Issue 27 April 2013 ®Rais ing awareness o f t he r ange o f he lp and adv ice ava i l ab le to ve t e rans

Racing to Recovery

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3Issue 27 April 2013

Veterans go ‘Football crazy’LFC launches health and wellbeingprogramme

From archery to outreachScottish War Blinded expand their services

Helping John on road to recoveryGetting an injured veteran back on his feet

Doors openArmed Forces Community Covenant Grantfunds new centre

RegularsNews in BriefSPVA News

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Veterans WORLD is distributed to those who work in an advisoryrole.Managing Editor: Laurie MantonEditor: Clare EllisEmail: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk

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 Email:SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or by calling: 01253 338816

For distribution enquiriesEmail: SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or call: 01253 338811

© Crown copyright 2013

For advertising opportunities please contact:SPVA-VeteransWorld@mod.uk

Front cover: Race2Recovery, see pages 12-13

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.

Contents Issue 27

April 2013

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The first statutory report on the Armed Forces Covenant waspublished in December, examining the effects of service onthe Armed Forces Community (Service personnel, veteransand their families), particularly areas where they may facedisadvantage. The report shows that, one year after theprinciples of the Armed Forces Covenant were enshrined inlaw, the process is starting to work. Areas where the ArmedForces Community may face disadvantage are beingidentified, and measures to reduce any adverse effects arebeing delivered.

The report highlights that a number of measures have beenmet that make a real difference to life as a former Serviceperson. More help is now available for those leaving theService to go on to further education – not least throughpayment of tuition fees. Progress has also been made inhealthcare; veterans in England accessing NHS Services aregiven priority treatment for Service-related conditions, withsimilar arrangements in Scotland and Wales. However, the

report also recognisesthere is still much to bedone to address thedisadvantage ex-Service personnelmay face. It sets outareas in which morework is required,for instance inencouragingdisabled veteransto apply for the Disabled FacilitiesGrant and considering whether there is a need to provide‘halfway’ housing for veterans who fall on hard times.

Check out the Covenant website - www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant - to read the report which covers the fullscope of the Covenant, including the key issues ofhealthcare, education, housing and the conduct of inquests.

Along with the British Legion Scotland, SSAFA Forces Help,the NHS, Dumfries and Galloway Council and other charitablebodies, Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) isa member of a local group called ‘First Contact’ for ex-Servicemen and women in the south west of Scotland.

The group was first set up to help coordinate all the voluntaryagencies that provide help and support to the Service and Ex-Service community across Dumfries and Galloway.

On April 17, Dumfries will host the homecoming parade for

1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 Scots) whoare currently serving in Afghanistan.

On the same day, the First Contact group will be holding anevent aimed at giving serving and ex-Service Personnelinformation about the various agencies who can providethem with support and advice – whether it is medical,financial or simply practical.

For more information call the DGHP customer service centreon 0800 011 3447.

The Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committees have revampedtheir webpages providing wider information on the supportthey provide to the Armed Forces Community.

There are thirteen committees based across the UK, themembers include former Service personnel as well as aspectrum of others from the civil community who can giveadvice to veterans on the range of services available to them.This could range from establishing eligibility for a ServicePension to supporting the Armed Forces Community Covenantin their local area.

Their aim is to:

• give a regional focus providing advice, assistance and support to the Armed Forces community and local public service providers;

• advise all public bodies on the needs of veterans and their families;

• raise awareness of veterans' needs with public bodies and the local community; and

• assist and provide guidance on accessing public services, and assisting with claims or complaints.

Visit the webpages to find out: how the committees aresupporting their community, details of your local committeeand how to contact them.

www.veterans-uk.info/new_vapc

Can you help us spread the word?

New webpages launched

MOD and DWP implement new benefit for thoseseriously injured by Armed Forces Service.

On April 8, 2013 the Ministry of Defence (MOD), inconjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions(DWP), will introduce a new benefit called the Armed ForcesIndependence Payment (AFIP). AFIP is a simplification of thefinancial support available for members of the Armed Forceswho have been seriously injured as a result of militaryservice since 6 April 2005.

AFIP will provide eligible recipients with ongoing paymentsto help with the additional costs associated with theirinjuries. Claimants who choose to claim AFIP will not beeligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), DisabilityLiving Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA).

Service personnel and veterans who are entitled to aGuaranteed Income Payment (GIP) of 50 per cent or higherthrough the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme will beeligible for the payments.

AFIP payments will be £134.40 per week, the same amountas the enhanced rates of both the daily living and mobilitycomponents of PIP or the highest rate of both componentsof DLA. It is non-taxable and will not be means-testedagainst any other benefits. Those eligible for AFIP will keepthe payment for as long as they are entitled to receive a GIPof 50 per cent or higher and eligible claimants will not be

required to undergo any initial assessment or furtherreassessment in the future.

This is the latest measure to be announced as part of theGovernment’s commitment to uphold the Armed ForcesCovenant to ensure personnel and their families are notunfairly affected by their service to their country and toensure special consideration is given to the injured.

Further information on the payment is available atwww.veterans-uk.info or by contacting 0800 169 2277.Service personnel and veterans eligible for AFIP will becontacted by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agencybefore April 8, 2013.

The Royal British Legion has set out its vision for local civilianengagement with Armed Forces communities. The nation'sleading Armed Forces charity is urging local authorities notonly to sign Community Covenants, mutual agreementsbetween civilian and Armed Forces communities, but also toimplement tangible measures to bring about real localbenefits.

The Legion's Best Practice Guide to Community Covenantswas launched at each of the three main Party Conferences lastAutumn, with endorsements from senior MPs from eachparty. It has been sent to every local authority in England andWales and has been extremely well received so far.

Endorsed by the Local Government Association, the Legion'sguide gives practical advice and suggests measures for localauthorities to consider as part of their commitment to theirown Community Covenant. The guide is packed with casestudies covering issues such as housing, employment,education, health and access to services.

The guide is available to download atwww.britishlegion.org.uk/campaigning/community-covenants

New benefit introduced

Best Practice Guide launched

Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report

News in brief

5Issue 27 April 2013

The Prime Minister welcomed Sir John Holmes' reviewinto the rules and principles governing the award ofmilitary campaign medals.

As part of his review, which was requested by MrCameron, Sir John Holmes recommended recognition forveterans of the Arctic Convoys and Bomber CommandSecond World War campaigns. The Prime Minister agreedwith his findings.

Veterans of the Arctic Convoy campaigns will receiverecognition with an Arctic Convoy Star medal.Meanwhile, the aircrew of Bomber Command whoplayed such a vital role in the war will be awarded aBomber Command clasp.

The Coalition Agreement included a commitment toreview the rules surrounding the award of militarycampaign medals, as part of work to strengthen themilitary covenant.

It is estimated that up to 120,000 veterans or next of kincould be eligible for the Arctic Star and 125,000 for theBomber Command Clasp.

The new awards have been designed and produced, withplans to begin issuing them in the Spring.

Further details and how to apply are available athttp://www.veterans-uk.info/ or by calling the MOD’sMedal Office on 08457 800 900

Nominations were opened for the 2013 Military and CivilianHealth Partnership Awards which was launched in January.

The ceremony honours the people, projects and initiativesthat provide serving military personnel, including reservists,and their families and veterans with the very best inhealthcare and social care.

The awards are open to civilian health staff and militarymedics working within the Defence Medical Services, theNHS, and private or voluntary sectors.

The 2013 awards ceremony, to be held on May 21, is beinghosted by the Welsh Government and, from January, peoplecould nominate individuals or teams who provide care andsupport to Service personnel, Reservists and veterans.Nominations closed on February 21, 2013.Details of the awards are available at

www.militarycivilianhealthawards.org

Veterans WORLD will report on the Awards in a future issue.

