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A magazine published by the MOD's Service Personnel and Veterans Agency which raise awareness of help, advice and support available to veterans and their families.
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Dame Judi Dench becomes first
patron of the ‘Upkeep Club’
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
Issue 29 September 2013
Call the Veterans-UK Helpline: 0800 169 2277* Email: [email protected]
Web: www.veterans-uk.info Facebook: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (MOD) Twitter: @SPVAmod
HELP AND SUPPORT FROMSERVICE PERSONNEL AND VETERANS AGENCY
*You may be offered a call back if lines are busy
®
3Issue 29 September 2013
Get saucyCondiments providing fundingopportunities
Back to natureGardening paves the way to new challengesfor veterans
Life in the fast laneVeteran overcomes disability in motorbikeracing
RegularsNews in BriefSPVA News
IN THIS ISSUE4
10
19
Veterans WORLD is distributed to those who work in an advisoryrole.Managing Editor: Laurie MantonEditor: Clare EllisEmail: [email protected]
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:[email protected] or by calling: 01253 338816
For distribution enquiriesEmail: [email protected] or call: 01253 338811
For information relating to War Pension/AFCS claims please call ourHelpline 0800 169 2277
© Crown copyright 2013
For advertising opportunities please contact:[email protected]
Front cover: Bomber Command Memorial - see page 24
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 29
September 2013
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News in brief
A new mobile phoneapplication, or app, ishelping the Defencecommunity save cash.
The new app isthe latest weapon inthe armoury of theDefence DiscountService to helpService personnelsave cash. The appoffers attractivediscounts tomembers of theDefence communityand the civilians whowork alongside them.
Whether it’s cheap cinema trips, abargain outfit or the latest deals forlaptops or mobile phones, theDefence Discount Service app allowsusers to get the most up-to-datesavings.
The app, launched in May, isavailable for iPhone users and revealsboth where to save online and, usingthe inbuilt mapping tool, allows usersto locate nearby firms offering dealsto Discount Service members.
Since its launch in October 2012,around 88,000 people have signed upto take advantage of the service.In addition to the new app, theDefence Privilege Card, which isavailable through the DefenceDiscount Service website and app,offers exclusive discounts with morethan 50 high street companies andparticipating stores across thecountry, including KFC, Austin Reed,Iceland and Vue Cinemas.
The card is available to DefenceDiscount Service members for £4.99and is valid for five years. People canregister in two ways – either just foronline discounts, or to order aphysical Defence Privilege Card.www.defencediscountservice.co.uk
New app helps Service community
Forces Sauces stand to attentionIn June, ForcesSauces wasstocked onshelves, for thefirst time, inover 700 Tescostoresnationwide.Every bottle ofCorporalKetchup andBrigadierBrown solddonates atleast 6p to
helping those serving and who haveserved, and will be split equallybetween Stoll and The Royal BritishLegion.
Forces Sauces is the brainchild ofStoll resident Bob Barrett. Bob is aveteran who, like many others, canfind themselves in need ofaccommodation and support. Stoll’s
door stood open when Bob needed itmost, and he has been determined to‘give back’ ever since. Which he has;from setting up The Beef Kitchen,selling high quality roast beef rolls toChelsea supporters on match days tothe success of the Pryor’s Bank Cafe inFulham’s Bishops Park. The café is runby a team of veterans, with anapprenticeship programme,supported by The Royal BritishLegion, that retrains Stoll Veterans aschefs. One day, Bob was watchingthe team unload boxes of sauces fromthe cash and carry and he thought,“We could make those.”
And so, Forces Sauces was born.Despite continuing to battle with hishealth, Bob’s determination hasrealised his vision – Forces Sauces waslaunched nationally, raising moremoney to help more veterans puttheir lives back on track. www.forcessauces.co.uk/
A team of six drivers were the first teamof injured troops to compete in themost demanding race in the EuropeanProkart Endurance Championships -the Le Mans 24 hour Karting.
Drivers consisted of four doubleamputees, one above knee amputeeand one with 75 per cent burns. Thecrew was made up of one mechanic,two race engineers, caterer and sportmassage therapist.
The race was held in July and theKartForce team finished the 24 hourrace in 28th place.
It was a huge honour for the lads tobe presented with trophies, inrecognition of the high standard andclean driving from all the team. TheTeam were one of only a few teams tocomplete the race without receivingany warnings or penalties - and a fairamount of Black Flags where issued.www.kartforce.org
The critically acclaimed SmugglersInn at Blue Anchor near Mineheadhas become the second in AfghanHeroes’ network of Retreats acrossthe UK.
The Smugglers Retreat wasofficially launched in June with thepresent landlord, Simon Curtis, takingon a new joint role as landlord andmentor under the Afghan Heroesbanner.
As well as its legendary bar andrestaurant facilities the Smugglersoffers five guest rooms along with atwo-bedroom holiday cottage whichwill provide more accommodationfor former Service personnel.
Afghan Heroes launched TheRetreat concept at the end of lastyear, transforming a tired village pubin Ashcott near Street into a smartbar and restaurant withaccommodation and support forformer Service personnel in theprivate quarters upstairs.www.trueheroes.org.uk or the Retreat atwww.thesomersetretreat.org.uk
Afghan Heroes unveilssecond Retreat
KartForce at
Le Mans
The Defence Discount Service Privilege Card
The DefenceDiscount Servicemobile phone app
Forces Sauces waslaunched by Stolland The RoyalBritish Legion
5Issue 29 September 2013
There is still time to take part in a review ofthe transition from the Armed Forces intocivilian life.
Lord Ashcroft, the Prime Minister’sSpecial Representative for Veterans’Transition, launched the Veterans’Transition website to provide veterans,families and others with an opportunity toreport their experiences, includingproblems they have encountered, andmake suggestions as to how the processcould be improved.
Contributions can be made on the‘Have Your Say’ page of the Veterans’Transition website and will be consideredas part of Lord Ashcroft’s official review oftransition, which will report at the end of2013.
The review will consider all aspects oftransition including employment, health,housing and education. www.veteranstransition.co.uk/
Veterans’
opinions sought
New gardening projects for veterans
Ex-Service personnel will be some ofthe first to benefit from removing theage limit on Start Up Loans.
The loans, to help people startup their own business, werehistorically only open to those underthe age of 30. However, the PrimeMinister’s Enterprise Advisor, LordYoung, recommended that theseloans be open to everyone whoaspires to start up their ownbusiness.
Now, ex-Servicemen and women,including those aged over 30, will bein the first wave to receive targetedsupport. X-Forces have become thefirst specialist Start-Up Loans deliverypartner for ex-Service personnel andthe wider Forces’ community.
Currently around four per cent ofService leavers go on to set up their
own business and it is hoped thesenumbers will increase following thechanges announced in July.
The X-Forces team havecommercial and militarybackgrounds, and will provideService Leavers, veterans, spousesand reservists with a comprehensivepackage of active support to set upsustainable and successfulbusinesses, including mentoring.
Start-Up Loans for ex-Servicepersonnel and the Troops toTeachers programme, launched inJune, are examples of how thegovernment is supporting the ArmedForces with future careers and usingtheir skills and talents to help buildthe economy.www.startuploans.co.uk/start-up-loans-and-the-ex-forces/
Start Up Loan changes
Veterans recovering from PTSD and othermental health issues said they felt morepositive about their lives after taking partin a mentoring project run by nationalvolunteering charity TimeBank.
In an external evaluation of the‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ project by ÓrlaCronin Research, they describe howhaving a volunteer mentor made themfeel less isolated and brought new trustand hope for the future.
The evaluation found that manyveterans were in a state of crisis in theirlives, with complex and multifacetedproblems including financial hardship,homelessness, alcohol dependency,physical health problems and mentalhealth issues including depression,anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia.
The ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ projectwas launched in 2010 and is the first peermentoring project in the UK whichsupports veterans with mental healthproblems in this way. www.timebank.org.uk/shoulder-to-shoulder/how-does-it-help
Mentoring project
helps veterans adjust
to civilian life
Charity Gardening Leave and ISSFacility Services Landscaping haveteamed up this summer to helpprovide more veterans acrossLondon with horticultural therapy.
