunity to showcase this to apotentially vast audience worldwide. Iurge everyone to come along and enjoy afantastic weekend in support of ourService personnel."

Events will kick off in Leith on theafternoon of Friday 24 June, includingtours of HMS Portland and various water-based displays in Leith Docks andculminating in a full display by the RedArrows over the Firth of Forth. Members ofthe public will also have the opportunityto try out Red Arrow and Tornado Jetflight simulators at Ocean Terminal.

On Armed Forces Day itself (Saturday, 25June), a parade of up to 1,500 servingpersonnel, veterans and cadets will marchdown the Royal Mile from the CastleEsplanade to Holyrood Park. The paradewill end with a short ceremony of thanksand the official handover to the nextNational host city (yet to be announced).This will be followed by a packedafternoon of events and entertainment for

all the family, including parachutedisplays, Highland dancing, music and aVeterans' Village. That evening, the UsherHall will host the Armed Forces DayConcert, featuring a range of performersincluding military bands.

A Massed Pipes and Drums parade onSunday, 26 June is being organised bycharity DecAid, processing down the RoyalMile to Holyrood Park, followed by anafternoon of music and a Battle of theBands.

Editor’s Note: VIP attendance is stillunknown but in previous years therehas been attendance by a member ofthe Royal Family. The event is to betelevised. Up to 80,000 people areestimated to attend the weekend ofevents.

*DecAid is a national, charity appealthat has been set up by students toraise money for service charitiesthrough the running of six high profileevents during the summer of 2011.Visitwww.Decaid.co.uk/

Edinburgh prepares to host Armed Forces Day 2011Preparations are in full swing to host a three-day celebration of Britain's Armed Forces inScotland's Capital this summer

“Edinburgh has a longand proud tradition ofhonouring its ArmedForces and this will bea unique opportunity toshowcase this to apotentially vastaudience worldwide.”

ContactsAs well as the national event inEdinburgh, there are events being heldacross the UK to celebrate ArmedForces Day, to find out more visitwww.armedforcesday.org.uk/

Edinburgh will host the third Armed Forces Day national event

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10

Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest charity(QVSR) has extended its service tosupport ex-Servicemen as well as activeor retired seafarers. QVSR in London’sEast End is the UK’s largest seafaringhostel and home to over 160 men: 20 areex-Army and one is ex-RAF.

IT’S also just opened the second phase of aradical refurbishment, part of a five-yearprogramme designed to give everyresident a more spacious and stylishbedroom with its own en-suite showerroom.

Although the home was originally foundedin 1843 to support seafarers and theirfamilies, links with ex-Service charityVeterans Aid and other organisations haveresulted in a growing number of referralsand a community of ex-Service residents.Alexander Campbell, chief executive ofQVSR explains:

“Over the last few years, we have seen agrowing number of ex-Servicemen seekingaccommodation at the ‘Queen Vic’. Wecontinue to look at the best ways to meetthe needs of these residents through thevalued partnership working with otherorganisations such as The Royal BritishLegion, SSAFA-FH, Veterans’ Aid and the SirOswald Stoll Foundation.”

The latest phase in its modernisation hascreated 18 new bedrooms by reconfiguringand upgrading nine existing bedrooms andthree self-contained flats.

The Royal British Legion has also recentlyconfirmed a £240,000 investment in QVSR,enabling the next phase of theredevelopment programme to proceed.

The money will be used to upgrade 10further bedrooms specifically for ex-Serviceresidents.

All initial works have been specificallyplanned by architects practice AyshfordSansome - with chartered surveyors HBWPartnership project managing all buildingand installation work - to temporarilyexpand the total stock of bedrooms andallow the home to remain fully occupiedwhile the entire building is upgraded.Alexander Campbell said:

“Everyone was delighted with theplanning, attention to detail andcommitment to quality shown by everyonein the refurbishment team and the speedwith which we are improving the lives ofour residents.

“In the past up to 15 men had to share acommunal bathroom, whereas now theycan have more privacy as well as a morecomfortable and better equippedbedroom.”

Editor’s Note: QVSR offers a fullprogramme of activities, support andeducational opportunities for all itsservice users and is also central toLondon’s East End community withmany local people dropping in to eatthere or for a chat.

Charity opens its doors to veteransSeafaring charity extending its services and accommodation to include veterans

A special plaque commemorating the opening of the new rooms was unveiled by JimFitzpatrick, MP for Poplar & Limehouse [pictured from left] Councillor A M Ohid Ahmed,Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Alexander Campbell, chief executive QVSR, Jim Fitzpatrickand Terry Simco, QVSR chair.

Each new QVSR bedroom is more spacious and comfortable, as well as being finished to anexceptionally high standard and decorated in contemporary colour schemes.

ContactsFor further information please visitwww.qvsr.org.uk/ or call 020 7987 5466.

“I am happy to move tomy new room andlooking forward to thatday; thank you QVSRfor your help andsupport.”Joe Smyth, veteran, 86yrs old – QVSR residentsince 1999.

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11Issue 20 June 2011

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With an amendment to the ArmedForces Bill, the Covenant’s principleswill be enshrined in law. The Covenantis a statement of the moral obligationwhich exists between the nation, theGovernment and the Armed Forces.

ITS core principles are that members of theArmed Forces Community do not sufferdisadvantages as a result of their serviceand that they receive special treatmentwhere appropriate.

Announcing its publication, DefenceSecretary Dr Liam Fox said:

"The Government has no higher duty thanthe defence of the realm. The ties betweenthe nation, its Government and its ArmedForces are not the product of rules andregulations but are much deeper than that.

"The Armed Forces Covenant does notneed to be a long and detailed charter. Itshould be a simple and timeless statementof the moral obligation that we owe. Weare therefore publishing a new version ofthe Covenant, written for the first time ona tri-Service basis."

The Armed Forces Bill will also require theDefence Secretary to report to Parliamentevery year on the progress ofimplementing the principles of theCovenant and specifically report on keyareas including healthcare, housing andeducation.