Remploy and BlindVeterans UK have setup a new partnershipaimed at increasingthe numbers of visionimpaired ex-Servicepersonnel in civilianemployment.

Remploy, the leadingprovider ofemployment servicesfor people withdisabilities and

health conditions, will work with national charity BlindVeterans UK to provide access to a broad range of Remployservices across Britain. This includes; engaging withveterans to identify their transferrable skills, potentialemployment opportunities and supporting individualsalready in work who are seeking developmentopportunities.

Both organisations have agreed to tap into their areas ofexpertise, share their culture and values and providetraining for each other’s employees to improve skill sets.

Blind Veterans UK members will have access to the suite ofsupport available via Remploy’s Work Choice for Veteranscontract and additional services delivered by its VocationalRehabilitation team, such as one-to-one case managementand development support.

Ahead of hosting Armed Forces Day in June, Nottinghamhas shown the strength of its support for Service personneland their families with the signing of a CommunityCovenant.

Through a joint signing, both Nottingham City andNottinghamshire County Councils have pledged practicalhelp for their military communities.

It comes as the city of Nottingham prepares to say ‘Hats offto our Heroes’ and thank you when it hosts the nation’s fifth

annual Armed Forces Day on June 29 at the VictoriaEmbankment next to the River Trent.

The event will celebrate the outstanding contribution madeby the men and women of the Royal Navy, Army and RoyalAir Force to this country - including veterans and thegrowing number of reservists from all three Services.

Councillor Carol Pepper, Chairman of NottinghamshireCounty Council, said:

“The County Council and communities throughoutNottinghamshire already enjoy close links with the ArmedForces and I am thrilled that we are making this very publiccommitment to strengthen that relationship.”

Councillor Merlita Bryan, Sheriff of Nottingham, added:

“Nottingham boasts a proud military heritage and thesigning of this covenant will serve to ensure we do all wecan to support the Armed Forces and their families.

“It is also significant that Nottingham has been chosen tohost this year’s Armed Forces Day and will be taking thenational lead in recognising and saying thank you for thehuge contribution and sacrifices made by our Servicepersonnel past, present and future.”www.armedforcesday.org.uk/

Nottingham commits to supporting the Armed Forces

New recognitionfor veterans

Dr Andrew Murrison MD MP’s ‘Fighting Fit’ reportrecommended that veterans should be contacted 12 monthsafter leaving Service to ensure that health monitoring ofService personnel continued after the end of their service.SPVA and the Department of Health have been workingtogether to implement this initiative as the VeteransInformation Service (VIS).

Following commitments given in an adjournment debate inthe House of Commons and Ministerial agreement inDecember 2012 SPVA was tasked with implementing VIS intime for Christmas 2012, with the aim of signposting to anidentified group of veterans. As this was four months aheadof the proposed implementation date, this was a challengethat SPVA rose to. In less than two weeks, a team of 30 staffissued information to more than 13,000 veterans.

Since the New Year, the focus has remained on all those whohave been out of the Services for more than a year, since theMurrison report was published in September 2010. It isintended that VIS will become an established initiative whereeach month, on a rolling basis, around 2,500 ‘new’ veteranswill be contacted.

Information provided in the VIS contact letter gives details ofthe range of services available to veterans, includingsignposting to ex-Service organisations, the Veterans UKHelpline and the SPVA website.

Early monitoring has confirmed VIS as a success with theHelpline and the ex-Service organisations reporting successfulprovision of advice to veterans on a range of subjectsincluding health, employment and housing.

From April, it is hoped that the VIS letter will contain a link toThe Royal British Legion’s new knowledge database websitewhich will provide detailed signposting to postcode level.

www.veterans-uk.info /vis

Partnership Awards 2013

Employment supportfor blind veterans

Reaching out to veterans

Service personnel in Nottingham promoting ArmedForces Day 2013

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In recent months, the Liverpool FC

Foundation has launched a series of

programmes designed to support Armed

Forces veterans.

STEVE HOLLIS, Liverpool’s FoundationCoach explained why the club decided tointroduce the programmes:

“We believe that football offers the idealplatform to promote physical activity, a

sense of team work and increase selfconfidence.

“In November last year, the Foundationstarted free weekly Coaching and Footballactivity sessions for Military veterans at theLFC Academy. The sessions provide theperfect setting for the veterans to cometogether and play on one of the indoor oroutdoor 3G pitches. Sessions focus onfitness, individual technique but, mostimportantly, encourage team spirit and aimto recapture the comradeship participantsexperienced when part of the ArmedForces.”

In the coming months, the Foundation willset up and run a specific league for ex-Servicemen involving around 100veterans. The league is being part-fundedby the Liverpool Primary Care Trust andtherefore currently allows all projects to beoffered free of charge.

In addition to offering football skills andcompetition, the Foundation are hoping toprovide an additional network ofinformation and services to aide veterans intheir return to civilian life. Services willinclude advice on health and well-being, aswell as providing training and employmentopportunities.

Steve Hollis added:

“This is an exciting new programme withthe potential to grow with the participationof veterans from the North West area. Ifyou are interested in attending any aspectoutlined please contact me at the LiverpoolFC Foundation.”

Editor’s Note: Veterans WORLD will

report on progress in a later issue.

LFC Academy opens itsdoors to veteransLiverpool FC Foundation launches health and wellbeing programmes for veterans

For more information emailSteve.hollis@liverpoolfc.com visit*www.liverpoolfc.com/foundation orfollow the LFC Foundation on Twitter-@LFCFoundation*The website will be going live in spring

Lucas Leiva, Liverpool midfielder (right) with John Tedford who is part of theFoundation’s veterans programme

We believe that footballoffers the ideal platformto promote physicalactivity, a sense of teamwork and increase selfconfidence.”

The Liverpool FC Foundation will launch aveterans football league later this year

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7Issue 27 April 2013

If you have been reading previous

articles in Veteran’s WORLD, you will

know about the important

commitments made by the Armed

Forces Covenant and the improvements

that have been made for former Service

personnel. However, the Armed Forces

Covenant isn’t just about Government

commitments. With over half of all

Local Authorities in Britain now signed

up, the Community Covenant Scheme is

gathering pace.

LAST time the Covenant Team wrote apiece for Veterans WORLD magazine onthe Community Covenant, nearly 100Community Covenants had been signed.Catriona Shaw from the Covenant Team, ispleased to report on progress . . .

“We’re pleased to say the scheme isgrowing, with over 230 now signed andwe hope to be able to have all LocalAuthority areas in England, Scotland andWales at County and Unitary level signedby Remembrance Day 2013.

“These partnerships between a council,the local military community, and othercommunity bodies can offer real benefitsto former Service personnel. What itencompasses is up to you. For instance,Liverpool City Council has established anumber of key projects aimed atproviding veterans and their families withsupport and advice, mental healthsupport programmes from ‘Talking toMinds’ and the development ofemployment opportunities throughinitiatives such as guaranteed interviewschemes in the City.

“Alongside the Community Covenant, a£30 million grant fund was established to

kick-start local projects that supportmutual understanding and integrationbetween military and civiliancommunities.

“From art projects to outreachprogrammes, the Community CovenantGrant Scheme has allocated some £5 million and counting. For example,Veterans F1rst Point, an Edinburgh basedcharity which offers support to veteranswith welfare or mental health concerns,used their funding to hold a conference tofurther increase awareness of veterans’issues and the services available.Meanwhile, a team from Exeter Universityset up a drama workshop to create a radioplay based on veteran’s experiences ofService life, focusing on their journey intoCivvy Street. The play is now touringschools to give pupils an understanding ofthe challenges facing veterans.”

Be part of the community

“We are always looking for great newideas, so if you would like to find out moreabout applying for a CommunityCovenant Grant check out our website –https://www.gov.uk/armed-forces-community-covenant

“While you are there, find out more aboutthe work that’s going on across the UK tomake sure that veterans are treated withgratitude and respect and are notdisadvantaged by their membership ofthe Armed Forces Community.”