The charity, which offersgardening therapy sessions forveterans with combat relatedmental health issues, opened itsfirst ever outreach project atCommunity Housing and Therapy’s(CHT) Home Base projectfor psychologically traumatisedveterans in East Acton.
ISS, the UK’s largest groundsmaintenance service provider tothe public and private sector, joinedforces with the charity to providethe materials for, and build, thenew garden which will be used byresidents of CHT Home Base as wellas those from other CHT projectsacross London.
Gardening Leave has alsotransformed a second garden inLondon, this time in a previouslyovergrown corner of the grounds atthe Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The charity enlisted the help ofthe British Plant Nursery Guide,designer Rosemary Coldstream aswell as scores of volunteers to buildthe new contemplation garden.Gardening Leave has a horticulturaltherapy project at the RoyalHospital and the newcontemplation garden sits just overthe wall from the charity’s site.
The shady plot now boasts neatgravel pathways that wind aroundshrub borders and seating areas. Ithas been designed, for the ChelseaPensioners and the veterans whoattend Gardening Leave, as atranquil area where they can enjoythe peace and take some time out. www.gardeningleave.org
From left: Derek Bell from ISS andveteran Pete Hughes at the newGardening Leave outreach garden.
6
The Covenant’s success spreads£10 million per year to provide permanent funding to support Armed Forces Community
A number of key announcements
have kept the MOD Covenant Team
busy for the past few months.
Veterans WORLD find out what they
mean for the veterans’ community.
“It started with the exciting newsthat the Chancellor had decided thatthe Armed Forces Covenant will bepermanently funded from 2015/16,with £10 million a year coming fromthe fines levied on the banks forattempting to manipulate the Liborinterest rate.” explained CatrionaShaw from the Covenant Team, “Thisis excellent news and it will allow usto continue supporting the work ofthe Armed Forces Covenant.
“Then on Armed Forces Day, thePrime Minister announced almost £3.8 million of funding for charitiesthat support military families. Thisbuilds on the £7 million alreadyawarded in the first tranche offunding. We are looking forward toannouncing further awards from thissecond tranche over the next fewmonths.”
In announcing the successfulprojects and commenting on thesupport for mental health projects,the Prime Minister paid tribute to ourveterans. He said: “These charities are
doing important and innovative workto help veterans who are battlingmental health problems. We owethese men and women a great debt ofgratitude and this is exactly the kindof help we should give to those whohave given so much for our country.”
Supporting the mental health ofthe Armed Forces Community was animportant focus of this tranche ofLibor funding and almost £2.5 million
has been awarded to programmessupporting treatment and awarenessof mental health issues for veterans.
Catriona explained how thefunding will make a difference. “Togive you an example of how thefunding will be used, the VeteransOutreach Support received £414,000to expand their monthly drop-inevents in Portsmouth, which bringtogether public, private and charitysectors for one-stop assistance toService personnel, while the WarriorProgramme for Veterans and Familieswill receive just over £930,000 tofurther their efforts to supportveterans moving into civilian life.
“This will enable the charity toexpand their programme to include,for the first time, partners and familymembers managing the stresses ofcaring for veterans struggling withpost traumatic stress. Meanwhile,Veterans Aid, who last year supported458 veterans, will be able to expandtheir substance abuse and mentalhealth treatment programmes for
“. . . the ArmedForces Covenantwill be permanentlyfunded from2015/16, with £10million a year . . .”
Defence Minister Mark Francois MP at the signing of the first Corporate Covenant
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homeless and in-need veterans withan award of £160,000.”
Applications for a third round offunding are set to open in theautumn and will provide furtheropportunities to develop projectssupporting troops, veterans and theirfamilies.
Building on the success of theArmed Forces Community Covenant,with over 330 local authorities havingsigned up, is the launch of theCorporate Covenant. The CorporateCovenant is a written and publicisedvoluntary pledge from businesses
and charitable organisations whowish to demonstrate their concretesupport for the Armed Forces andtheir family. Catriona added: “TheCorporate Covenant will support theArmed Forces Covenant and sitalongside the Community Covenantand is designed to allow businessesand charitable organisations toexpress their support for the ArmedForces Community.
“All Corporate Covenants willinclude a core statement ofcommitment that those adopting thescheme sign up to. This covers the
two key principles of the ArmedForces covenant, which are: nomember of the Armed ForcesCommunity should facedisadvantage in the provision ofpublic and commercial servicescompared to any other citizen; andthat in some circumstances specialtreatment may be appropriate,especially for the injured orbereaved.
“Each organisation will also beencouraged to offer support byadopting a number of commitments.For example, some companies arepledging to support the employmentof veterans, Reservists, Servicespouses and partners, as well assupport for cadet units, ArmedForces Day, and discounts for theArmed Forces Community. There isalso an opportunity for companiesand charitable organisations to addtheir own commitments based onlocal circumstances.”
Spread the word
Raising awareness of theCorporate Covenants is now apriority as Catriona said: “We are nowactively signing up organisations sokeep an eye on the website -www.gov.uk/the-corporate-covenant- to check out which companies aresigning up, and make sure youencourage any organisations thatyou engage with to sign up.”
www.gov.uk/the-armed-forces-covenant
Defence Minister Mark Francois withChief of Defence Personnel LT Gen
Andrew Gregory
All businesses, large and small, have the opportunity to formally support theArmed Forces Community
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The recent award of £250,000 to the
Endeavour Fund to support half a
dozen 'challenge' projects has
brought the Forces in Mind Trust
(FiMT) to the attention of many for
the first time.
CREATED in 2012 by a £35 millionendowment from the Big Lottery Fund(BIG), FiMT aims to improve thetransition of Armed Forces personnel,and their families, into civilian life. Formany, this is a successful process thatcombines support from the MOD(such as through the Career TransitionPartnership and SPVA) and the thirdsector.
For some, transition is lesssuccessful, and FiMT is working withpolicy makers and operationaldeliverers to identify who are mostvulnerable to failure, and what can bedone to improve their prospects.
Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE,
Chief Executive of FiMT, explainedhow the Trust uses its funding:
“That we are able to fund researchand trials to generate anunderstanding of what does anddoesn't work, reflects the nature of ourBIG funding - we do not intend tofundraise, and we are required to have'spent out' by 2031.
”For example, FiMT providedfinancial support for the FutureHorizons Programme, a trial projectthat gave those leaving the Army inthe Catterick area with less than fouryears' Service, and therefore notentitled to much help from MOD,holistic support as they transitionedinto civilian life. Such was its successthat we expect MOD to change itsresettlement policy to incorporatesuch a model, rapidly. Over athousand Service leavers havebenefited from the trial.
“At the other end of the spectrum,FiMT has just completed two researchprojects: one into the state of mentalhealth research for ex-Servicepersonnel and the other a mapping ofthe whole transition process. Weshare our reports widely, and expectto brief Ministers and senior officials,as well as Lord Ashcroft's TransitionReview Study team, with whom wehave forged very close links.”
Looking ahead, The Trust hasresearch underway on: housingprovision; helplines (with stakeholdersincluding the Department of Healthand SPVA); the role of, and impact on,families in transition; and it is fundingprojects delivering transition supportto ex-Service ex-offenders, mentoringand supported housing. Each of theseprojects also contributes greaterunderstanding as FiMT continue togrow its evidence base on transition.
Ray Lock added: “FiMT is anexciting opportunity - we can be agileand we are determined to seekinnovative solutions. We areindependent, we are collaborative notcompetitive, and I hope we're seen asincreasingly credible. So if there aregood ideas that need support, pleasecontact us.”
Improving transitionLottery funding enables Trust to support Armed Forces projects
“ . . . we are
determined to
seek innovative
solutions.”
The Endeavour Fund has supported programmeslike Toe in the Water
Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE is ChiefExecutive of Forces in Mind Trust.
fim-trust.org
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9Issue 29 September 2013
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A nationwide consultation launched
to help transform a historic military
charity has been hailed as a
‘tremendous success’ by its
chairman.