These measures will also provide a regularreview of the policies that will makegreater support to the Armed Forces areality and ensure that Parliament can

scrutinise the review through the annualreport, and that the report itself is widelyinformed, consultative and transparent.Progress already made on measures torebuild the Covenant include:

• doubling the Operational Allowance;

• including Service children within the Pupil Premium;

• introducing Higher/Further education scholarships for the children of bereaved Service families;

• improvements to mental healthcare;and

• Maximising R&R.

Additional measures will tackle some ofthe problems experienced by servingpersonnel, their families and veterans.These are:

• a new Community Covenant Grant scheme - with funding of £30 million over the next four years to support action by local communities to support our Armed Forces and veterans;

• a new fund of £3 million per year, overand above the Pupil Premium

arrangements, to support state schools catering for significant numbers of Service children;

• a guarantee that veterans suffering serious genital injuries will have accessto three cycles of IVF, wherever they live;

• an increase in the rate of Council Tax Relief for military personnel serving onoperations overseas from 25 to 50 per cent;

• Launching a veterans information service to provide support on health issues including mental health;

• Launching a Veterans Card to ease access to commercial discounts

• Working with banks and building societies on how they lend to members of the Armed Forces; and

• Launching a Troops to Teachers scheme.

Over the next few months, furtherannouncements, are planned whichinclude:

• ministers chairing a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss and agree ways to improve access to housing for our Service people;

• the Health and Defence Secretaries looking at how to take forward a report on improving further the supply of prosthetics for injured personnel; and

• considering how to ensure the Guaranteed Income Payments made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme are not required to be used to pay for social care provided by the public sector.

Armed Forces Covenant enshrined in lawThe tri-Service Armed Forces Covenant published for first time in May

ContactsThe Armed Forces Covenant can bedownloaded athttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/Welfare/ArmedForcesCovenant/TheArmedForcesCovenantDocuments.htm

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“. . . a simple andtimeless statement ofthe moral obligationthat we owe.”

The Covenant’s core principles will ensure the Armed Forces Community will not sufferdisadvantages as a result of their service, and where appropriate they receive special treatment.

12

Armed Forces veterans in Yorkshire nowhave better access to the latestpsychological therapies, thanks to a newservice set up by NHS Yorkshire and theHumber and Catterick Garrison.

THE service is part of Improving Access toPsychological Therapies (IAPT), an initiativewhich helps men and women who areexperiencing common mental healthdifficulties including anxiety, depression ormore complex conditions such as posttraumatic stress.

The IAPT service at Catterick Garrison,provided by NHS North Yorkshire and York,is called Vulnerable Veterans and AdultDependants (VVADS) and has beendeveloped in response to the needs ofveterans and armed forces families in thelocal area. VVADS has deliberatelyemployed therapists who are veteransthemselves or are experienced in workingwithin military communities.

One of the main aims of the service is tointervene at the earliest opportunity.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is themain treatment used by clinicians at theGarrison which allows veterans and thefamilies of Service personnel to talkthrough their problems.

Jason Wem (40) was in the army for nineyears and served in the first Gulf war, hesaid:

“Going for this therapy has helped me a lot.Being an ex-soldier and a man it can bedifficult to talk about what is bothering me.

“I was recently accepted into the fireservice, I’d passed all the tests, exams andthe physical but when it came to usingbreathing apparatus in basic training I justwent into meltdown. I’d used the sameequipment in the first Gulf war and it justbrought back a lot of memories andfeelings.

“I was originally going to therapy once aweek, but now I am down to once everytwo weeks. It has helped me in a number ofdifferent ways. I found I couldn’t copebeing around people but my therapist hastaught me some breathing exercises tohelp me manage with that. The person I seeis ex-military and she totally understandswhat I would have been doing in activeservice and she knows about the sorts ofproblems I have.”

Kathryn Riddle, Chair of NHS Yorkshire andthe Humber attended a launch event forthe service at Catterick Garrison, she said:

“This is a wonderful service which has beendesigned to give our veterans the bestpossible treatment, which is tailored totheir needs.

“When we think of veterans the thing thatcomes to mind is old men or Chelseapensioners, however that is not the fullstory. We have, right throughout Yorkshireand the Humber region, and the country asa whole, veterans of a number of conflictswho are as young as 19. This service canhelp them deal with the problems theymay have and move on to a successful nextchapter in their lives.”

Problems with depression and anxiety candevelop following significant events likebereavement, unemployment, relationshipbreakdown or traumatic events. For Servicefamilies there can be additional challengesthat lead people to feel unsettled,unsupported, lonely or unhappy. Someveterans may also find it difficult to ask forhelp and access mental health services for awide variety of reasons. VVADS aims to bean integral part of Catterick Garrison,understanding the challenges faced by thelocal community and provide speciallytailored treatments to promote mentalwellbeing and recovery.

Unique partnership brings talkingtherapy to veterans

“This service canhelp them deal withthe problems theymay have and moveon to a successfulnext chapter in theirlives.”

ContactsFor further information or to refer aveteran to the service call 01748 873156

What is Cognitive BehaviouralTherapy (CBT)?

• how you think about yourself, the world and other people

• how what you do affects your thoughts and feelings.

CBT can help you to change how youthink (‘Cognitive’) and what you do(‘Behaviour’). These changes can helpyou to feel better. Unlike some of theother talking treatments, it focuses onthe ‘here and now’ problems anddifficulties. Instead of focusing on thecauses of your distress or symptoms inthe past, it looks for ways to improveyour state of mind now.

Attending the launch of VVADS, from left: Andy Wright, Col Peter Sokolow, Heather Raistrick, KarenLynch, Kathryn Riddle, John Clare, Lt Col Andy Smith, Dr Paul Kitchen and Jon Parkin


Alongside punishment, rehabilitationsupport, both in custody and in thecommunity, has a part to play in helpingoffenders leave crime behind and tacklethe barriers that having a criminalrecord can bring.

CHARITY St Giles Trust helps ex-offendersresettle and break the cycle of re-offending.Operating from a main base in southLondon with regional offices in Norfolk,Suffolk, Kent and the Thames Valley, itsservices offer practical support in prisonand in the community around issues suchas accommodation, training and help toenter the employment market.