Meeting the Covenant challengeMaking the Community Covenant real

“Thesepartnershipsbetween a council,the local militarycommunity, andother communitybodies can offerreal benefits toformer Servicepersonnel.”

The Civvy Street radio project funded by theCommunity Covenant Grant Scheme

Anglesey’s Community Covenant signing got off to flying start

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Contacts

Greg Wallace, of Dumfries, is the latest

Armed Forces veteran to be re-homed

by Dumfries and Galloway Housing

Partnership's (DGHP) Armed Forces

priority route.

GREG, 28, had been discharged from theArmy last year, following a two-yearrehabilitation period after he was seriouslyinjured while serving in Afghanistan.

Changes made to DGHP's lettings policy in2011 means that those leaving the ArmedForces and veterans now have a directroute into housing when they leave theServices - believed to be the first inScotland, and the UK.

Greg, and his fiancée Catriona O'Connor,26, moved into their new home in time forChristmas.

He said: "I read about what DGHP weredoing last year in the newspaper and Iremember thinking ‘I hope that might helpme’ - and it has. I appreciate that I've beengiven so much.

"It's been perfect timing for us, with mejust being discharged, and it meant wecould get moved in before Christmas. Sincecoming home when I was injured twoyears ago, I'd been living with my parents.And for the last six months Catriona hasalso been living with me, so it's been verycramped.

"My parents have been great, but we’velooked forward to setting up our hometogether and having our own space. Weare so grateful for the house, andappreciate everything that's been done toget us to this stage."

Greg first applied for housing last year, butwhen his discharge officer made him awareof the change in DGHP's policy in May2012, he got back in touch. As a result,Greg now has the keys to his new home inDumfries.

"The house is perfect for us and basicallysince we began dealing with DGHP on this;it was only a few months before we wereoffered the house."

Greg has spent the last two yearsrebuilding his life following the incident inAfghanistan in 2010. Greg was shot in theleg, just above his left ankle andunderwent three major operations whichleft him in hospital for three weeks.

"It's not been an easy couple of years, butI've had a lot of support and help from a lotof people, including the Army."

Following a long process of rehabilitation,Greg is now very much looking towardsthe future in his new home: "I am alsotraining for a future career as a drivinginstructor. Things have worked out reallywell.

"It's good to know that help is out there,and that when you come out of the Army,there is support and advice available to getyour life back on track."

Housing partnership making veterans a priority

For further information visitwww.dghp.org.uk or call 0800 011 3447

Getting the keys to their new home

“I remember thinking ‘I hope that mighthelp me’ - and it has.”

Greg and his fiancee Catriona began2013 in their new home thanks to DGHP

Army veteran re-homed by housing partnership

9Issue 27 April 2013

Contacts

Former Service personnel and their

families are being asked how the

transition to civilian life could be

improved for Armed Forces leavers.

LORD ASHCROFT, the Prime Minister’sSpecial Representative for Veterans’Transition, has launched a websitethrough which veterans, families andothers with an interest in the area canreport their experiences, includingproblems they have encountered, andmake suggestions as to how the processcould be improved.

Contributions will be considered as partof Lord Ashcroft’s official review oftransition, which will report at the end of2013.

Contributions can be made on the ‘HaveYour Say’ page of the Veterans’ Transitionwebsite.

The review will consider all aspects oftransition including employment, health,housing and education. As well aslistening to the experiences ofindividuals, Lord Ashcroft’s team willconsult industry, local authorities andgovernment departments, as well as

other bodies including Service charitiesand the Armed Forces themselves. Wherenecessary, Lord Ashcroft will recommendto the government specific changes ofpolicy or practice.

The work aims to build on the ArmedForces Covenant, which commits thegovernment to ensuring that veteransreceive fair and equal treatment and arenot disadvantaged as a result of theirService to the nation.

Lord Ashcroft said:

“It is very important to me to get a feelfor what those going through the process

of leaving the Services actuallyexperience. I want to know whether thereare gaps between the government’sgood intentions and what happens toindividuals on the ground.

“We will consult widely, but I also want tohear directly from those who have a viewand want to be heard. The experiences ofindividuals and families who have madethe transition from military to civilian lifewill play an important part in the review,and ultimately, I hope, in ensuring thosewho have served the country get thesupport they deserve.

Minister of State for Defence Personnel,Welfare and Veterans, Mark Francoisadded:

“This government is committed tolooking after all those who have given somuch to protect and serve our country.We want to make sure that Servicepersonnel get all the support and helpthey need when they make the transitionto civilian life.”

“The Prime Minister appointed LordAshcroft as his special representative forVeterans’ Transition and I look forward tosupporting his work. As part of that Iwant to encourage as many people aspossible to get involved and contributeto his consultation.”

Veterans encouraged to share theirexperiences on transitionArmed Forces veterans asked how transition to civilian life can be improved

For further information, visitwww.veteranstransition.co.uk/

The Veterans community is asked to have their say on improving the transition to civilian life

“ . . . I want toknow whether thereare gaps between thegovernment’s goodintentions and whathappens toindividuals on theground.”

The Veterans Transition Review web page

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Unique in being grant-maker to many

projects and charities that exist to

improve the quality of life for our naval

family, the Royal Navy and Royal

Marines Charity (RNRMC) made grants

of £5,300,000 in 2012 – an increase on

the previous year’s total of £5,100,000.

THE grants covered the full range of theRNRMC’s beneficiary group, supportingthose who served long ago, as well asfurther helping to improve facilities andfund amenities for today’s serving sailors,marines, reservists, Royal Fleet Auxiliaryand their families.

Benevolence grants last year of £3.3million included £439,500 to the RoyalNaval Benevolent Trust and £560,000 tothe Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children’sFund. Among the 16 other charitiessupported were Blind Veterans UK, SSAFAForces Help, the Not Forgotten Associationand Erskine as the RNRMC greatlyexpanded its ability to reach beneficiariesin need.

Making a real difference

At the Royal Star & Garter Charity’sRichmond Home, former Royal NavyLeading Seaman, Eddie Gravett [pictured],has received nursing and therapeutic caresince 2010. Although now speech-impaired and largely wheelchair-bound,daily therapy helps to keep him mobileand he also greatly enjoys joining in socialamenities, all aided by a grant from theRNRMC to the Royal Star & Garter Homes.Eddie is one of many helped by the grantsthe RNRMC makes.

Demand rising

In these tough times, demand is rising forthe charity’s grants. Without the RNRMC’ssupport, it would not be possible for allthese great charities to help the numbersthey reach. With support, the RNRMC cancontinue to provide through-life supportto the Naval Service family.

Individuals are supported by the RNRMCgrants made to frontline Naval Servicebenevolence charities. Frontline charitiescan apply for a benevolence grant bycontacting RNRMC Head of Grants, AnneCarr, anne.carr@rnrmc.org.uk.

Supporting those who servedRoyal Navy and Royal Marines Charity grants on the rise

For further information call 02392548128 or visit www.rnrmc.org.uk/

Editor’s Note: There are lots of ways

to get involved, from donations

through to holding your own

fundraising event; the RNRMC

welcomes your fundraising ideas. For

more information, contact

fundraising@rnrmc.org.uk

or call 023 9254 8289.

Eddie Gravett is one of the manyveterans who have benefitted from the

support RNRMC gives organisationssupporting the Armed Forces

Community.

There are many unique ways for people to raise funds for RNRMC

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Race2Recovery, the group of injured

Service personnel, predominantly

soldiers who formed a rally team to

raise funds for Forces charities,

celebrated making history by becoming

the first ever disability team to

complete the world’s toughest race –

the Dakar Rally.