THE Buchanan Trust was set up bybenefactor Robert Buchanan duringthe aftermath of the First World War inmemory of his son Alan who died inbattle near Ypres, Belgium in June 1915.
Gifting 800 acres of land on hisestate in Bosbury, near Hereford, MrBuchanan wanted to provide land toex-soldiers for their resettlement oremployment in agriculture.
Almost a century on, the Trustlaunched a four-month longconsultation in November 2012 as partof modernisation plans and to ensurethe Trust provides wider, morerelevant opportunities for serving andex-Service personnel who show aninterest in agriculture or ruralemployment opportunities.
The consultation concluded inMarch and has driven a variety ofradical proposals which
Councillor Terry James, chairman ofthe Buchanan Trust’s board, said willprovide an ‘essential springboard’ inthe charity’s quest to broaden thebenefits it can deliver to a greatlyincreased number of beneficiaries.
Mr James has revealed thatproposed future plans include apotential educational and trainingpartnership with a fellow militarycharity and an agricultural college tolaunch a programme of agricultural‘taster’ training courses, as well as newfunding streams for rural training anddevelopment.
The Trust has also expressed itswish to increase its potentialbenevolence outside of its historicHerefordshire roots with a proposal to
Agricultural Trust starts modernisation ‘journey’Consultation will add ‘new dimensions’ to historic military farm charity
www.buchanan-trust.co.uk
Bosbury North Farm
” . . . we have
grasped the
opportunity to move
the Trust into the
21st century . . .”
acquire land near to a yet-to-be-named military town for the benefit ofex-Service and Serving personnel touse as allotments.
Mr James said: “The BuchananTrust will always have historical rootsbut the pace of change over the past100 years has meant there was a vitalrequirement to not only modernise,but widen the scope of how the Trustcan benefit past, transitional andpresent military personnel.
“The consultation process hasallowed us to start that journey andhas been a tremendous success. Overfour months we sought views fromkey individuals and organisations upand down the country – people within-depth knowledge of the military,agricultural and rural sectors togetherwith current and former militarypersonnel.
“Their input, coupled with ourown ideas, has meant we havegrasped the opportunity to move theTrust into the 21st century –proposing to add new national-scaleprojects to increase the prospects forex-Service personnel, those stillserving and for those in transitionfrom military to civilian life.”
Councillor Terry James
10
Gardening projects begin to thriveVeterans invited to join new gardening projects
Down to Earth Birmingham - 07585 954031Down to Earth Gateshead - 07585 957478 or 07585 957360Working it out Battersea - 020 7720 2212
Working it Out in Battersea
Working it Out is a proven andestablished Thrive programme whichwith the help of new funding has allowedthe charity to extend the programme tophysically and psychologically disabledService and ex-Service personnel.
Working it Out is a vocationaltraining and personal developmentprogramme designed to enable ex-Service personnel to gain the skillsand qualifications they need to progresstowards employment using gardening toempower participants to manage atransition to or re-engagement with thecivilian community; and to create apathway to employment throughachieving the following goals:-
• Improved physical health;• Improved psychological health;• Reducing social isolation;• Developing personal, life,
volunteering and work skills;• Gaining qualifications; and• Taking up voluntary roles in the
community.
The Working it Out programme is nowrunning each Tuesday from BatterseaPark.
Down to Earth is a three-year projectfunded by the Royal British Legion.The Royal British Legion awarded£205,018 to fund two ‘Down to Earth’projects to provide horticultural therapyand vocational training programmes forphysically and psychologically disabledService and ex-Service personnel in theWest Midlands and North East ofEngland.
Working it out at Battersea Park
Web
Phone
www.thrive.org.uk
@thrivecharity
www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive/156237158609
qualifications and experienceneeded for a job working outdoors.
Using Thrive’s establishedgardening techniques honedduring its 38-year history usingsocial and therapeutic horticulture(STH) to help people, Down toEarth will see former Servicemenand women learn new skills; gain aCity and Guilds qualification; usethese skills and knowledge to helpmaintain a local park and gain vitalwork experience which could leadto a different career, newemployment or further educationalpathways.
Working in a team, veteranscan also improve their fitness,strength and stamina and theirgeneral health and wellbeing.
Thrive’s research shows thatgardening can help peoplethrough a specific period ofdifficulty in their lives. It can helpget individuals back on top ofthings and restore balance when itmay feel like life is veering out ofcontrol as gardens act asrestorative environments.
National charity Thrive is looking for
veterans to join its new gardening
projects in Birmingham, Gateshead and
London.
THRIVE uses gardening to help peoplewith disabilities and mental ill health andhas backing for the new projects from TheRoyal British Legion.
The Down to Earth programmes wereopen for business from July 2013 whentaster sessions were held in the KingsHeath Park, Birmingham and Saltwell Parkin Gateshead. Each week, Thrive’sexperienced trainers work with veterans
whose lives are affected byphysical or mental
disability includingdepression,
anxiety, PTSD,mental illhealth, or theimpact ofalcohol orsubstanceabuse andarm themwith the skills,
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Sean, one of theveterans takingpart in Thrive’sWorking it Outprogramme
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Issue 29 September 2013
www.veterans-uk.info/new_vapc/indexWeb
11
Ways in which the employment and
career prospects of ex-Servicemen
and women can be enhanced are to
be explored by Barclays Bank,
working in partnership with the
London Veterans’ Advisory and
Pensions Committee (VAPC).
MARK Q MCLANE, global head ofdiversity and inclusion at the bank,said: “Discussions are at an early stagebut Barclays have a strong track recordof working with veterans and we wantto see what more we can do. I lookforward to continuing the discussions,there are some interesting ideas beingexplored.”
The bank’s offer of support cameafter Mr McLane attended anemployment seminar organised by theLondon VAPC and funded by Marksand Spencer (M&S) at the RAF Club incentral London on May 22.
In his opening remarks to theseminar, Alan Stewart, Chief FinanceOfficer at M&S, said feedback fromveterans employed by the companyshowed that they had a real fear offinding a job:
“They simply don’t know where to
start. Because they have not appliedfor jobs before, they have limitedunderstanding of recruitment agenciesand the processes involved in applyingfor a job.”
He continued: “These are veryskilled people but they don’t ‘get’ howthey can translate their skills to civilianlife. Our role is to help them and inreturn they have brought unique skillsand a winning mindset.”
Nearly 20 private and public sectoremployers attended the event, whichconsisted of small group discussions,each hosted by a committee member,and then an open debate.
London VAPC chairman LynnVerity said: “Our group included aserving Major who is leaving the Armyin January 2014. She told us howdaunting the task of writing CVs andattending interviews was and that shefound ‘selling herself’ to an employerwent against all her previousexperience.
“Another member of the group,had previously served as an officer andis now a head of human resources,explained how he had gone through
three jobs in three years after leavingthe Army because he was basically tooscared to say ‘no’ to any employer andrisk unemployment, even when heknew the job was unsuitable.”
Jim Blake, a former Army officerand vice-chairman of London VAPC,said: “There is no doubt that veteranshave quite a high profile at themoment but this may not be the casewhen the drawdown from Op HERRICKis complete. It was thereforeinteresting to hear the feedback wereceived and to bring employerstogether with specialists seeking toassist veterans into employment.From conversations I had, it was clearthat we succeeded in improving levelsof understanding”.
Helping veterans on the career ladderEmployer seminar aims to improve veterans’ career prospects
London VAPC Chairman Lynn Verity and Alan Stewart, Chief Finance Office, M&S
Employers from the public and privatesectors attended the seminar
Representatives from thefollowing attended theconference: Barclays Bank; BBC;BT Openreach; Career TransitionPartnership; CBI; Department forWork and Pensions; EalingCouncil; House of Commons;Liverpool Victoria; Lloyds Bank;Marks and Spencer; MaritimeCoastguard Agency; Ministry ofJustice; Odgers Berndston; Officeof National Statistics; PersonnelRecovery Unit MOD; Royal Mail;Sorted; SPVA; Stoll; Telefonica;The Poppy Factory; UK PowerNetworks; Vehicle OperatorServices Agency.