The cornerstone of its work is using trained,reformed ex-offenders –called PeerAdvisors - to provide services and supportfor others on the road to rehabilitation. StGiles Trust finds this approach worksexceptionally well with people who havebeen in prison who can be difficult toengage. By using people who have been inthe same situation as their clients, serviceshave an added level of credibility and trustto which they can easily relate.

St Giles Trust works with a small number ofclients who have been in the Armed Forces.They are keen to engage people who haveserved a prison sentence to train as PeerAdvisors to work with other ex-prisoners.This involves training to become a qualifiedadvice worker with the possibility ofsupported employment, helping prisonleavers to resettle in the community.Typically, this means getting peoplehoused on release from prison and linkedup with other support services.

A second chanceHow peer advisors can help ex-offenders rebuild their lives

“If I didn’t havehis supportthere’s no wayI’d be where Iam now.”

ContactsAnyone who is interested in finding outmore about St Giles Trust can contactthem on 020 7703 7000 or visitwww.stgilestrust.org.uk

*Name changed to protect the client’sconfidentiality.

Complete turnaround

22 year old Desmond* fromCroydon, Surrey, was helped bySt Giles Trust when he wasreleased from an eighteen monthsentence for burglary. He driftedinto petty crime and drugs afterbeing medically discharged fromthe Army as a result of seriousburns gained in an accidentduring a training exercise.Diagnosed with depression andwith nowhere to live after hisrelease, he was supported by acaseworker at St Giles Trust whohad himself previously been inprison and knew the challengesDesmond would face.

His caseworker ensuredDesmond had a roof over hishead and a benefits claim set upon his release and workedintensively with him to pursuepositive goals which would keephim crime free. As a result,Desmond went to college tostudy IT and continues to dowell. He attributed histurnaround to his caseworker,saying “If I didn’t have hissupport there’s no way I’d bewhere I am now.”

Support is available to help prison leavers get their life back on track

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It’s 0830 on a sunny Monday in theport of Falmouth and a group ofpeople are walking along the pontoontowards a classic wooden yachtnestled between two large motorboats. The people have never meteach other and yet they are set tospend four days on a yacht together.

DESPITE being unrelated, the five peopledo have something in common; each ofthem has opted to receive a very uniquemethod of support for poor mentalhealth and had served in the ArmedForces. In some cases it is depression,others have anxiety and one has beendiagnosed with Post Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD).

The yacht, Leopard, is operated by SeaSanctuary, a charity set up to supportpeople with poor mental health and farremoved from the more clinical settings

often used. Sea Sanctuary has devised aprogramme of support based onCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) andMindfulness, which is delivered onboard.The programme is carefully planned towork with the sailing experience toensure the passengers have a balance ofactivities and actually enjoy theexperience.

Sea Sanctuary’s yacht operates inarguably one of the most beautiful areasin Britain, with access to some of themost spectacular coastline available. Lifeafloat is forever changing, where no twodays are the same. On some days, agentle wind will blow and other days aforce 7 will keep everyone on their toesand where the yacht and her crew will bepushed to the limit. Teamwork, trust anda respect for the sea are essential in thisenvironment, where the sailingexperience enhances the psychological

Veterans Sail into Life . . .

“The programmeis carefullyplanned to workwith the sailingexperience toensure thepassengers have abalance ofactivities andactually enjoy theexperience.”

The crew enjoyed the vagaries of the Cornish weather


intervention. None of the passengers haveever sailed before but each person will takethe helm during their four days withLeopard and be responsible for her.

Each night, Leopard returns to her pontoonat Port Pendennis Marina where passengersdiscuss the day and are invited to reflect onwhy they are there. This is a familiar themethroughout the week where ‘down-time’ isa very useful tool in developing personalawareness.

The support extends past the weekly sail asJoe Sabien, Sea Sanctuary Chief Executive,explains:

“We have spent considerable timeinvestigating the best method ofevaluating our service and our servicedelivery. To ensure we’re meeting theexpectations of our clients and achievingresults, we routinely carry out entry andexit questionnaires, one-month post sailevaluations, six-month post sail evaluationsand one-year post sail evaluations. Thisrobust method of evaluating our service isdone to ensure that the interventionoffered works beyond the weekly sail.

“We are hoping for an increased sense ofwell-being, increased soft-skilldevelopment, and of equal importance,better coping skills to manage low mood ornegative thinking . . .

“Being at sea aids the increase inproduction of serotonin in the brain,sometimes referred to as the 'feel goodchemical'. When this is combined with SailTraining, which develops so-called softskills and psychological intervention suchas Cognitive Behavioural Therapy andMindfulness, the effects can be quiteoutstanding.”

The charity was set-up to be as inclusive aspossible. Despite receiving the majority ofreferrals from Cornwall and Devon, SeaSanctuary will support anyone from thewider UK. The referral process is easy enough- either email [email protected] call 01326 378919. Once this has beendone, the Charity will send a referral formout, requesting further information. Everyoneaccessing the service will need to beassessed by Sea Sanctuary (or a healthcareprofessional where necessary). This willensure the service can meet the expectationsof the person referring or being referred.(There is a cost involved but this cansometimes be met if the referral is from a GPin Devon or Cornwall where the NHS PrimaryCare Trust has commissioned the service orself-financed).

ContactsIf you know a veteran needingsupport with their mental health andwho might benefit from time onboardLeopard then contact Sea Sanctuarycall 01326 378919 or [email protected]

The Leopard was built in 1959 and is nowfully restored to a very high standard andwas originally used by the Navy for SailTraining. She is some 43ft in length,offers a kindly sail and canaccommodate up to eight peopleat any one time. She is fitted withthe latest navigation aids(including radar), comfortableand extremely fast up anddown wind.

The NHS in Devon and Cornwall hascommissioned the Sea Sanctuary serviceat a local level and have done so sincelast year. This is the first time a marine-based charity has been commissioned bythe NHS for the provision of this type ofintervention. The Charity are very proudof this achievement and plan to furtherexpand the role of Sail Training in thehealth education market place. SeaSanctuary was also nominated for the"Innovation Award" last year by the NHSDevon and Cornwall as a pioneer of theuse of Sail Training in the Southwest. TheCharity has also recently been accreditedby the Institute for CommunityLeadership and Management (ICLM).