THE team’s Land Rover Defender-basedWildcat race vehicle and its crew, of driverMajor Matt O’Hare and co-driver CorporalPhillip Gillespie, completed theirsensational achievement as they crossedthe finish line of the final stage inSantiago, Chile, signalling the end of anextraordinary two weeks of racing thatsaw the team’s other three Wildcatvehicles fall out of the race at variousstages along the way.

Major O’Hare and Corporal Gillespie werequick to praise their teammates, includingthe mechanics and support team, as theyspoke shortly after completing the final

stage. Major O’Hare, 32, originally fromHereford and currently based in Earlsfield,London, said:

“It’s not quite sinking in that we’veactually done it. I’m ecstatic and am soproud and pleased for the wholeRace2Recovery team. Our mechanics andsupport team have kept us in the race andtheir work and dedication was second tonone. Our other drivers and co-driverswho were forced to retire earlier in therace became an integral part of thesupport team as we continued thechallenge and so this really is a teamsuccess. To complete the Dakar Rally is anincredible achievement in itself, but tobecome the first ever disability team tocross that finish line lifts the achievementto a whole other level.”

Corporal Phillip Gillespie, 24, fromBallymena, Northern Ireland, an amputeewho was injured in Afghanistan, added:

“We have found out first-hand why theycall the Dakar Rally the hardest race in theworld. It has pushed every single one usto our limits and beyond. To be able tostand at the finish line and say weachieved what we set out to achieve, tobecome the first ever disability team tocomplete the Dakar Rally, feels magical.

Race2Recovery’s injured soldiers make history

Beyond injury – achieving the extraordinary

“To complete theDakar Rally is anincredibleachievement in itself,but to become thefirst ever disabilityteam to cross thatfinish line lifts theachievement to awhole other level.”

Race2Recovery celebrate as their car approaches the finish line

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Our team motto is ‘Beyond Injury –Achieving The Extraordinary’ and we’vedone just that. I hope that we’ve beenable to inspire people who may be facingdifficulties through injury or illness.”

Race2Recovery Team Manager, WarrantOfficer Andrew Taylor, 40, who suffered aserious back injury after being caught in asuicide bomb attack during active servicein the Royal Army Medical Corps, said:

“The support that this team has received,from back home and also from the peopleof Peru, Argentina and Chile, has beenfirst class. People from all over the worldhad been sending messages of support tothe team and the closer we got to thefinish the more these messages floodedin. The Race2Recovery challenge reallyseems to have captured the imaginationof the public and we can’t thank everyoneenough.”

Captain Tony Harris, 31, one ofRace2Recovery’s rally drivers who is abelow the knee amputee as a result ofinjuries suffered while serving inAfghanistan, said:

“To be standing in Santiago knowingwe’ve finished, two weeks after startingout on this epic journey, felt absolutelybrilliant. The team had shown hugededication, going without sleep and

putting in some serious hours of hardwork, whether as the drivers, co-drivers orsupport team.”

The Race2Recovery team has rapidly risento become a fully functioning rally raidteam in only 18 months. Originallybeginning their campaign with one LandRover Freelander and a handful ofmembers, the team now totals 28 peoplewith four Wildcat race vehicles and fleetof support vehicles including a 4x4 truckthat will race the course in order tosupport the race cars, plus 8x8 supporttrucks and a number of Land RoverDiscovery vehicles to help move thesupport team and mechanicalequipment.

The team operates to the motto ‘BeyondInjury – Achieving The Extraordinary’, andset up its Dakar Rally challenge in order toinspire people who may be injured, ill orfacing adversity. Members of the teamthat have been wounded in combat havea huge variety of injuries - some are moreapparent than others but each person hashad their life completely changed.Whether dealing with missing limbs,spinal and respiratory injuries, orpsychological and fragmentation injuries,each has resolved to prove that theirinjury will not stop them completing thetoughest race on the planet.

You can find more information onRace2Recovery atwww.race2recovery.com or you can follow them on Google+ Race2Recovery, Twitter @race2recovery and Facebook.

About the Dakar Rally

The Dakar Rally (or simply ‘The Dakar’,formerly known as ‘The Paris–Dakar’) isan annual Dakar Series rally raid off-road race, organised by the AmaurySport Organisation. The race originatedin 1978, a year after racer Thierry Sabinegot lost in the desert and decided thatit would be a good location for aregular rally event. Originally, the rallywas from Paris, France, to Dakar,Senegal. However, due to politics andother factors, the course, includingorigin and destination, has varied overthe years. The race is open to amateurand professional entries with amateurstypically making up about 80 per centof participants.

Despite its name, it is an off-roadendurance race, called a rally-raid ratherthan a conventional rally – the terrainthe competitors traverse is muchtougher and the vehicles used by teamsand individuals are true off-roadvehicles rather than the modified on-road vehicles used in rallies. Themajority of the competitive specialsections are off-road, crossing dunes,mud, camel grass and rocks amongothers.

The Dakar 2013 course, stretched over9000 km of the world’s toughest terrain,began in Lima, Peru on January 5, withthe course winding down through Peru,into Argentina and then into Chilewhere it officially finished in Santiagoon January 20 with a parade andpodium presentation.

Major Matt O’Hare (left) and Cpl Phillip Gillespie (right) of Race2Recovery

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14

Skills for Logistics reports fantastic

enthusiasm for the Military Work

Placement Scheme launched last

November to fund companies to provide

nearly 1,000 work placements to

ex-Service personnel into 2013.

THE current ratio of 30 per centplacements receiving job offers representsa significant endorsement of the Schemeby employers. These jobs range fromsenior director positions throughoperations management to driving.

The government-funded Military WorkPlacement Scheme (MWPS) was launchedformally at the Imperial War Museum withemployers, representatives of the militaryand Stephen Hammond MP, ParliamentaryUnder-Secretary of State for Transport inattendance.

Mick Jackson, CEO of Skills for Logistics(SfL), reports:

“We are seeing fantastic enthusiasm for theMWPS following its formal launch. We havereceived enormous support fromemployers with over 2,000 registeredplacement opportunities. Companiesinclude Kuehne + Nagel, TNT, NorbertDentressangle, Boots and DHL. Employersclearly want to get involved in the schemeand have access to the excellent resourceoffered by men and women leaving thearmed forces. There is demand for workplacement opportunities across the whole

spectrum of logistics roles, fromwarehousing to driving; traffic office toimport/export.”

He added:

“This pilot scheme ends on March 31 andwe see enormous benefit for a longer termscheme from April.”

Jackson continued:

“The Logistics Sector as a whole has arequirement for skilled labour, particularlyto fill acute driver shortages and skilledlabour exists within the Armed Forces.”

All participating Service personnel benefitfrom a guaranteed job interview andfeedback at the end of the two-week workplacement. Employers gain support to planand deliver structured work experiencesthat enable Service personnel to find outabout work in the sector and provideample opportunities for them todemonstrate their worth. SfLImplementation Specialists, using astructured Work Placement Framework,will provide guidance and support.

Jackson concluded:

“We can give Service leavers the chance totranslate their military experience intocivilian language and to provide the bridgeto civilian employment through ourmodern Logistics Guild, a free-to-join

member network, run by its members forits members; to share ideas, offer support,guidance, development and jobs. Forpersonnel on a placement, every bit ofexperience will be logged and tracked ontheir personal locker, which will helptowards the development of their skills asthey move into logistics roles.”

Taking skills to Civvy StreetEnthusiastic response to Military Work Placement Scheme

Contacts

“We can give service leaversthe chance to translatetheir military experienceinto civilian language andto provide the bridge tocivilian employment . . .”

For more information visitwww.skillsforlogistics.org

Stephen Hammond MP at Military Work Placement Scheme launch

Skills for Logistics (SfL) is the SkillsSector Council (SSC) for the freightlogistics and wholesaling sector (TheLogistics Sector). SfL works alongsidecompanies in the UK that are involvedin moving, handling, storing andwholesale of goods. SfL is licensed byGovernment to tackle the skills andproductivity needs of employers in thelogistics and supply chain sector.