12
Injured and wounded Service
personnel are being given access to
new career opportunities with the
launch of the Recovery Career
Services.
THE new services, available via aweb-portal, will ensure injured troopshave access to the mostcomprehensive range of vocationaltraining, education and workplacements to give them the bestopportunity to compete in the civilianemployment market.
Iconic motor manufacturersincluding Aston Martin and JaguarLand Rover, along with businessessuch as Barclays, have got behind thenew scheme to offer competitivework placements for injured troops.They join over 200 commercialproviders who have signed up toprovide sick, injured and woundedService personnel with excitingopportunities including working as pitcrew at the World EnduranceChampionships in Le Mans.
The roll out of the new careerservice coincides with an
announcement that the DefenceRecovery Capability is now fullyoperational. The MOD-led initiative,delivered in partnership with Helpfor Heroes and the Royal BritishLegion, will ensure that all wounded,injured and sick personnel haveaccess to the full range of keyservices and resources includingpersonalised recovery plans to helpthem at every stage of their recovery.
Mark Francois, the Minister ofState for Defence Personnel, Welfareand Veterans, said: “Our injuredheroes give everything in service oftheir country and it is only right thatwe do all we can to help them intheir recovery. I am thereforedelighted that the Defence RecoveryCapability, supported by charitiessuch as Help for Heroes and the RoyalBritish Legion, has now achieved FullOperating Capability.
“This will ensure all our wounded,injured and sick serving personnel canaccess tailor-made support andbespoke career assistance to helpthem return to duty or make an
effective transition to civilian life.”Chris Simpkins, Director General
of The Royal British Legion, said:“The Royal British Legion is proud tobe part of the unique partnershipdelivering the Defence RecoveryCapability alongside the MOD andHelp for Heroes. With our charitypartners, we are making the biggestcharitable financial commitment inhistory to the British Armed Forces,and I can think of no better reasonthan supporting our brave Servicepersonnel who are wounded, injuredor sick return to an active andfulfilling Service or civilian life.”
Bryn and Emma Parry, Co-Founders of Help for Heroes, said: “Wehave worked together to establish theDefence Recovery Capability and nowwe must continue to work together toensure that it delivers the very bestsupport for the wounded, injured andsick and their families through thelong years of peace when they willstill be battling.”
Careers service launched for injured heroesAccess to new career opportunities
www.recoverycareerservices.org.uk
Editor’s Note: This coincides with the
introduction of the new Corporate
Covenant which will allow
organisations to make concrete
commitments to support the
employment of the whole Armed
Forces Community, see page 6
Web
All injured and wounded personnelwho come under the DefenceRecovery Capability will receive apersonalised recovery plan coveringall aspects of their recovery includingmedical care, welfare, housing, re-skilling, education, work placements,employment issues andopportunities. Complex or lengthy cases aretransferred to Personnel RecoveryUnits across the UK which deliverconsistent and high-qualitycommand and care in order to gainthe right outcome for the individualand the Ministry of Defence.
The new service will provide career opportunities for injured troops
13Issue 29 September 2013
The Troops to Teachers graduate
and non-graduate programmes
have been launched.
TROOPS TO TEACHERS will provideteacher training opportunities toService leavers - with significant extrabenefits including salaries whiletraining, bursaries and bespoketraining.
There will be two routes:
• from September 2013, Service leavers with degrees will be able to enrol on teacher training programmes with additional bespoke training and £2,000 bursary uplifts, if they meet the eligibility criteria; and
• from January 2014, highly-skilled Service leavers without degrees will be able to enrol on a two-year, school-based, salaried training programme.These Service leavers will be the only people able to start training as a teacher without a degree and be qualified within two years.
Those accepted on to courses willhave gone through a rigorousselection process which will assesstheir skills, experience, technical or
subject expertise and qualifications. Education Minister David Laws
said: “Many members of our inspiringArmed Forces possess the skills andexpertise relevant and transferable tothe classroom - leadership, discipline,motivation and teamwork. Every childcan benefit from having these valuesinstilled in them.
Service leavers with degrees
Forces leavers with degrees can applyfor a number of Troops to Teachersgraduate courses, all starting inSeptember 2013, and all leading toqualified teacher status (QTS):
• The one-year School Direct salaried course: to apply, forces leavers need to have served for three or more years;
• The one-year School Direct non-salaried route: forces leavers who were in the military for any length of time can apply for this, and for a £2,000 bursary uplift; and
• A one-year university-based course, for example a PGCE: forces leavers who apply for this route may also be eligible for the £2,000 bursary uplift.
Service leavers without degrees
From January 2014, highly-skilledex-military who do not have degrees,but who have gained qualifications orexperiences in the forces - forexample, teaching, instructing,mentoring and coaching - will be ableto enrol on a new two-year, school-based, salaried teacher trainingprogramme*.
Service leavers who successfullycomplete the two-year programmewill gain a degree as well as QTS,providing a far quicker and moreattractive route into teaching.
From troop to teacher
Lance Bolton, 30, a veteran whoserved between 2003 and 2007, startsas a design and technology teacher atOriel High School, Crawley, WestSussex, this year.
He said: “When I left the Army Iknew I wanted to be a teacher. I didn’thave the GCSEs or A levels to get touniversity to do a teaching degree so Ihad to do a year’s course first. But I gotmy grades and I’m just about tocomplete three years at university, thelast two at Brighton. I’ve done twoplacements at schools and loved it. Ican’t wait to start at my new school.
“I think I’ll be able to transfer theskills and experience I learnt in theArmy to the classroom and help pupilsunderstand the importance ofteamwork, discipline, punctuality,respect, looking people in the eye.”
bit.ly.com/TroopsToTeachers
Trooping the classroomNew routes for talented ex-Service personnel to become teachers
Transferring skills from the Services to the classroom
*This programme will use arigorous assessment, selection andrecruitment process to identifyarmed service leavers with thepotential to become outstandingteachers.
Web
“ . . . I’ll be able to transfer theskills and experience I learnt inthe Army to the classroom . . .”
14
The Minster for Housing and
Regeneration, Carl Sargeant, has
pledged £2 million to support
housing for personnel leaving the
Armed Forces.
DETAILS on how the funding willbe allocated are currently beingdeveloped in consultation with LocalAuthorities, housing providers andArmed Forces representatives with afurther announcement planned in theautumn.
The Minister, on announcing thenew funding, said: “I am delighted tobe able to announce this funding andto do so on Armed Forces Day is quitefitting. I, and the Welsh Government,recognise the vital importance thatthe Armed Forces personnel have inserving for our country and thisfunding should allow us to better
provide for them here in Wales. “Having spoken with several
members of the Armed Forces,veterans and their families it is clearthat many have difficulty in findingsuitable and affordableaccommodation and housing advice.This allocation will make acontribution towards assistance withthis.
“We are considering a number offunding options including targetingsupport for personnel who have beensubject to the latest round ofredundancies. I hope to announcefurther details soon.”
Phil Jones, Wales Area Managerfor The Royal British Legion said:
“The Legion welcomes thisannouncement from the WelshGovernment for additional funding to
meet the housing needs of thoseleaving the Armed Forces. A highproportion of the welfare need of theArmed Forces community in Wales isbased around housing and the Welshgovernment is to be commended forthis decisive action.
“It is vital that those who haveserved their country have access tohousing options when they return orleave the Services. The Armed ForcesCommunity Covenants, which arebeing signed in local communitiesacross Wales, are an important wayfor housing providers to examinepolicies and ensure that the ArmedForces community is notdisadvantaged by Service life.”
Welsh Minister announces £2 millionfor Armed Forces housingService Leavers to benefit from new funding
bit.ly.com/YdhdGg
“It is vital that those
who have served their
country have access to
housing options when
they return or leave
the Services.”
Web
Announced on Armed Forces Day £2 million pledged to support housing for Service Leavers
Cro
wn
Co
pyr
igh
t/M
OD
15Issue 29 September 2013
A new national prosthetics service
has been launched to meet the
needs of Scotland’s military
amputees.