"Thank you forbelieving in me, forgiving me hopewhen I thoughtthere was noneand for givingme a future".Veteransupported bySea Sanctuary

Sheet-work familiarisation (which operatesthe sails)

NHS Southwest is currently working withNHS and voluntary sector partners toimprove access to the full range of NHSand voluntary sector mental healthservices for veterans and their families. Areferral and assessment service forveterans will be in place in the Southwestfrom the Autumn, with other regionsacross England following. For detailsplease [email protected]

Individuals may wish to consult their GPs beforeundergoing or starting a course of treatment.

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pace so it looks good on the page

Jock Hutchinson (front) and RM Jay Hare out on the trail

The Royal British Legion’s Be the Boss initiative celebrates its first anniversary this month.

Here we look back at the first months ofoperation and look forward to buildingon the scheme’s success over theforthcoming 12 months.

EARLY last year, the Department forBusiness, Innovation and Skills (BIS),approached the Legion with a request todevelop a new programme forentrepreneurship for the ex-Servicecommunity, helping Service leavers to setup their own businesses or, if they’verecently started a small business, to helpthem grow it further.

To provide a comprehensive and expertservice to clients, the Legion set up anextensive network of partner organisations

across 68 regional offices and over 200contractors, including The Prince’s Trust,specialists in youth training, and LeonardCheshire Disability, who provide expertisein tackling the particular issues relating tolong-term health conditions and injuries.

The three steps

The scheme offers assistance in three vitalways. The first is providing information,advice and guidance on business start-up,looking at areas such as understandingyour market, finding new customers,creating a sales plan, pricing your productor service and, ultimately, how to create arobust business plan and a financialforecast.

Once the business plan has beencompleted and approved, clients are in aposition to move from the first stage to thesecond, which is applying for actualfunding. This takes the form of a corefunding product that is 25 per cent grantand 75 per cent loan. A new business canapply for up to £7,500 of total funding toget them started. An existing enterprise(that has been trading for more than 12months and less than 24 months) can applyfor up to £30,000 for businessdevelopment.

Clients who are awarded funding thenmove to the third area of support, which ismentoring. Be the Boss provides businessmentoring support for a year after fundingis received. This is designed to help clientstackle early rough patches and tounderstand how to grow their businessfurther.

These three areas have been identified bythe enterprise industry as critical to thesuccess of small businesses. To be able toprovide funding as well as training,particularly in this economic climate, setsBe the Boss apart from a number of othertraining schemes. In addition, mentoringhas been proved statistically to improvethe likelihood of business success by 50 percent.

Successes so far . . .

They currently have over 800 active clients,approximately 30 applications for fundingof which we have funded 16 to date, withan additional 18 applicants’ business plansin review. All successfully fundedapplicants are now in mentoring andreceiving support on actually setting upand growing their businesses. In March, thescheme received its second highestmonthly total of registrations in nearly 12months.

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“. . . take on boardall the advice andhelp offered, and donot be afraid to askquestions and seekhelp.”

Be The Boss scheme celebrates first birthday

James, one of over 800 clients supported by Be The Boss


To find out more, visit www.civvystreet.org.uk

If you’ve left the Armed Services after October 2001 and recently set up a small business or

are thinking of doing so, The Royal British Legion’s Be the Boss scheme can help you to make

a success of your new business venture.

Not only will you learn how to create a business plan, find and keep customers and manage

your finances, you’ll also receive mentoring and assistance from qualified business advisers.

The scheme also offers up to £7,500 for business start-up funding and up to £30,000 for

business expansion.

FROM TAKING ORDERS TO BEINGYOUR OWN BOSS, WE MAKE THETRANSITION EASIER.

Registered Charity No: 219279

C35583 Homeport 297x210 9/11/10 11:02 Page 1

ContactsTo find out more, visitwww.civvystreet.org/betheboss, whereyou will find all the information youneed on the programme, and theopportunity to apply online or call -0800 678 5787.

Recent developments include theintroduction of a Be the Boss FeasibilityFund, designed to specificallyencourage clients to market test theiridea before finalising their businessplan. In addition, Be the Boss is about tolaunch the new Be the Boss Expressinitiative, which provides a fast trackoption to funding for those with anexisting comprehensive business plan.

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James can now ‘be the boss’

36 year-old Royal Navy veteran, JamesHarrison, has received £5,000 from TheRoyal British Legion's Be The BossScheme to set up his own barber's shopin his hometown of Darwen inLancashire.

James, who served in the SubmarineService for 15 years and was deployed toIraq in 2003, has already opened histraditional barber's shop, which providesgentlemen's haircuts and cut throatshaves. The scheme will provide amentor to help him through his first yearin business to help him make it asuccess.

James explained what the Be the Bossprocess was like for him:

“Initially I found the whole thingdaunting. After my first business meetingeverything was explained in depth. Ithen developed a plan and movedforward.”

He had a message for anyoneconsidering applying to the scheme,

“Have a plan, stick with it, take on boardall the advice and help offered, and donot be afraid to ask questions and seekhelp.”

es first birthday

The scheme can support Service leavers set up their own business or help an existing business grow

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Each new QVSR bedroom is more spacious and comfortable, as well as being finished to anexceptionally high standard and decorated in contemporary colour schemes.

The Casework Management System(CMS) is a web-based system that allowsorganisations involved in caseworkingto work together in a more effective andefficient manner.

WITH clear direction and leadership fromSSAFA Forces Help on behalf of TheConfederation of Service Charities(COBSEO), case-working charities coveringthe three Services, (including: The RoyalNaval Benevolent Trust, ABF The Soldiers’Charity, The RAF Benevolent Fund and TheRoyal British Legion) have worked togetherto develop and launch the system. Since itwent live in 2009, it’s been going fromstrength to strength, with more charitiesusing the system and an increasing numberof Welfare cases for Service and ex-Servicepeople and their families dealt with usingCMS.

Jim Keeley, CMS Project Managerexplained:

“There are now 86 COBSEO organisationsusing CMS and around 25 per cent of allcases are being managed through thesystem. It’s encouraging to see thenumber of cases rising quickly.