15Issue 27 April 2013

Contacts

The December edition of Veterans Worldprovided details on the launch of the

Ministry of Defence’s new Defence

Discount Service, as part of the Armed

Forces Covenant, in recognition of

service in the Armed Forces or

contribution to Defence. The scheme is

making great progress with the

introduction of its privilege card.

THE new Defence Privilege Card is a keyelement of the scheme and Prime MinisterDavid Cameron handed the first PrivilegeCards to veterans and members of theArmed Forces invited to Number 10 inDecember. The card is available at a cost of£4.99 and is valid for a full five-year periodfollowing issue. It is exclusively formembers of the Armed Forces Communityincluding: Serving Regular and Reservepersonnel, Armed Forces veterans,spouses/partners of Service personnel andbereaved spouses/partners and othergroups supporting Defence such as MODcivil servants, members of the cadet forcesand NATO personnel serving in UK-basedposts.

The Defence Discount Service waslaunched in October last year and some22,500 Armed Forces veterans have alreadyregistered with the scheme. It is provingpopular and is the only card of its type withthe official support of the Ministry of

Defence. In the light of the Prime Minister'scomments about the Defence DiscountService ‘being an excellent way for UKcompanies to provide support to ArmedForces personnel’, many more companiesare expected to come forward to offermeaningful discounts to help make life alittle easier for the Armed Forcescommunity.

Participating companies across the countrywill accept the new card in-store, offeringgood discounts to scheme members. Awide range of high profile companies areoffering discounts on cars, laptops,supermarket shops, holidays, meals, andphones. These companies include:Vodaphone, Iceland supermarket, VueCinemas, Hilton Hotels, KFC, Austin Reed,and Merlin Group Attractions (AltonTowers, Legoland, the Edinburgh Dungeon,and Warwick Castle for online bookings).

New members should first register on thewebsite, which once completed gives free

access to the discounts and offers availablewithout any type of payment necessary.There is a contact number - 01509 233446 -that veterans are encouraged to ring if theyhave any questions or need advice withregistration or card queries. A postalapplication form for the card is available ifapplicants prefer this method and theoperating contractor does accept the £4.99payment by means of cheque.

Signing up to save moneyThousands of veterans joined the new discount scheme

Further details on the discounts, offers,and competitions available can beviewed by visiting the Defence DiscountService website at:www.defencediscountservice.co.uk.Those without internet access can call01509 233446.

“. . . many more companies

are expected to come

forward to offer meaningful

discounts to help make life

a little easier for the

Armed Forces community.”

The Prime Minister meets members of the Armed Forces Community at the launch of the Defence Privilege Card

Discount Scheme website

16

War graves, and the official memorials to

those who have no known graves, are a

familiar and poignant reminder of the

sacrifices made by our Servicemen and

women during the two World Wars and

the organisation responsible for their

care is using new technology to ensure

they are never forgotten.

THE First World War, the 100th anniversaryof which will be marked between 2014 to2018, changed the world in which we live.Not least, it changed our attitude toremembrance with the birth oforganisations like the Imperial (laterCommonwealth) War Graves Commissionensuring for the first time that the sacrificeof all, regardless of military or civil rank,race or creed, would be remembered.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1917, theCommonwealth War Graves Commission(CWGC) is dedicated to the care of 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen andwomen who lost their lives in the twoWorld Wars. Today the CWGC maintainswar graves, cemeteries and memorials at astaggering 23,000 locations, in 153 countries worldwide.

The care of these ‘silent cities’ is theCWGC’s primary function and it employs adedicated workforce – some 1,200 strong –the vast majority of whom are gardeners

and stone masons. But the CWGC hasalways interpreted its Royal Charter tomean that it has a duty to engage andeducate a new generation in theachievements and sacrifices of theseindividuals, as well as maintain their officialcommemoration.

Visitor numbers to cemeteries andmemorials are higher than ever, andexpected to grow significantly over thecentenary period. Research conducted bythe CWGC recently, has shown that whilethere is a great appetite to remember theFirst World War, younger audiences inparticular, require help in understandingthose historic events and putting a face tothe human loss. With this in mind, theCWGC has embarked on a mammothinterpretive programme – using newtechnology to inform and educate likenever before.

500 First World War sites, in some 35countries, will see interpretive panelsinstalled over the next few years. Eachpanel puts the cemetery or memorial intoits historical context – answering theinevitable question “what happened here?”But each panel also carries a QR (QuickResponse) code which, when scanned witha smartphone, provides access to furtherinformation; including the personal storiesof some of the casualties buried or

commemorated at the location. Shortpersonal stories combined with letters,images, and in some cases recordedtestimonies, provide a powerful andmoving human portrait of the war and theimpact it had on communities across theBritish Commonwealth.

It is the aim that this project will functionnot only to interpret our cemeteries andmemorials throughout the centenaryperiod but also to provide acommemorative legacy for decades tocome.

New technology helping to providelasting remembranceMemorial project gets interactive in preparation for Centenary of the Great War

ContactsFor more information about the CWGCvisit their website at www.cwgc.orgThe Commission is actively seekingpersonal stories for its centenaryprogramme. If you would like to help,please contact media@cwgc.org. You cankeep up to date with CWGC latest newsby subscribing to their newsletter orfollowing them on Facebook and Twitter.

CWGC is using socialmedia to provide storieslike that of JoeDickinson, a professionalfootballer with ReadingFC, whose death on May 19, 1915 left behind a wife and adaughter, who he never met.

http://www.cwgc.org/microsites/le-touret-memorial.aspx

Runnymede Memorial in Surrey

Maintenence at the ChristiansborgCemetery, Ghana

17Issue 27 April 2013

Contacts

Scottish War Blinded provides

assistance to ex-Servicemen and

women of the Armed Forces who now

live with a visual impairment.

MEMBERS are assisted daily at the award-winning Linburn Centre in Wilkieston,where facilities include a skills kitchen,media lounge, art space, craft workshop,IT centre, and training gym. In addition,day trips are organised regularly formembers and have in the past includedswimming lessons, cinema trips andcultural excursions. The charity also catersto the more adventurous members withactivities that include 4x4 driving,abseiling and archery. The Linburn Centreis operated by a team of dedicated staffthat includes a rehabilitation worker whoprovides independent living skills andmobility training to ensure members canenjoy living as autonomously as possible.

Assistance is also provided through therecently expanded Outreach Service,which has undergone significantdevelopments in order to serve a greatermembership in 2013.

The service now boasts seven OutreachWorkers stationed throughout Scotland,who will pay individual visits to allScottish War Blinded members over thecourse of this year. The Outreach Workersprovide extensive support that rangesfrom sharing a cup of tea and a helpfulchat to organising member referrals to

appropriate statutoryagencies and funding house

adaptations. The OutreachService is supported in

several local societiesfor the blind with

which staff workclosely to ensure

thatmembersreceive

necessaryservices.

Local reunions formembers are

hosted every year toencourage social

activity andnetworking between

veterans. This year, a new service is beingintroduced where members will beprovided with specialist equipment for avisual impairment (such as liquid levelindicators, talking watches, and longcanes) where it is not available in theirlocal communities.

Any veteran who served under Britishcommand* and now lives with asignificant visual impairment is eligiblefor membership with Scottish WarBlinded. If you think you or someone youknow might meet the membershipcriteria, then contact the MembershipServices Officer, Jan Scott, on 0131 229 1456.

*Also includes veterans who served inconscription and the Queen Alexandra’sRoyal Army Nursing Corps.