THE new service will provideveterans from the Armed Forces withadvanced prosthetics that cananticipate movements and adaptinstantly in order to function as closeto a natural limb as possible.
It will offer veterans improvedsupport and a dedicated point ofaccess to healthcare services throughthe limb fitting and rehabilitationcentres in Edinburgh and Glasgow,with telehealth links to Aberdeen,Inverness and Dundee centres.
Speaking at a visit to theEdinburgh centre, Scottish HealthSecretary Alex Neil said: “It is only rightthat our veterans, who have riskedtheir lives for this country, receiveworld-class services through our NHS.Scotland is already leading the way inprosthetic care and this new specialistservice is a fantastic example of theNHS using innovative technologies todeliver twenty-first century healthcare.
“Veteran amputees often havecomplex health needs so it is vital thatthey have continued access to themodern technology now available to
enable them to have a lifestyle thatsuits them.”
The service will be supportingService people like Steven Richardson.
Steven, 24, from Tranent, EastLothian, joined the 1st Battalion RoyalRegiment of Scotland, The Royal ScotsBorderers in August 2006. He did twooperational tours in Iraq in 2007-08and Afghanistan in 2010.
On June 27, 2010, two weeks shortof his 22nd birthday, he came underheavy enemy fire during a foot patrolin the Nad-E-Ali district of Afghanistan.While moving position in order toreturn fire Steven stood on a lowmetal content explosive device.
He was the only one injured in theblast, losing his legs and fingers onboth hands. His comrades were withhim in a matter of seconds toadminister life-saving first aid. Heremained conscious until he was putto sleep in the helicopter. He woke upfour days later in Queen ElizabethHospital, Birmingham.
After four weeks in hospital hewas sent home for two weeks leavebefore going to Headley Court for thefirst of many rehabilitation admissions.For almost two years he was atHeadley Court on a month on, month
off basis. Within four weeks he wasable to walk on stubby prostheses,short leg prostheses with no joints,and by the end of 2010 he waswalking on c-legs, microprocessorcontrolled state-of-the-art prostheses.
Steven is now able to run, use ahand bike, do indoor rock climbingand kayaking. In 2012 he took part inthe Race Across America for Help forHeroes. The eight woundedServicemen cycled 3051 miles in sevendays, seven hours, 59 minutes. He isstill serving in the Army and won't bedischarged until October.
State-of-the-art prosthetics for veteransA better deal for Scotland’s military amputees
“Scotland is
already leading
the way in
prosthetic care . . .”
Modern Technology is available to enable veterans to have a life style that suits them
Steven Richardson
The service was launched as theScottish Government promised tooffer a better deal for militaryamputees by accepting all of therecommendations from Dr AndrewMurrison’s report on NHSProsthetics Services for veterans,particularly those from recentconflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
16
For those in needBereavement support for Naval and Marines Widows
Founded nearly five years ago, The
Royal Navy & Royal Marines
Widows’ Association (RNRMWA)
was created to meet the growing
need for a support group for those
widowed within the Naval
community.
THE Association is one of theyoungest group’s providingbereavement support to the ArmedForces Community as Lesley-AnnGeorge-Taylor from RNRMWAexplained:
“The Armyhas had a groupfor many yearsand the RAFgroup arecurrentlycelebrating theirtwentiethanniversary. Westarted with justfour ladies andnow have amembership ofover sixty. Wewelcome anyonewho has lost ahusband, wife orrecognized
partner while they were serving. “We also have associate members
who have lost their partner after theyleft the Services. We have a wide agerange of members, from ladies in their80s to young women sadly widowedin their 20s. They have beenbereaved in many ways – fromoperations in the Falklands, Iraq andAfghanistan to natural causes andaccidents.”
Friendship and Support
The aims of the Association arewide-ranging and varied. One of themost important aspects of its work isto provide friendship, support andcomfort to those in need. Lesley-Annsaid:
“The support and contact withthose who have themselves beenthrough the same experience and canshare with you how you are feelingthat is most beneficial. We put ladiesin touch with each other, if that’swhat they would like, and althoughwe are not trained counsellors, wecan provide a listening ear.”
Information and Signposting
Over the past four years theAssociation has built up a degree ofknowledge. And, if they don’t havethe answer to a question, then they
can signpost a widow in the rightdirection.
Representation
Before the formation of theAssociation it was noticed by theArmy and RAF Widows’ Associations,that there was often norepresentation of Royal Navy or RoyalMarines’ widows at national acts ofremembrance. This now forms one ofthe most important parts of theAssociation’s remit – the opportunityfor its members to be represented orrepresent themselves at national andlocal acts of remembrance andcommemoration.
The Association also attendsvarious meetings in Westminster, andwith the Navy and Royal Marines withan aim to improve the lives of militarywidows.
Lesley-Ann added: “Being marriedto someone in the Armed Forces veryquickly becomes part of your own lifeas well as your partners. Whentragedy strikes and bereavementoccurs loss of this link can be keenlyfelt by the widow or widower leftbehind. In a small way we canprovide that link. The Royal Navy &Royal Marines Widows’ Association ishere to help but more importantly itcan provide friendship and support tothose in need.”
02392 654374
www.rnrmwidowsassociation.org
Web
Phone
Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows Association
“Life came crashing down onme when the news came that myhusband had died in Iraq. But lifedoes carry on. I will never be thesame, but somehow I am learningto live with this new life. Havingmet with other widows, I feel lessalone” RNRMWA Member, 2008
TheAssociation,with helpfrom the NavalPersonal andFamiliesService and RAFWelfare, hasproduced abereavementGuide – ABereaved Families
Guide: Support when you need itmost. The guide is issued to allthose bereaved and aims toprovide some of the answers tothose questions asked whentragedy hits. The Royal Navy andRoyal Marines Charity and RoyalNaval Association providedfunding towards the guide. Facebook
The main aim of the Association is to providefriendship, support and comfort
17Issue 29 September 2013
www.theripplepond.co.uk.
www.facebook.com/theripplepond
@theripplepond
We possibly take it for granted
nowadays that those who return
injured from Afghanistan are
looked after until they either return
to their unit or are medically
discharged. But what about their
families, what help do they receive?
THIS is a question that providedinspiration for a self-help group.
“Families support their loved oneson hospital visits, throughrehabilitation and are there duringthe ups and downs that are all part ofthe recovery pathway.” explained SueHawkins, a member of The RipplePond. ”They may or may not be themain carer, but they always remain inthe wings to listen and support. Theyoften take the ‘flack’ from their lovedones but invariably do not haveanywhere to go to get support fromothers in a similar position and sorecharge batteries.”
This is where The Ripple Pondcomes in. Julia Molony created theself-help support group for familymembers of wounded, injured andsick Service personnel and veterans.
From that initial group in Sussex,other groups have started up aroundthe country, enabling family membersto go somewhere closer to homewhere they can meet and share theirexperiences.
A shared experience
Julia’s son was injured in combatin 2009, and initially her main focuswas to support him and his family.Feeling isolated from the regimentalwelfare system, she would havewelcomed someone in a similarposition to talk to. In 2011, Julia metSue Hawkins through the Band ofSisters (Help for Heroes) and foundthat they shared a lot in common, notleast that their sons’ injuries were onthe same day but one year apart.Sue’s son was serving with 40Commando Royal Marines inHelmand Province.
By providing a safe space to ventfeelings and listen to others, TheRipple Pond has helped both Juliaand Sue validate their traumatic
experiences. Julia added: “We are sure there
are many people round the countrywho are not on a ‘patch’ nor part of aregiment’s welfare system, and whofeel alone with the trauma of seeingtheir loved one come back injured. Itdoes not matter ‘what’ the injury is -physical, psychological (e.g. PTSD) orboth – the fact that a loved one hasbeen injured is a shock.
“Knowing our injured Servicemanor woman is home and alive does notmean we do not feel angry, scared,sad or all of these at once. Our worldhas been changed by an eventbeyond our control and the need tohave someone reach out and listen toour story, however many times weneed to tell it, to have someone bearwitness to our distress can be veryhealing.”