“The project will receive a real boost whenThe Royal British Legion goes live for alltheir cases later in 2011. This will meanthat over 75 per cent of cases will bemanaged in CMS. Our goal at themoment is to make CMS the de-facto wayof managing Armed Forces Communitycases. Once we are in this position theresults will naturally follow and thebenefits will be realised.”

Casework system going fromstrength to strengthSince first reported by Veterans WORLD in 2008, the Casework Management System has growndramatically

The CMS is improving all the time, withexperience and here are a few key areasthat are coming along or are already live in2011:

• Improvements to financial information. All financial transactions can be shared; the analysis will be more accurate and comprehensive and will give one consistent picture across all the caseworking organisations of how much is being spent.

• The online SSAFA Directory, available to all those organisations signed up toCMS, is updated daily and reflects the correct information on all assistance providers and caseworking offices.

• The COBSEO organisations involved incasework, but not on the CMS, are being actively encouraged to considerjoining, but some have specialist needs that are not yet incorporated inCMS. CMS was always intended to be an evolution not a revolution.

• A key driver to CMS development is Statistical Reporting – accurate, comprehensive and the same figures used for and by all CMS organisations – One case one statistic.

“Our goal at themoment is to makeCMS the de-factoway of managingArmed ForcesCommunity cases.”

ContactsIf you have any questions about the CMSor would like more details on the systemdevelopments, please contact the ProjectManager Jim Keeley on [email protected]

“Using Casework ManagementSystem was absolutely brilliant; Ineeded to establish support for aveteran’s family before Christmas andI was able to present the case toREME and within a matter of minutesreceived a positive decision. I did thesame with The Royal British LegionWomen’s Section, who immediatelygranted funding for the children.Without this facility, everything wouldhave gone by snail mail and no helpwould have been available until afterChristmas. Using the system ensuredthat the children were well supportedover the Christmas period!” KathEvans, County Welfare Officer atThe Royal British Legion inWarwickshire

Graph highlights the rise in cases being managed by the systemsince its launch in 2009.

Graph highlights the increase in use, as ex-Service charitiesjoin the caseworking system.


In 1916, the first workshops were set upwith the aim of placing disabledveterans in employment best suited toability. The early days offeredhairdressing, bee-keeping, boot making,tailoring and French polishing.

TODAY, Erskine’s state of the art SocialFirms are modern businesses focused onthe same aim: offering opportunities forveterans to return to working life. Theyoffer a range of options for veterans tochoose, including accommodation,training, rehabilitation and employment,ensuring that maximum potential in lifecan be reached.

Erskine currently employs 37 disabledpeople, including veterans, in the WorkChoice programme as well as dozens ofveterans working throughout theorganisation, encompassing the ErskineGarden Centre and Cafe, Erskine Print,Erskine Furniture and their Training andConference Centre.

There are many career opportunitiesavailable including IT, Marketing, Finance,Manufacturing, Care and Retail. Further jobopportunities were created in spring 2010when the existing Erskine Garden Centrewas relocated. Army Veteran James Milleraged 30, explained how Erskine helpedhim:

“I served in the army, for over five yearsuntil I received an injury which left me witha disability. As all I had ever wanted to dowas be a soldier this was difficult to cometo terms with, physically and mentally. Ifound myself unable to work, living in a flatunable to get up and down stairs,becoming housebound.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to admit you needhelp.

“About two years ago I became a volunteerin the Erskine garden centre one day aweek. This got me out the house. I metother veterans in situations similar to myown, while at the same time doing a littleto help Erskine. After a few months I wasdelighted to be offered a part-time jobworking three days per week. This was ahuge morale boost as I had been told bydoctors I would not work again. Being inemployment also enabled me to moveinto a cottage where there were no stairsto worry about.

“When the new garden centre opened inMay last year, I began working full-time asthe Operations Manager.

“If not for Erskine’s help and support, Iwouldn’t like to think of the situation Iwould be in now. It’s a second chance, notonly in employment, but in life.

“I don’t even need to take time off work toattend physio as I can receive it in theErskine Home’s excellent physiotherapydepartment.”

Editor’s Note: Erskine and leadingScottish construction company CityBuilding have announced a newpartnership, forging a bond betweentwo organizations committed to socialenterprise. The partnership will see thetwo organizations work together toprovide more employment for veteransand people with a disability.

For 96 years the veterans’ charity Erskine has had a proudhistory of employing veterans and disabled workers

Erskine upholds long traditionof employing veterans

“If not for Erskine’shelp and support, Iwouldn’t like to thinkof the situation Iwould be in now. It’sa second chance, notonly in employment,but in life.”

ContactsThere are many veterans who, likeJames, find it difficult to admit theyneed help. Erskine offers supportedemployment throughout theorganisation ranging from IT to RetailManagement. If you know a veteranErskine can help, please call 0141 812 1100.

James Miller (top) as a new recruit andtoday, working at Erskine Garden Centre(bottom)

The new Erskine Garden Centre opened inSpring 2010

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Contacts

Salisbury-based charity Alabaréhas been awarded a grant of morethan £5,000 by Plain Actiontowards delivering the AlabaréHome and Money Programme –Take Control, a tenancy andhousing related trainingprogramme, to those preparing toleave the Armed Forces. Theprogramme will also be availableto Service dependants, veteransand civilians living in the SalisburyPlain area.

ALABARÉ’S Home and Moneyprogramme will consist of a series ofmodules covering topics such asHousing Options, Welfare Benefits,Budgeting and Bills, Rent and RentArrears and Dealing with Debt. Theaim of the programme is to ease thetransition from Service to civilian lifefor those about to leave the ArmedForces, and to support those whoare finding it challenging setting uptheir own home for the first time. Itwill be a ten week course, dealingwith a module a week, and will takeplace three times a year.

Courses are being planned inTidworth, Wilton and Devizes,however locations could changedepending on need. The firstcourse began in Tidworth, inFebruary.

Alabaré’s experience and research inthis area shows that many ex-Service

personnel and those about to leavethe Armed Forces have littleknowledge of the responsibilitiesthat come with managing a tenancy.For many, during their time with theArmed Forces, they have not had todeal with these issues and thesudden additional responsibilitiescan cause distress and result in a lossof confidence or even a family breakdown.