Moving with the timesScottish War Blinded extends a hand to all of Scotland

For further information, please contactSheila Mutch, Linburn Centre Manager,on 0131 333 1369 or Rosie McLaughlin,Outreach Service Manager, on 0131 229 1456, email enquiries@scottishwarblinded.orgor visit www.royalblind.org/

SWB member participatingin an archery session atArchers Hall, Edinburgh

“ . . .seven OutreachWorkers stationedthroughout Scotland,who will pay individualvisits to all Scottish WarBlinded members overthe course of this year.”

SWB members and staff enjoying 4x4 off-road driving in Perthshire

18

In January, The Queen Alexandra

Hospital Home (QAHH) said goodbye to

a treasured veteran, who has achieved

so much since his arrival at the

Worthing charity.

47 YEAR OLD James Scott McClements(known as Scott), was brutally mugged inBrighton on October 25, 2011. Struck witha blunt weapon across the head, Scott wasleft with fourteen pieces of skull lodged inhis brain. Suffering a subdural haematoma,Scott was left in a critical condition. Hewoke, needing a tracheotomy to breathe,unable to speak or swallow, and with littlemovement in the right side of his body, heneeded hoisting to transfer from hiswheelchair to the toilet or his bed.

In March 2012, Scott, an Army veteran,transferred to QAHH, which providesnursing and rehabilitation for disabled ex-Servicemen and women. In ten months, Scott has made incredibleprogress. He can now eat, drink and

breatheindependently. Hisspeech hasdramaticallyimproved and withfour physiotherapysessions a week,Scott has learnedto walk 40 metresand climb stairs. Hecan also nowtransfer from hiswheelchair whichallows greaterprivacy and arestored sense ofdignity. Scott is inpain every day butsaid:

“The health care assistants have beenfantastic. After my time in the ArmedForces, I worked in the nursing professionfor twenty years so I’ve seen everythingand I can’t speak highly enough of the staffhere – the care was brilliant. The residentsare great, we had a lot in common socould talk shop and the physiotherapistshere were magic – they taught me to walkand climb stairs. I can even wash myselfnow - gradually I’m getting back to normal.I will beat it. They ruined my life but I willget it back.”

Having had reconstruction surgery on hisskull and a metal plate fitted, Scott wasready to return home and has travelledback to Ireland to live with his mother andcontinue his rehabilitation.

Laura Woodley, Community Fundraiser,said of Scott’s departure:

“Scott was a huge character at QAHH andwill be very sorelymissed by all theresidents and staff,but our primaryaim is to returnpeople toindependent living,so we’re thrilled forhim and so proudof his fantasticachievements. Withthe determinationScott has shown,he looks certain totake back the lifehe so savagely lost.

It’s imperative we raise £1.3 million eachyear to keep our doors open should Scottever need us again, and for futureveterans, who may need our help in theyears to come.”

A true hero’s road to recovery Charity helps veteran recover from traumatic brain injury

ContactsFor further information call 01903218444 or visit www.qahh.org.uk

The national charity, home to long-term and respite residents,cares for veterans who currentlyrange from 47-102 years old.veterans travel from all over thecountry to Boundary Road inWorthing, to take advantage of theon-site services provided. Veteranscan receive physiotherapy, speechtherapy, time in the rehabilitationkitchen, the opportunity to join insocial and recreation activities,counselling, occupational therapy,30 outings each year and first classnursing around the clock.

Scott learning new skills in the rehabilitation kitchen

Scott learning to walk in physiotherapy

James McClements making his way back to recovery with the help of QAHH

19Issue 27 April 2013

Contacts

In November 2012, charity for the

homeless, Coventry Cyrenians, launched

a new project to support homeless

veterans in Coventry, Warwickshire and

Solihull. The eight-bed accommodation

based support service is the first of its

kind in the area.

THE charity set up the new project,

following research confirming a large

portion of the homeless people in

Coventry had served in the forces.

The project allows the charity to provide

high quality, tailored support to each

resident. With the support of an

Accredited Counsellor, the project provides

veterans with access to trauma-focused

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to

help address their issues. It also supports

veterans with dual diagnosis of mental

health problems and substance misuse,

something which sets the charity apart

from other similar services.

Working with an experienced Project

Coordinator, residents are given help to

access education, training and

volunteering opportunities, and to gain

long-term accommodation for the future.

The result of this is that individuals rebuild

self-confidence, re-establish family

relationships and re-engage with their local

community.

Peter’s Story

Peter Bennett came to Cyrenians as a client

at Norton House, a support service for

rough sleepers with multiple and complex

needs. Although fully experienced in

dealing with the needs of rough sleepers,

Coventry Cyrenians were not equipped to

deal with the growing number of

self-isolated, homeless veterans in

Coventry and Warwickshire. Peter

presented the idea of a forces specific

service to the Cyrenians staff.

“After a 12-year military career, I found

myself living on the streets suffering from

mental health issues. I sought help from

the NHS mental health service, but found

myself going in and out of hospital.

Eventually, I turned to drugs and alcohol to

help me deal with my demons.

“I was made homeless due to my

worsening state of mind. I arrived in

Coventry and was told about Coventry

Cyrenians. With incredible amounts of

patience, care and sensitivity the staff

addressed my homelessness situation and

put me on the road to a positive and

sustainable recovery.

“After careful consideration and research,

the staff at Cyrenians and I came up with

the idea to open a specific service for

homeless veterans. Foremost, the aim of

the project is to enable veterans in their

recovery and transition into civilian life.

The project also aims to reduce the

number of veterans living on the streets

and to challenge the stigma attached to

homelessness. We also passionately want

to raise awareness of the problems facing

veterans and show people that they are a

valuable part of their local community.”

Referrals

Referrals can be made directly to theservice through different agencies ororganisations, family members or self-referral.

Clients can stay at the project for up to 12months. Those who successfully move-onwill be offered a six-month resettlementservice.

A chance to start againCoventry Cyrenians supporting homeless veterans

For more information on accessing the

service, email

forces.regroupuk@coventrycyrenians.org

or visit www.coventrycyrenians.co.uk

Coventry Cyrenians have provided

practical help and support to homeless

people for the past 40 years.

“We also passionately wantto raise awareness of theproblems facing veteransand show people that theyare a valuable part of theirlocal community.”

The project can accommodate eight veterans

20

Wings for Warriors provides new future for wounded military personnel

Soaring to new heights

For Captain Steven Monteith (Monty),

a career in the military was always the

dream. Like so many of our young

Service personnel, there was no ‘Plan

B’. Here Monty tells us his story, in his

words . . .

“I joined the Army in 2002, attending TheRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst andgaining a commission into TheHighlanders (Seaforth, Gordons &Camerons), later to become part of TheRoyal Regiment of Scotland. After a tour

of Bosnia as a young Platoon Commanderand subsequent re-rolling to ArmouredInfantry, my Battalion deployed to Iraq inOctober 2005. I requested to stay on as aPlatoon Commander for this tour as I sawit as a culmination of what I had trainedso hard for and I wanted to see it throughwith my colleagues.

“On 22nd March 2006, acting on falseintelligence I deployed on a foot patroland was targeted by a road side bombIED. The blast knocked me off my feet and

I momentarily lost consciousness. Soonawakening I discovered the Iraqiinterpreter who had been walking besideme had been hit in the head and wasdead, lying across my legs. I checked mylimbs in a dazed state and saw only ablood stained ring on a tattered shirtwhere my forearm was before. The blasthad torn through my left arm below theelbow, turning it inside out, removing agreat deal of the bone, the ulna nerve andartery and shattering what was left. I alsohad shrapnel in my left shoulder and rightbuttock and smaller fragmentsto the head, neck and most of the leftside of my body and legs. As I was callingthe report into base, Corporal Tweedleymy team medic, attended to me and tomy amazement showed me a ragged, butstill attached arm ’it’s still attached Sir, butnay by much‘.