The Ripple effectShared experience helping Armed Forces families
Web
It is hoped that groups would ‘ripple’ around the country providing local support groups for people who need them
18
It’s been a year since Fylde Borough
signed up to the Community
Covenant at the Town Hall in St
Anne’s on Sea and they have been
making progress on their
commitments . . .
ALTHOUGH relatively small, Fyldeis host to a significant Armed ForcesCommunity including the Army baseat Weeton Barracks, BAE Systems atWarton, several cadet contingents andan estimated 6,000 plus veterans inthree towns and 14 villages of theborough.
To support the Fylde’scommitment, Veterans For Fylde (V4F)was set up to lead, manage and ensurethe sustainability of the covenant.Brainchild of Councillor Edward Nash,a former Major in the Royal Artillery,V4F combines a charity with aCommunity Interest Company (CIC)enabling the organisation to raisefunds flexibly and oversee theCovenant in partnership with FyldeCouncil and the Town and ParishCouncils.
V4F has made a significant impact,winning a grant of £30,000 from theCommunity Grant scheme for a uniquepartnership between Lytham’s awardwinning community project Park View4 You and the families of 2LANCS inWeeton to build an innovative playpark in the camp while the unit is onoperations in Afghanistan.
By establishing a Veterans Hub,V4F is attracting support from localemployers, councillors, groups and
individuals and is helping a growingnumber of serving and ex-Servicemenand women with housing,employment, transition, legal mattersand debt management.
Supporting the Hub is Localhousing officer Alison Parsonage whodoubles as an RBL caseworker,uniquely placed to help withaccommodation, and Julia Brown,Armed Forces Champion in the nearbyJob Centre. Councillor Nash himselfsits on the North West VAPC, helpingto shape policy supporting the ArmedForces Community.
Community spirit
Badged veterans have beentrained to provide parade marshals for
local fetes,carnivals andprocessions.
Events havebeen planned tocelebrate thereturn of 2LANCSand an ArmedForces Daycelebration washeld round StAnne’s beautifulAshton Gardens,with grants fromthe MOD and FyldeBorough Council.
Future plans include an interactiveliving heritage project, a local discountcard, local cafes hosting regular‘NAFFY’ events, visits to battlefields,naming local roads after those killed inaction and prison visits to veterans. In 2014, there are plans to recreate theassembly and march of the volunteersof Fylde to help form 4th LOYALS in1914.
It’s keeping V4F busy as CouncillorNash said: “I never thought therewould be so much to do. The Boroughhas taken serving personnel andveterans to its heart and we can assureeveryone who approaches us for helpof a warm welcome and focusedsupport.
“V4F is working to provide athriving and sustainable long-termrelationship with the Armed Forcesthat will embed the covenant for ever.”
Sustaining the covenant
www.facebook.com/veteransfylde
Placing veterans at the heart of a North West community
“The Borough has takenserving personnel andveterans to its heart . . .”
Web
Phone
linkd.in/1bs7iec
bit.ly/veteransfylde
01253 781775 / 07940 853215
Councillor Edward Nash
The Veterans Hub
19Issue 29 September 2013
Afghan war veteran turned British
Superbike challenger Murray
Hambro joined racers on the grid
for a championship round at Brands
Hatch in July.
MURRAY, who lost both his legs inan IED explosion in December 2010,competed in the Triumph TripleChallenge at the MCE BritishSuperbike Championship for the TrueHeroes Racing team – run inassociation with the Shepton Mallet-based Afghan Heroes charity.
The racing team, brainchild ofserving Royal Navy Warrant OfficerPhil Spencer, is comprised of able-
bodied and injured ex-Servicemenmany of whom served with each otherin Afghanistan, augmented by stillserving able-bodied militarypersonnel.
It remains the first and only teamof its kind on the UK motorcycle racingcircuit.
Phil Spencer said: “It’s always agreat atmosphere at Brands Hatch andwe are all looking forward to returningto the circuit later this month.”
Murray from Upper Beeding inWest Sussex is in his first season’sracing in the British SuperbikeChallenge.
Phil said: “This hasbeen very much adevelopmental season forMurray competing onnew tracks on a new bikeat a new level. Ourobjective was to have himcompeting with the mainpack by the end of theseason.
“The opening roundof the season was alsoheld at Brands Hatch soMurray went into thelatest round with a lotmore confidence.
“He has to ride in a different styleto the other racers and we are stilldeciding exactly how best to handlethis.”
Murray competes at the BritishSuperbike championship on aspecially adapted 2013 TriumphDaytona 675R provided by Kent-basedLaguna Motorcycles alongsidefinancial backing by Plastics Express,John Wenman & Sons, Xpress Coffeeand Aerologic.
All the foot controls including gearselector and brakes have beenswitched to the handlebars and aspecial locating stud has been addedto anchor Murray’s right boot to thebike.
Other than that, Murray’s bike isvirtually identical to the other racers inthe championship.
The True Heroes Racing team wasinspired and supported by militarycharity Afghan Heroes, which has justopened its second Retreat postservices facility in Blue Anchor nearMinehead. Phil is hoping Murray’sgrowing reputation on the track willhelp inspire other veterans to rebuildtheir life away from the military.
Former Lance Corporal Murrayserved in the Second Royal TankRegiment - close to the heart ofAfghan Heroes founder Denise Harriswhose son Lee Scott lost his lifeserving with the same unit in 2009.
Joining Phil and Murray for thenew season are team veteransCorporal Graeme Billington fromPoole, who served in the sameregiment as Murray and was alsoinjured in an Afghan bomb blast andLeading Hand Adam Shroff serving onHMS Illustrious. Another formerServiceman, Nick Dinsdale fromBasildon, has also been recruited tothe team.
Superbike newcomer makesracing return to Brands HatchHow success on the track is carving out a new career for veterans
Murray competes on a specially adapted 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R
From left: Leading Hand Adam Shroff, MurrayHambro and Team Manager Phil Spencer
Webwww.trueheroes.org.uk
www.thesomersetretreat.org.uk
20
Inside Right is an exercise based
community programme designed
to support local veterans who are
at risk of becoming isolated once
they have returned to civilian life.
THE programme not onlypromotes physical activity but alsothe chance to gain football coachingqualifications as well as wider trainingcourses.
It also aims to harness the feel-good factor of playing football bycreating opportunities to volunteerand compete in leagues andcompetitions, helping Service leaversto cope more effectively with thetransition back into civilian life.
Andy Cooke, Mental HealthMentor at Everton explained:
“Inside Right is a football-basedCommunity programme designed tosupport ex-Service personnel. We aimto harness the feel-good factor ofbeing involved in a team with like-minded people to help with thereadjustment of our local heroes’ backinto civilian life
“We run two training sessions perweek and we have a team in thenewly formed Liverpool VeteransLeague. We also compete in two
monthly leagues as well astournaments, showcase matches anda coffee morning is held monthlywhere the participants can meet andchat in a relaxed and informalmanner.”
Veterans can take part in:
• Weekly training sessions; • Volunteering and employment; • Training and qualifications;
• Tournaments and competitions; • Coaching and fitness;• Leadership and mentoring
programme; and• Social events and coffee
mornings
From veteran to mentor
Prior to getting involved with theInside Right programme Andy hadstruggled with the reality ofreadjusting to civilian life after servingjust under 24 years in the ArmedForces. Over a prolonged period oftime this had culminated in a brokenmarriage, alcohol abuse, financialproblems, depression and really lowself-esteem.
After seeing an advertisement forthe Inside Right programme hecontacted the organiser . . .
“I was invited along to my firstsession and was told it’s not aboutfootball . . . it’s about being part of ateam of like-minded people.
“After attending various sessions,I was asked to become a volunteerveteran mentor and have now goneon to gain full-time paid employmentat the club, helping to mentor otherson the programme. During thisexciting journey I have qualified as a
Football’s feel-good factor h How Everton FC is supporting the veterans community
Michael Dougherty (left) with veterans on the Inside Right programme
Inside Right at Everton aims to provide the Armed Forces Communitywith the ‘feel good’ factor of football
21Issue 29 September 2013
Web
Phone
FA Level 1 football coach and gainedother recognised qualifications toenhance my skills.