The charity will work with a range oflocal agencies, including Unit WelfareOfficers, to identify potentialcandidates who would benefit fromthe course. Clients will also bereferred to the course via localorganisations and other Alabaréservices. Alabaré’s Home and MoneyProgramme would equip those aboutto leave the Armed Forces and thosestruggling to set up home with theskills needed to successfully managetheir tenancies and prevent eviction.

Alabaré supporting Serviceleavers across Salisbury PlainAlabaré is providing training to help Service leavers across Salisbury Plain avoid homelessness

For more information call 01722322882 or visit www.alabare.co.uk

Alabaré has been supportingmembers of the Armed Forces andveterans through its manyprojects for almost 20 years. In2009, the charity opened AlabaréPlymouth Home for Veterans inpartnership with The Royal BritishLegion, a supported housingproject exclusively for homelessand vulnerable ex-Service menand women. Over the past fewmonths, Alabaré has opened itsBristol Home for Veterans and asimilar project in Weymouth.Beyond this the charity has plansfor further Homes for Veterans tomeet the need across the Southand South West.

Course attendees working together to unravel the issues.


Finding employment is the next step inthe rehabilitation process for Servicepersonnel medically discharged fromthe Armed Forces. With some fundingfrom the MOD’s Veterans’ ChallengeFund, the ‘Soldier On!’ ™ charity aims tohelp injured Service Leavers get a stepon the career ladder.

TO complement the well-establishedcareer transition initiatives provided bythe MOD, a new layer of support is offeredby ‘Soldier On!’ ™, providing fullemployment support to medicallydischarged Service personnel of all ranks,all units and across the three Services. Nicholas Harrison from ‘Soldier On!’ ™,explained:

“The support is offered regardless oflength of service, when or where theywere injured during their service in theArmed Forces. Our services are availablenot only for those wounded in the currentconflict in Afghanistan but also for thoseinjured during previous conflicts, or whileperforming normal daily duties andtraining.”

Together with advertised job vacancies,the charity addresses the three parts ofthe recruitment cycle: Who am I? Wheredo I want to go? How do I get there?‘Soldier On!’ ™ has already assisted manyService leavers and veterans and issupported by some of the leadingemployers in the UK including: NetworkRail, Thames Water, Virgin and Lend-Leaseto name a few. It also partners withvolunteers who are all professionalrecruiters from top recruitmentcompanies and so it really is the ‘BigSociety’ in action.

Through the charity’s provision of careersand life-long employment support,veterans have the opportunity to live theirlives independently, self-sufficiently andwith dignity. One veteran, helped by thecharity, explained how he was supported.

Stuart, a former Infantry soldier severelywounded in Afghanistan, has recentlystarted a new managerial role at TheAthletes’ Village, through the charity. Hesaid:

“One star has shone brighter than anyother and that is “Soldier On!”™. I havehad a great deal of help and advice withmy CV, both developing it anddistributing it to industry

“It listened to my worries, wants, needsand hopes. ‘Soldier On!’ ™ fits perfectly, itfills the cracks and provides a vital close,personal and planned approach with aspecific aim of getting wounded soldiersout into industry with gainfulemployment.

“I personally believe that working andfeeling a sense of purpose, is the bestthing that can happen in recovery for anywounded soldier. ‘Soldier On!’ ™ providesthe conditions in which this can happen.The charity has helped and continues tohelp me, for this I am very grateful. It hashelped me to believe that a very brightfuture lies ahead.”

Medically Discharged Veterans‘Soldier On!’™ into civilian careers. New layer of support for resettlement offered by Service charity

“The support isoffered regardless oflength of service . . .”

Contacts

“It has helped meto believe that avery bright futurelies ahead”

For further information, please visit:www.soldieron.org.uk or email [email protected]

Skills learned in the Armed Forces are transferrable to civilian employment

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Kathleen Bryson from Ayrshire-basedcharity The Lighthouse Foundationexplains how they can support veteransand their families dealing with addictionissues.

“The Foundation is an Ayrshire-wide projectthat offers support to families and childrenwho have a family member addicted toalcohol or drugs. Our families come fromdiverse backgrounds; addiction can affect

anyone, it doesn’t matter if you live in a tentor a castle you can still have your heartbroken by a loved one’s addiction issues. Ifyou are lucky enough to never have beenaffected you may find it very difficult tounderstand the total devastation addictioncauses, every family member is affectedfrom the oldest adult to the youngest child.

“The Project is available to anyone who hasconcerns about a family member misusingdrugs and or alcohol.

“Asking for help isn't easy, we know that.That's why we try to keep our service asinformal and relaxed as possible. The firsttime you visit us we will put the kettle onand have a chat to see if and how we canhelp . . . sometimes a listening ear is all ittakes for families to feel a little bit better.

“All of our activities are aimed at puttingcoping strategies in place and providingrelevant information to help minimise the

impact of a relative’s drug misuse on theirfamily.”

The Charity launched a project called STOPDrugs - Education Saves Lives, which givesinformation on basic drug awareness, thelegalities of possession and overdoseintervention. Over the last five years thisproject has given this vital information toover 19,000 people in Ayrshire.

The Foundation works in partnership withHMP Kilmarnock, The Scottish Drug Forumand addiction services in Ayrshire includingTurningpoint, Turnaround and NHSAddiction service. It’s a member of ScottishFamilies affected by addiction, FamiliesOutside, Scottish Recovery Network andmany other organisations. Referrals comefrom Addiction services, Social Work, NHS,GP's, Community Psychiatric Nurses and selfreferrals.

The Lighthouse FoundationSupport group for families affected by addiction

Contacts

Scottish War Blinded provides assistanceto people who have been members of theArmed Forces and who have a significantsight loss or are in receipt of a warpension or an award under the ArmedForces Compensation Scheme for visualimpairment.

THE new Linburn Centre based at Wilkiestonto the west of Edinburgh is a brand newbuilding designed to meet the changingneeds of its members. It’s a registered daycentre with the Scottish Care and SocialWork Improvement Scotland. Members canvisit the centre daily and there is no chargefor the services. The charity also has its ownminibus and may be able to pick upmembers living within a 30 minute drivewho have difficulty travelling on their own.