“I underwent incredible rounds ofsurgery and rehab and ultimatelyreturned to my unit. But the toll was toomuch for my body to withstand. When Iwas finally told I was to be medicallydischarged, I was a broken man and sawno light in the future or direction tofollow. All advice was that I was lucky as Ihad a fresh start and could do anythingnow, but the only thing I wanted to dowas disallowed to me.

“During a follow up appointment withmy surgeon, he inquired what I was to dowith my future. I replied that I didn’tknow and that the only other thing that Ihad ever really wanted to do was fly, buthad been told by a military doctor thatdue to my injuries that wouldn’t bepossible. The surgeon told me aboutWings For Warriors and what one of theirstudents had already achieved. Wings ForWarriors is a unique charity that helpsinjured Service personnel re-build theirlives and train as commercial helicopterpilots. I was advised to visit an RAF doctorfor an assessment. He in turn directed meto the Civilian Aviation Authority for aclass 1 medical and a few weeks later Iwas introduced to Wings for Warriors.

“Looking back it became more apparenthow terrible I had felt, but it wasn’t until Ihad turned the corner that I realised whatpressures I had been suffering from losingmy career and life in the Army.

Captain Monteith was severely injured while on operations in Iraq

21Issue 27 April 2013

ContactsFor further information call 07760 154074,email info@wings4warriors.org.uk visitwww.wingsforwarriors.org.uk

“The advice I had been given was allpushing me to strive towardscompromise and knowing my limits.Wings for Warriors has provideddirection, purpose and hope for thefuture.

“I began training with Wings in July oflast year and completed my Private PilotsLicence in September 2012. Since then Ihave begun training for my Air TransportPilots Licence, which involves a lot ofhome study for the exams andcontinuing to develop my practical skillsas a pilot by doing more challengingflying.

“When qualified I will need to do somefurther hour building to gain experiencewhich will be desirable to futureemployers.”

Currently operating out ofGoodwood Aerodrome, Wings forWarriors aims to facilitate thetraining of injured Service personnelas fully qualified commercialhelicopter pilots. Training requiresthe wounded warriors to challengethemselves holistically and placesemphasis on physical, psychologicaland social development. As well asqualifying as pilots, students re-buildtheir own confidence, abilities andpride.

Students should have a full range ofupper-body movement and dexterityin their hands. Each applicant will beassessed on an individual basis,subject to passing a Civil AviationAuthority (CAA) medical.

Monty underwent extensive surgery andrehabilitation following his injury

“Wings forWarriors hasprovideddirection, purposeand hope for thefuture.”

Trained by Wings For Warriors, Monty gained his Private Pilots licence in 2012

Mark Radcliffe, founder of Wings forWarriors added:

“Monty is one of our five current students.His story and his grit and determination isvery familiar to us. These young men andwomen only ever wanted to be in themilitary, when they survive a life-changinginjury, their entire world changes. AtWings we are determined to help themtrain for a new future, one in which theycan be challenged and fulfilled and have arole in society and their community.

“These guys work hard when we manageto secure funding for them and they jointhe charity as students, both in the classroom, at home and in the air. But whatthey discover is that they have a lot oftransferable skills – discipline, focus andthe ability to act under pressure.”

22

Contacts

A new support centre for veterans and

their families has opened its doors in

Beeston, Nottingham.

THE ‘Forces in the Community’ centre willprovide employment support as well assignposting advice on housing, health andfinance for veterans and their familiesfrom across the East Midlands, includingNottinghamshire, Derbyshire andLeicestershire. The launch of the Beeston centre was

made possible through the Armed ForcesCommunity Covenant Grant Scheme - thescheme that gives financial support tolocal projects which strengthen the tiesand mutual understanding betweenmembers of the Armed Forces communityand the wider community in which theylive.

Support centre founder Rick Harringtonsaid:

“Without the grant we would not havebeen able to open the centre for at leastanother two years. It has given us a muchneeded financial springboard.

“We can now concentrate on supportingveterans, some of whom left service manyyears ago; acting as a bridge to help themrealise their potential within the localcommunity and to highlight to localemployers the undoubted qualities thatex-forces people possess.”

The centre, open five-days-a-week, offersveterans advice and guidance withqualified careers advisers and training aswell as links to mentors who are veteransthat have successful civilian careers. It alsooffers signposting to housing support,help with addiction, community legalservices and other Service charities.

Rick added:

“Our aim is to help all ex-forces and theirfamilies make an easy transition intocivilian life. Many people will managewithout our help, but if they need to findout how to get support for housing,health, finding a job etc, then we canassist them.”

Broxtowe Borough Council, BroxtoweBorough Partnership, Beeston BID(Business Improvement District) andVoluntary Action Broxtowe signed acommunity covenant with the ArmedForces in January 2012.

Rick said:

“This centre had always been my aim, andhaving the community covenant grant hashelped me achieve this a lot quicker than Iwould have done. I am grateful for all thesupport I have had from Broxtowe Counciland the Army.”

The ‘Forces in the Community’ project isone of four applications that havereceived funding from the Armed ForcesCommunity Covenant Grant Scheme.Funding has also been given to the ‘Lifebeyond the Wire’ project and a bid fornew play equipment at Manor FarmRecreation Ground in Toton, close toChetwynd Barracks in Chilwell, was alsosuccessful.

In addition, the Nottinghamshire YMCAhas received over £40,000 to engage andtrain one hundred 11 to 18 year olds fromChetwynd Barracks and the surroundingarea in outdoor adventure, digital mediaand film projects.

Armed Forces support centreopens in the East Midlands

For further information: call 01159220320, visit www.forces.org.uk oremail support@forces.org.uk

Grant scheme supporting intiatives in the community

“Our aim is to helpall ex-forces andtheir families makean easy transitioninto civilian life.”

The ribbon-cutting at the launch and officialopening of the Forces in the Community

centre in Beeston

From right, Rick Harrington, Councillor Margaret Handley and Brigadier Harry Nickerson

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23Issue 27 April 2013

Contacts

A government-funded programme is

available to support Service Leavers

who have been medically discharged

and disabled veterans get back into

work.

ACCESS TO WORK provides additionalsupport for individuals whose health ordisability affects the way they do theirjob. It provides individuals and theiremployers with advice and support withextra costs which may arise because of anindividual’s needs.

Access to Work can provide discretionarygrants towards:

• specialist aids and equipment;

• support Workers;

• support for transport to work;

• an interpreter or other support at a

job interview if you have difficulty communicating; and

• support for those with mental health conditions, through the Mental Health Support Service.

The support the programme offers ispersonalised and will depend on aperson’s needs. Access to Work adviserscan offer an assessment of an individual’sworkplace to learn more about thesupport they need and offer a grant onthe information and recommendationsfrom the assessment.

An Access to Work adviser will support aperson through the process and ensurethey have all the information they need.

The support available from Access toWork could help a veteran:

• stay in work if they are employed or self employed;

• start work;

• get the job they want and get on thecareer ladder; and

• start their own business through New Enterprise Allowance.

Find out more at www.gov.uk/access-to-work, phone0208 426 3110 to make an applicationor emailatwosu.london@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

This is what some of Access to Work’scustomers have said:

“I’m very impressed by Access to Work: with the support provided I can continue to have a fulfilling career whilst coping with my disability.”

“I’ve been supported by Access to Work through adjustments to my workplace and my vehicle, as well as a support worker and special aids and equipment. Without Access to Work support, my working life would be severely restricted and I wouldn’t be able todo the broad range of duties in my job. “

" Without the help and support of the Access to Work programme, I wouldn’t be able to do my job, it’s as simple as that.”

Overcoming barriers Support programme provides veterans with access to work

Contacts

24

Military charity Afghan Heroes took a

massive step forward in December with

the opening of its first Retreat.

A long term base for troops returningfrom and adjusting to life after serving onthe front line, the first Retreat is located inAshcott near Glastonbury.