“My aspirations for the future areto gain as many qualifications aspossible to improve my skills andprofessional position, while acting asa role model and mentor to otherveterans. My passion is to assistothers in gaining guidance andsupport as early as possible, ensuringthey don’t go down the rocky roadthat I did in adjusting to civilian life.”
Never looked back
For Michael Dougherty, InsideRight has helped him get his life backon track . . .
“Before coming to Inside Right Iwas suffering with quite baddepression, from serving inAfghanistan. As a result I was senthome on long-term sick leave fromthe Army. During this time I wasn’tgoing out of the house and foundmyself sitting in my room all day andnight drinking too much and smoking
about 30 cigarettes a day. When Iwas referred to the Inside RightProgramme at Everton I learned thatthere were things out in thecommunity I could get involved withand set my sights on.
“This opportunity represented aglimmer of hope for me to hang ontoas I am a massive Everton fan andthought this could be the focus thatgot my life back on track. When I wasinvited to come along to the sessions,I started to get apprehensive;thinking to myself should I go or not.After a comforting phone call and re-assurance from the Everton Staff, I decided to go for it and I haven’tlooked back since. At this point Ineeded a lot of help and beingwelcomed with open arms reallyhelped me fit in well with other like-minded lads.
“After attending the sessions, Irealised that I wanted to become avolunteer, and then I was given theopportunity to complete my FA Level1 and 2 coaching football awards. Iam now employed at the club as a
community football coach workingon the Inside Right programmehelping other veterans. There are lotsof different moments I’m proud ofsince being involved, but the one thatstands out is the difference theprogramme has made in my life. NowI can pass my experience onto othersto help them overcome their fears.Without this programme I wouldn’thave a clue where I would be today.”
r helping Liverpool veterans
0151 530 5253
community.evertonfc.com
Everton in the Community ‘Inside Right’ Ex-Armed ForcesFootball Programme
The Inside Right initiative wonthe ‘Health Improvement andPromotion’ award at the Militaryand Civilian Partnership Awardsin May 2013
Former Everton player Phil Neville at one of the Inside Right training sessions
“We aim to harness the feel-good factor of being involved in a
team with like-minded people . . .”
22
In 2010, SPEAR recognised the
issues that some veterans face and
launched a dedicated service to
help veterans and their dependants
living in South West London with
housing and social care needs.
FUNDED by The Royal BritishLegion, the charity’s Veterans’ SupportService (VSS) currently works with 31clients. A typical story is that of MrWilliamson* who served from 1988 to2001, serving in Bosnia in 1995. As aresult, he was diagnosed with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder and ChronicSevere Anxiety Disorder afterbecoming ill almost four years ago. Hehas recently been diagnosed withParkinson’s disease.
In 2012, Mr Williamson’s healthdeteriorated and he lost his job as anoffice manager. He was referred toSPEAR by Combat Stress and has beenworking closely with the Veterans’team. He and his family are strugglingfinancially and the team have beenable to arrange a referral to a debtadvice agency and help him to applyfor the correct benefits including aWar Pension.
Mr Williamson was referred bySPEAR to a Parkinson’s Support Groupwhich he attends weekly and finds
very supportive. The team have alsobeen able to access funds from TheRoyal British Legion to fundmassages for his severe back pain.
Although the family continue tobe worried and distressed about theirfinancial situation and Mr Williamsonis still struggling physically andemotionally, they are now beingsupported by SPEAR and that is asource of strength for them. It is ahard reality that many of their clientsare not able to change their livesovernight but SPEAR is committed toworking with them to find long-termsolutions.
In spring 2013, Mr M* wasreferred to the service by the WilliamWilberforce Trust (WWT). Mr M is 27and is now living in his own flat inWest London.
Mr M was living in approvedpremises, which means he was livingin accommodation arranged by theProbation Service as he had servedtime in prison. Then WWT contactedSPEAR to see if they could help himfind permanent accommodation.
By working with the Sub RegionalResettlement Team SPEAR were ableto find him accommodation andwithin a few days he had moved into
his own studio flat and is volunteeringwith the William Wilberforce Trust. MrM has stated recently during a clientsurvey that the help and support hereceived from SPEAR helped him notjust secure accommodation but alsobuilt up his self-esteem and self-belief.
SPEAR’s VSS continues to supportMr M and he is on his way to makingsuccess in his life.
* Names has been changed toprotect the client’s identity
London veterans benefit from supportservice
0207 0369775
www.spearlondon.org
SPEAR charity’s bespoke Veterans’ support service for London borough
The Veteran’s Support Service isavailable to support veterans andtheir dependants who live in one ofthe following boroughs: Richmond,Merton, Hounslow or Kingston. Thecharity provides support aroundhousing issues, mental and physicalhealth problems, financialdifficulties, drug and alcohol issuesand finding employment andeducation.
Web
Phone
SPEAR supports veterans in London with issues such as housing
23Issue 29 September 2013
Britain’s oldest Armed Forces
charity has recently launched its
new brand in an attempt to
improve awareness amongst
members of the Forces community.
SSAFA’s rebrand, which has putfamily at its heart, is the culminationof more than two year’s workdesigned to help the charity’s staffand volunteers better reach thepeople it exists to support bydescribing what it does in a moreclear and consistent way.
SSAFA’s 128 year long history ofsupporting the Forces and theirfamilies has made it Britain’s mosttrusted charity*. But a full brand
audit found that many peoplethought that the charity needed tomodernise its identity to better reachits key audiences.
In addition to current members ofthe Forces, the charity directlysupports more than 40,000 veteransand their families every year. Itsrecent reports indicate that it isincreasingly helping youngerveterans, many of whom are in their20s and 30s.
Families have always been at theheart of what SSAFA does and theyhave been put at the centre of thenew brand. A new descriptivestrapline reiterates the charity’scommitment to families as well asthose who serve.
Updating the charity’s imagefollows a long period of consultationwith volunteers and staff as well asmembers of the military communityand other Armed Forces charities.
Athol Hendry, SSAFA’s Director ofCommunications and Marketing,explains the thinking behind thecharity’s new identity:
“Our brand review told us thatthe people who knew SSAFA couldnot talk highly enough about thework that we do. But outside themilitary community, SSAFA is not aswell known as we need to be.
“Part of the challenge comes fromthe fact that we are a complexorganisation that delivers support inmany different ways. So we neededto find one unifying story that wouldsuccinctly define what it is we do.
“‘Family’ is at the heart of whatSSAFA has done for more than 125years. It’s in our DNA. So perhaps itwas not surprising that it was thebrand idea that resonated most withall the people we spoke to.
“Research also revealed that thereis a huge amount of equity in thename SSAFA. But we have decided tostart using SSAFA as a name ratherthan as an acronym, supporting itwith a far more descriptive strapline.
“Our new identity is designed tobe strong and confident. But I hopethat it also has a warmer and moreapproachable feel than before.”
Historical charity strengthens identityFamily at the heart of SSAFA’s new brand
‘”Family’
is at the
heart of
what
SSAFA has
done for
more than
125 years.
It’s in our
DNA”
0845 241 7141
www.ssafa.org.uk
www.facebook.com/ssafafb
@SSAFA
Web
Youtube
Phone
www.youtube.com/user/SSAFAForcesHelp
The new strapline re-iterates the charity’s commitment to Armed Forces familiesas well as those they serve
The new brand aims to improveawareness of SSAFA in the Armed
Forces Community
The new SSAFA strapline * Charity Brand Index 2012 Third SectorResearch
24
In May, Dame Judi Dench paid
tribute to the thousands of young
men from Bomber Command who
were killed during the Second
World War when she visited the
Bomber Command Memorial in
Green Park, London.
THE Memorial, unveiled last Juneby Her Majesty The Queen,commemorates the 55,573 youngmen who lost their lives while servingin Bomber Command during theSecond World War.
As the guardian of the BomberCommand Memorial, the Royal AirForce Benevolent Fund is committedto preserving the Memorial for futuregenerations, so that the noblesacrifice of the young men who losttheir lives while serving in BomberCommand will always beremembered. As part of thiscommitment, it has recently launcheda club named the ‘Upkeep Club’, theaim of which is to raise money tomaintain the Memorial for futuregenerations; the Club is delighted toannounce that Dame Judi Dench hasagreed to become its first Patron.