The new purpose built Centre canaccommodate 35 members daily. The

charity is presently building up the numbersof members attending and has a smallwaiting list for new members. There is awide range of leisure and social activitiesavailable including workshops, arts & crafts,daily living skills, IT, gym and relaxation inaddition to training opportunities. There arealso qualified sessional workers ready toassist the Centre’s staff and a rehabilitationofficer is also there to help people who areadjusting to sight loss. The charity has itsown private gardens which can be accesseddirectly from the Centre.

Outreach

As part of the new development, ScottishWar Blinded also has an Outreach Service,initially in Edinburgh, Lothian & Bordersregion and in Grampian as a pilot projectbefore expanding to cover the whole ofScotland. Outreach workers will provide a

one-stop contact point for dealing withstatutory and voluntary agencies and offerassistance with benefits and daily livingskills.

Editor’s Note: The centre provides a threecourse lunch every day and manymembers say this is the best part of theday!

“addiction canaffect anyone”

Visit www.lighthouse-foundation.co.uk,e-mail [email protected] call 01563 521 343.

ContactsFor further information, please contact RosieMcLaughlin, Manager of The Linburn Centre,call 0131 333 1369 or [email protected]

Building a futureKathleen Bryson

New project helps charity provide up-to-date support andservices to Scottish veterans with a visual impairment

The new Linburn Centre


The WAY Foundation – “you are not alone”Working in partnership to support bereaved Service families

Founded eleven years ago by the sisterof a young widow who couldn’t find anysupport, The WAY (Widowed andYoung) Foundation is the only nationalcharity for people widowed before theywere 50. Members are in their twenties,thirties and forties. Some were notmarried, some have no children, somewere pregnant when they lost theirpartner, some had young, teenage orgrown up children. It provides a socialand support network for them and fortheir children.

WAY is a self-help group run by volunteers,all bereaved young themselves. It offerspractical support to all members, whatevertheir circumstances, through local socialactivities in local groups across the UK;weekend trips and holidays; a secure,online message board and chatroom formembers only; a regular newsletter;information on other organisations andcounselling groups; a free book and dvdloaning service; a telephone line forenquiries and information and a residentialAGM weekend each year.

There are over 1,700 members about 15per cent of which are male.

Some, like Lesley-Ann George-Taylor, areService widows. Lesley-Ann’s husband, aCommander in the Royal Navy, died inDecember 2005, leaving Lesley-Ann andher son, who was then 11. Lesley-Ann’smother showed her a newspaper articleabout WAY soon after. “I was desperate tospeak to others in the same situation asme, to share feelings about death andgrief,” she remembers, “and to speak topeople who have been there and reallyunderstand.” Her non-widowed friendswere keen for her to “move on” and,though very kind, they were not providingthe right kind of support to her.

Initially, she found WAY’s newsletterenormously helpful, reading articles thatgave her hope for the future. Graduallyshe ventured out to WAY events.

“I found everyone so welcoming,” she says,“and forged lovely friendships.”

She also took her son on a WAY holidaywhich was,

“wonderful – we were all there togetherand didn’t have to face the inevitablequestion: ‘where’s your husband then?’ Itmakes a huge difference to be with peoplewho understand.”

Lesley-Ann has since established the RoyalNavy and Royal Marines WidowsAssociation, reaching out to other Servicewidows and the two organisations workclosely together.

“It makes ahugedifference tobe withpeople whounderstand.”Contacts

You can find out more about WAY byemailing [email protected],telephoning 0870 0113450 or visiting thewebsite: www.wayfoundation.org.uk. Thereis also a members-only group on Facebook.

Leslie-Ann and her late husband StevenGeorge-Taylor

Children enjoy the beach atthe WAY summer outingChildren enjoy the beach atthe WAY summer outing

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Former Servicemen and women arebeing offered a new way ofreintegrating into civilian life with aDevon-based residential course whichcombines personal developmenttraining with social farming.

‘Moving forward with a renewed purpose’has been developed to help formermilitary personnel (and serving personnel)forge a new and successful life on ‘CivvyStreet’ by giving them time out in a ruralenvironment to develop a new mindsetand new skills.

Hush Farms, a social farm based atBranscombe in East Devon, and ProActionDevelopment C.I.C. (Community InterestCompany – a not-for-profit socialenterprise) of Somerset has devised the sixday residential course in response to thechallenge former Service personnel mayexperience in making the transition to

civilian life. The programme aims tosupport current resettlement services intransitioning former Service personnelinto civilian life and employment.

Bernard Genge from ProActionDevelopment served as a medic in theRoyal Navy. He explained that thetransition from Service to civilian life canbe extremely difficult for some; “You gofrom a life where your purpose was knownand you were highly respected, to one ofuncertainty with a temporary lack ofdirection. This can have the effect oflowering self-confidence and self-esteem,and the longer the gap between leavingthe Services and getting a civilian job, theharder it may become.”

The classroom activities, which arecentred around ProAction Development’sunique 10 Actions® to Transform Your Lifeprogramme and published book, arecomplemented by hands-on practicalfarming experience with husband andwife team Penny and Jon Bond.

Penny explained:

“Our social farm is all about building self-belief, developing new skills and having agood time on the farm. The countryside,animals, nature and good honest outdoorhard-work can have a really therapeuticeffect and simply by being away fromeveryday pressures means that our formerServicemen and women can have the timeand space they need to reflect and shareexperiences with others in a similar

situation. Service personnel who havealready been on our course have beenamazed at what they are capable of doing.We’re still in touch with many of themwho say that their experience with HushFarms and ProAction Development reallymade a difference.”

As well as former Service personnel, HushFarms also helps full-time carers andpeople seeking respite and a newdirection in life. The Moving forwardcourse is also being offered to the familiesof Service personnel who are facingdifficulties in readjusting to their relativeleaving the Service.

Building self beliefHelping former Service personnel ‘move forward with a renewed purpose’

“. . . formerServicemen andwomen can have thetime and space theyneed to reflect andshare experienceswith others in asimilar situation.”

A launch event gave representatives from Help for Heroes, the Royal Marine CommandoTraining Centre at Lympstone, The Royal British Legion, Veterans Welfare Service, CombatStress, Alabare Christian Care Homes and Sport England a taster of the “Moving forward withrenewed purpose” course.