The Retreat in Ashcott, Somerset willbecome the template for an ambitiousprogramme aimed at setting up around adozen similar centres across the UK. Eachwill have between six and ten beds alongwith a bar and restaurant allowing thecommunity to integrate with Servicepersonnel.

Denise Harris, founder of Afghan Heroessaid:

“We’re delighted to launch the firstRetreat so that we can help those thatneed the support.

“Each Retreat will be self financing inorder to ‘future proof’ the care conceptand to assist our troops returning fromactive service for years to come.”

Denise, whose son Corporal Lee Scott losthis life in July 2009 while serving with 2Royal Tank Regiment in Afghanistan, said:“Each Retreat will build a positive and

supportive environment enabling formerService personnel to move forward andresume their everyday lives.”

She added:

“Once there they can begin to rebuildtheir lives alongside comrades who haveshared and understand the traumaticexperiences which have impacted uponthem.”

Following the successful launch of thefirst Retreat, further sites will be rolled outacross the country providing a network ofsmall but self-sufficient centres which willprovide regional hubs sited away frommilitary garrisons but close enough todraw essential support as required.Planned locations include Blackpool,

Newcastle, Scotland, Wales, East Anglia,Birmingham and the South Coast.

Denise continued:

“The Retreat concept fulfils Afghan Heroesoriginal objective of providing a postservices facility to serve returningdischarged personnel while also satisfyingkey financial and geographicalrequirements.

“The objective is to provide up to a dozenbased on working hubs which would beutilised by both forces personnel andgeneral public alike.

“We have already been in touch with localcolleges about courses, local gym’s andthe local swimming pool and we havepeople that are willing to give their timefree to train our Service personnel inwebsite building, graphic design,accountancy, landscape gardening as wellas setting up their own businesses.

“The objective is to get Retreat residentsto identify a preferred new profession.Each Retreat must be able to acceptbetween six and ten ex-Service personneland one manager/mentor who wherepossible will also be ex-military.”

For further information please visitwww.afghanheroes.org.uk

Moving forwardOpening of first retreat signals massive step forward for military charity

The Retreat’s bar and restaurant will provide opportunities for the local communityto integrate with the service community

The Retreat in Somerset is the first centre toopen, more are planned for across the UK

25

SPVA News

Issue 27 April 2013

The regular feature providing you with updatesfrom the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency

SPVA re-launches Agency Leaflets

SPVA want to make their customersaware of the full range of services thatSPVA can provide. To do this SPVAMedia and Communications Team arecurrently revising a number of Agencyleaflets.

The following leaflets are now available:

A Guide to theVeterans WelfareService - Thisleaflet providesdetails of howthe VeteransWelfare Servicecan help ex-Servicepersonnel andveteransfollowing achange in

situation that has resulted in a welfareneed.

A Guide to theMinistry ofDefence MedalsOffice - Thisleaflet providesinformation onthe servicesprovided by theMOD MedalOffice such asthe range ofmedalsavailable,

posthumous requests and how to apply.

A Guide to theJoint CasualtyandCompassionateCentre - theCentre is thefocal pointwithin the MODfor all casualtyandcompassionatecases. Thisleaflet providesmore detailedinformation

about the services provided by theCentre such as commemorativecasework and casualty reporting.

If you require leaflets for resourcepurposes, then submit a request via spva-veterans-uk@mod.uk

Survey Statistics

87% said they got some if not mostof what they wanted from the site.

79% of users said they wouldrecommend this website to a friend,colleague or family member.

71% of users said the informationwas clear and easy to understand.

89% of users said overall they werevery satisfied with their visit to thewebsite.

In a new question asked this year91% of respondents said they wouldlike to have the option to completecertain transactions online.

Veterans-UK website 2013 ‘user’

survey results are now in

During February 2013, SPVA ranthe annual Veterans-UK websiteuser survey. The 18 questionsurvey was designed to obtainfeedback and provide ratingsagainst a number of user specificquestions.

Karen Awere and SharonSeymour, SPVA Communicationswho lead on the survey explained:

“The Veterans-UK user survey andits evaluation is very important tous. It provides us with valuableinsight into what is considered towork well and equally whatdoesn’t, and assists in usidentifying areas forimprovement. We would like tothank all those who kindly tookthe time to complete the survey,and in addition to all those whoprovided individual comments.”

The survey result findings willnow be analysed, in particular thefree text comments, to see if thereare ways in which SPVA canincorporate some of thesuggestions for improvement.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Live 2013

As part of the Who Do You ThinkYou Are? Live 2013 event, SPVAexhibited Second World War andother official medals issued by theMinistry of Defence (MOD).Experts were on hand to answerquestions and to takeapplications for medals notpreviously claimed.

Information was also available onSPVA’s wider work includingGovernment compensationpayments for thoseinjured/bereaved by ArmedForces Service, the one-to-onesupport for veterans provided bythe Veterans Welfare Service andinformation on how to apply forthe popular HM Armed ForcesVeterans Badge.

There was a good deal of interestin the work of the Agency fromthe thousands of people whoattended the event.

26

Contacts

MOD is one of the trailblazers making

its home on the new GOV.UK website,

future home of all Government

departments and agencies by April

2014.

GOV.UK is bringing all Governmentdepartments and Agencies informationtogether in one place. By 2014, allGovernment and many other publicbodies websites will be merged onto theInside Government section of the website.Over eight departments have alreadymoved over to the website, including theMinistry of Defence, and more are tofollow.

The development of GOV.UK arose fromMartha Lane-Fox’s report ‘Directgov 2010and Beyond: Revolution Not Evolution’ toFrancis Maude, the Minister for theCabinet Office, which was published inOctober 2010. The report’s proposal thatover time government services andinformation should be available to thepublic within a single domain based onagile, shared web services is being madereal by the introduction of GOV.UK.

The MOD participated in the early pilot,launched in February 2012. Following onfrom the pilot, the MOD volunteered as atrailblazer, to migrate its websitewww.mod.uk to the new InsideGovernment section of the new GOV.UK,by December 2012. It started workingwith the Government Digital Service(GDS), the Cabinet Office teamresponsible for building the GOV.UKplatform, in July 2012.

Paola Wright, from the MOD Teamworking on the transfer of information tothe new site explains:

"We are moving online information fromliterally thousands of web pages we have.It's no mean feat, but the benefits will faroutweigh the amount of time and workwe are investing in making GOV.UK asuccess."

Each government department has its ownweb presence within the site, with a frontpage detailing their latestannouncements, publications etc. There'sa consistent design to GOV.UK with the

emphasis on making sure the informationis clear and concise.

Paola added:

"We want to encourage people to getused to using GOV.UK so please visit thesite; start looking up areas that you areinterested in. While this might sound acliché, 'practice makes perfect' and wewant people to feel confident using thesite and finding information that couldhelp them or someone they're helping.

“Once it comes together, the site will be ahuge resource to provide information,news and initiatives from Government.For example, we post new items andonline articles about the Armed ForcesCommunity on a daily basis; you can keepinformed on what we are doing. Links tospecific pages for our three Services canbe found on the MOD home page and theService Personnel and Veterans Agency’sinformation will be moved over at a laterdate. ”

Getting digital by defaultThe MOD is one of the first Government departments to move to a new website

Information on the MOD can be foundat www.gov.uk/mod

By 2014, websites of allGovernment and manyother public bodies willbe merged onto theInside Governmentsection of the website.

Central Government in the UK ismade up of nearly 400 organisations,each of which continually publishesinformation to the web about whothey are and what they are doingsuch as: policy, publications andannouncements which are currentlyspread across hundreds of separatewebsites. With a few exceptions, allthis information will be broughtunder one roof via the GOV.UK site.

The MOD is one of the departments you can find on the GOV.UK website

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[Picture: Corporal Gabriel Moreno, Crown Copyright/MOD 2013]