Dame Judi Dench said: “I am
delighted to become a Patron of theUpkeep Club. The Bomber CommandMemorial, which so nobly honours thesacrifice of the fallen aircrew, hasalready become a place of pilgrimagefor relatives and former acquaintancesof the ‘Bomber Boys’ lost during theSecond World War. Veterans andwidows, often having travelledthousands of miles, are reminded oftreasured friendships and pastromance, so prematurely ended, sofondly recalled. Through membershipof the Upkeep Club, people candirectly support the commemorationof those who died for our individualand national freedoms.”
Air Marshal Chris Nickols,Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fundsaid: “As the proud guardian of theBomber Command Memorial, theRoyal Air Force Benevolent Fund iscommitted to ensuring that theremarkable bravery and sacrifice ofthe young aircrew, who gave theirlives defending our freedom duringthe Second World War, will always beremembered. To this end, we need toraise £1.5 million to ensure that theMemorial can be preserved for future
generations. We’re delighted toannounce that Dame Judi Dench hasagreed to become a Patron of theBomber Command Memorial UpkeepClub and we hope it inspires manymore to join.”
Named after Barnes Wallis’ famousbouncing bomb used in the greatDambuster Raid of May 1943, whichwas codenamed ‘Upkeep’, the‘Upkeep Club’ has been establishedfor individuals who wish to give atleast £1,000 towards the upkeep ofthe Memorial for the future.
Also joining Dame Judi at theMemorial was Second World Warveteran Air Commodore CharlesClarke OBE and WAAF veteran MrsIgraine Hamilton, both Upkeep Clubmembers.
Dame Judi Dench paystribute to the ‘Bomber Boys’Oscar-winning actress becomes first patron of the ‘Upkeep Club’
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Phone
Dame Judi Dench stands in front of the Bomber Command Memorial
Dame Judi Dench stands with veteran AirCommodore Charles Clarke OBE, WAAF
veteran Mrs Igraine Hamilton, Air MarshalChris Nickols from the RAF Benevolent
Fund and Jim Dooley in front of theBomber Command Memorial
www.facebook.com/rafbf
@RAFBF
www.rafbf.org.uk www.rafbf.org.uk/1794/bomber-command-memorial.html
0800 169 2942 Upkeep Club 0800 198 2400
25
SPVA News
Issue 29 September 2013
The regular feature providing you with updatesfrom the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency
New SPVA leaflets are a success
Since theirlaunch in April thisyear, SPVA hasreceived a highdemand for the newSPVA leaflets withnearly 5,500 issuedto organisationsproviding welfaresupport, outreach and guidance to theveterans community.
The leaflets provide informationfor organisations, veterans andexisting customers on the full range ofservices that the SPVA providesincluding: the Veterans WelfareService, Medals Office and JointCasualty and Compassionate Centre.
Armed Forces Day 2013
During the Armed Forces Daycelebrations, the SPVA VeteransWelfare Service (VWS) attended 11events across the country withinformation stands, posters andleaflets. At the flagship event held atNottingham, SPVA’s Welfare Serviceand the Ministry of Defence MedalsOffice were on hand to offer help andadvice to the general public. For the
many smaller community events, anumber of promotional packs weresent out to event organisers fordistribution.
Bomber crew laid to rest
After several months of researchand tracing families, by SPVA’s JointCasualty and Compassionate Centre(JCCC), the crew of a Royal Air ForceBoston Bomber which crashed 68years ago while taking part inoperations in the Po Valley in Italywere finally laid to rest. The crew werelaid to rest with military honours, withfamily members in attendance, on July18 at the Padua War Cemetery in Italy.
Boston BZ590 belonging to 18Squadron took off from Forli nearRimini at 8.45 pm on April 21,1945with the target being a river crossingon the Po at Taglio di Po followed byarmed reconnaissance of the PoValley. The aircraft failed to return andwas believed to have been brought
down by anti-aircraft fire. It crashed,killing all four crew members onboard, three of whom were British andthe remaining crewman, the airgunner, was Australian. The Britishpilot was poet Sergeant David Raikeswhose work was published by hisfamily during the 1950’s.
Move to GOV.UK
Starting in autumn, SPVA’swebsite – www.veterans-uk.info – willbe migrating to the GOV.UK site. Theprogramme will start in Septemberwith a pilot to move the VeteransAdvisory and Pensions Committeepages across to GOV.UK. Work tomove the entire Veterans-UK siteshould be completed by the end ofJanuary 2014.
Have you joined the Charity Hub?
Over 70 organisations supportingthe Armed Forces Community haveprovided their details for the SPVACharity Hub page. Find out more byvisiting http://www.veterans-uk.info/charity_hub/index.html
0800 169 2277
www.veterans-uk.info
bit.ly.com/SPVAFBPage
@SPVAmod
The ring of Flight Sergeant DavidPerkins was also recovered and passedon to family who were unable to travel
The remains of the crew are laid to rest by members of the RAF’s Queen’s Colour Squadron
Veterans Welfare staff attended ArmedForces Day events held across the UK
Web
Phone
If you are interested in promotionalinformation orleaflets for an event orin connection with your work thenplease drop an email with yourrequest to: [email protected]
26
Web
Historic centenary commemorated
by four-year programme of
national acts of remembrance, UK-
wide cultural initiatives and
educational opportunities.
CULTURE SECRETARY Maria Millerannounced details of the four-yearplan, which include national acts ofremembrance, a scheme of Great Warbattlefield visits for school children,together with an extensive UK-widecultural programme.
Marking the beginning of the First
World War
The opening day of the centenaryon 4 August 2014 will focus on threeevents:
• a wreath laying service at Glasgow’s Cenotaph, following the special service for Commonwealth leaders at Glasgow Cathedral;
• an event at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission St
Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium – which has an equal number of British and German soldiers, and is where thefirst and last Commonwealth casualties of the war are believed to be buried; and
• a candle-lit vigil of prayer and penitence at Westminster Abbey finishing at 11pm – the moment war was declared.
The centrepiece of thecommemorations will be thereopening of Imperial War Museum(IWM) London following the £35 million refurbishment of the FirstWorld War galleries. Other activities inthe four-year programme include:
• national acts of remembrance to mark the first day of the Battle of the Somme (2016) and Armistice Day (2018);
• an enduring educational legacy funded with £5.3 million from theDepartment for Education and the Department for Communities and Local Government, which willallow two student ambassadors, plus a teacher, from each maintained school in England to
visit First World War battlefields and undertake research on people local to their school who fought in the war;
• at least £15 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, including a new £6m community projects fund to enable young people working in their communities to conserve, explore and share local heritage of the First World War; and
• a grant of up to £1 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to support HMS Caroline, the last surviving warship from the First World War fleet. The shipwill have a secure future in Belfast, where thousands of people will be able to visit her and learn about her unique role in the First World War.
£10 million cultural programme
There will also be a £10 millionprogramme of cultural events as partof the centenary commemorationsover the four years.
Jenny Waldman, the CreativeProducer for the London Olympics2012, has been appointed director ofthis programme and will work withcultural organisations and partnersacross Britain to deliver it. MariaMiller said: “On 4 August 1914 weentered the war – a war like no otherthe world had seen. It is right weremember and mark the centenary ofthis momentous day in the world’shistory, bringing its importance alivefor younger generations andremembering the price that was paidby all involved.”
The Nation remembersPlans to mark the First World War centenary announced
www.gov.uk/ww1centenary
www.1914.org/
A four-year programme will commemorate the First World War Centenary
The IWM London was founded in1917 to record the then still-continuing conflict.
“It is right we remember
and mark the centenary of
this momentous day in the
world’s history . . .”
27Issue 29 September 2013
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Phonethe Central EmploymentTeam 0121 236 0058
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Ribbon cutting at the new Contemplation Garden at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, see page 5Ribbon cutting at the new Contemplation Garden at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, see page 5