ContactsFor further information visitwww.hushfarms.co.uk where you canwatch a short film of a Hush Farms courseand hear some first-hand experiences orcall Penny Bond on 07791 344216. You can also visit www.proaction-development.com for more details or callBernard Genge – 01460 61459 or Amanda Mooney – 01460 67480.

Guests participated in activities including:chain-sawing, quad biking, caring for lambsand horsemanship.

News in brief


article number 1 images available


Regional Support for Armed ForcesCommunity

SPVA Podcast finds out the latestdetails on new network launched.

ONE of the Agency’s latest podcastprovides an update on the launch of theVeterans Advisory and Pensions ºCommittees based across the UK.

There arethirteen newVeteransAdvisory andPensionsCommittees(VAPCs),created totake part in aone-year pilot;providingsupport to theArmed Forcesand veteranson a regionalbasis.

Tony Phillips, Chairman of the Yorkshireand Humber Committee took part in thepodcast interview and explained how theCommittees are supporting the ArmedForces Community, he said:

“If you are keen to help those in need,advise and influence policy as well asadvocate for our Service men andwomen, or you - or someone close to you- is enduring difficulties as a directconsequence of service and needs localassistance, then I strongly commend thispodcast to you.”

Editor’s Note: At the time of going toprint podcasts were launched tosupport the revision of the ArmedForces Compensation Scheme. Seepage 6 for further information.

SPVA Podcasts can be found on the socialmedia hub, visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Events springing forward

With the arrival of spring, the SPVA onlineevents calendar has started to fill up withevents planned over the next fewmonths.

The weather is getting warmer, the daysare lasting longer and the nights arelighter. So it's the ideal time to startplanning events; whether it’s an occasionto mark Armed Forces Day 2011 or anAdvice Day for veterans.

Take advantage of the free opportunity toraise awareness of your event via ourwebsite. If you are planning an event, thatmay be of interest to the Armed ForcesCommunity, then consider placing detailson our online Calendar of Events. All youneed to do is complete an online formwith all the relevant details, we do therest.

If you are looking for something to dothen take a look at the calendar today,there may be an event near you that'sworth checking out.

The national calendar can be found atwww.veterans-uk.info

The regular feature providing youwith updates from the ServicePersonnel and Veterans Agency

ContactsFor further information call Cllr Biggin on01925 213612 or [email protected]

Councillor Mike Biggin and formerColdstream Guardsman Lance Reahhave created a Support Group to bringall the major agencies andorganisations together, providing asingle point of contact to the sources ofhelp and support for ex-Servicepersonnel and their families inWarrington.

THE aim is to highlight all the servicesavailable and show local ex-Servicepersonnel that they always have someoneto turn to. Cllr Biggin explained:

“We felt that we have a duty to make thereturn to Warrington as stress free aspossible in light of what Service people

were potentially willing to risk on ourbehalf.

“Thankfully, there was such enthusiasm forthis project that for the first meeting wehad to limit the numbers to make itmanageable.

“Our first project is to create a “WelcomeHome” pack for returning personnel andtheir families. The Group members, whichinclude: Citizens Advice, Royal BritishLegion, Police and Fire Authorities,Borough Council Housing andNeighbourhood teams plus the NHS andJob Centre Plus, have all agreed to worktogether to produce the pack.

“Any advisors in the Warrington area thatare or can support veterans, please contactme to see how we can work together tosupport our local Armed ForcesCommunity.”

SPVA News

Help for returning veteransNew Support group created in Warrington to help veterans settling in the town

Former Coldstream Guard Lance Reah,former Grenadier Guard Cllr Colin Oliverand Cllr Mike Biggin

News in brief

26

Veterans World Noticeboard

Tourism for All UK (TFA) works to helpdisabled people, including veterans,enjoy leisure opportunities andholidays. TFA provides detailedinformation about accessible tourism,to help give the confidence to people toget out and travel and enjoy life to thefull.

THE Charity’s information service is backedby a website, www.tourismforall.org.ukand has a unique helpline - 0845 124 9971.

As well as accommodation, travel, andattractions, TFA provides informationabout equipment hire; places where care isavailable; and sources of finance towardsthe cost of a holiday for people on lowincome - in particular grant-making Truststhat consider applications from peoplewho have served in the UK Armed Forces.

Tourism for All OPENBRITAIN is a travel guide toaccessible Britain published by TFA.The guide costs £9.99 and can bepurchased direct from the Charity.There is also a companion website -www.openbritain.info - whereinformation about accessibleaccommodation in the UK can befound.

Contacts

Charity provides information on accessible tourism for veterans

For further information on Tourism forAll UK: visit their Twitter page:@tourismforalluk, E-mail: [email protected] call 0845 124 9971

Second World War veterans proudlywearing their campaign medals stoodside-by-side with other members of thepublic as Victor Howe, president of theNorwich branch of The Royal BritishLegion, and serving soldier David Heir,of the 1st Battalion The Royal AnglianRegiment, cut the ribbon in March.

THE Grade II* listed memorial and gardenshave been transformed thanks to a £2.6million restoration project. This saw thewar memorial restored and turned to faceSt Peter’s Street, the structure supportingthe gardens repaired and new ramps put into allow disabled access. Sensory plantshave also been laid out in the gardens sothat people with mobility problems andsensory disabilities can enjoy them.

In the memorial’s former place in thegardens is a new bronze sculpture entitled

‘Breath’ - the work of award-winningsculptor Paul de Monchaux. His workincludes the Wilfred Owen memorial, theBBC Churchill memorial, and the memorialto Second World War slave workers inJersey.

Breath has been designed to reflect thefurtherance of peace, hope and survival, incontrast to the sombre message of themonument. It carries an inscription whichreads: “The living honour the dead, only abreath divides them.”

Proud day as MemorialGardens are opened Hundreds gather to mark the official opening of Norwich’s historic Memorial Gardens.

The cutting of the ribbon

The memorial fully restored

Breath, the new bronze sculpture

Learning animal husbandry skills at a new social farm project supporting veterans - See page 24.