Families' Charity Success in 2014 ®

Home , Life Peer, SSAFA

Issue 33 September 2014 ®

Raising awareness of the range of help and advice available to veterans

Families’ Charity Success in 2014 HELP AND SUPPORT FROM Veterans UK

Call the Veterans-UK Helpline: 0808 1914 2 18 Email: [email protected]

Web: www.veterans-uk.info Facebook: Veterans UK Twitter: @VeteransUK_MOD

*You may be offered a call back if lines are busy ®

September 2014 Issue 33 CIN ToHnIS tISeSnUE ts

11 Gardening World Covenant greatly helps gardening project grow

12 Veteran gets disability confident DWP campaign raises awareness with employers

20 Birthday Celebrations X-Forces on their first anniversary 11

26 In Memoriam 2014 Work continues on preserving memorials

Regulars 4-5 News in Brief 12

Front cover: Armed Forces Day 2014 - see page 7

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

For advertising opportunities please contact: [email protected]

Veterans WORLD is distributed to those who work in an advisory role. To contact the Editor email: [email protected] 20

Want to make an editorial contribution? Contributions are most welcome. To raise awareness of an initiative, scheme or organisation that offers help, advice or support to veterans, contact the Editorial Team by email: [email protected] or by calling: 01253 338816

For distribution enquiries Email: [email protected] or call: 01253 338811

For information relating to War Pension/AFCS claims please call the Veterans UK Helpline 0808 1914 2 18

Issue 33 September 2014 3 News in brief Outreach service Rotherham Veterans Commissioner A bespoke trailer has been designed to announced spread awareness of the services and support that is available to veterans across In June, First Minister Alex Salmond the Rotherham borough. announced Mr Eric Fraser CBE as Scotland’s The service is part of Rotherham’s inaugural Veterans Commissioner – the first commitment to the Armed Forces role of its kind in the UK. Community Covenant which it signed in In his role as Scottish Veterans January 2012. Commissioner, Eric Fraser will work with Since that time, Rotherham Council Service charities, local authorities and has worked with other organisations with health boards to identify any areas in one of its key developments being the public services that might provide greater creation of a community group, the support to veterans and help shape future Military Community and Veterans Centre Another reason for the outreach is that policy development and opportunities. (MCVC), run by veterans for veterans. not everyone has enough available The establishment of this new role Another key issue is to discover just how money to pay for bus fares into reinforces the Scottish Government’s big Rotherham’s veterans community is. Rotherham. commitment to provide support to the The group has held drop in sessions at the An Armed Forces Community Covenant estimated 400,000 ex-Service men and Unity Centre and at the Voluntary Action grant of £22,088 was received to fund the women living in Scotland. Rotherham offices in Coke Hill, but it was purchase and running costs of the trailer, A graduate of Edinburgh University, felt that this was still not reaching out to which is currently staffed by volunteers. A Eric Fraser joined the Royal Navy in 1976 the majority of potential people. programme of locations is being and during a 37-year career served in a The group decided that an outreach developed and talks are ongoing with wide range of appointments, both at sea service needed to be developed to travel other South Yorkshire councils for the and ashore. As a junior officer in 1982 he to various locations around the borough outreach service to be included in their saw service during the Falklands Conflict to meet their target audience and to own Armed Forces Covenant work. on board the minesweeper HMS promote the existence of the group. www.rotherhammcvc.wordpress.com FARNELLA, later commanding the Fishery Protection Vessel HMS GUERNSEY and the frigate HMS BOXER. This latter role included periods operating in the Adriatic East Lancashire outreach extends at the height of the Balkans War and a spell combating drug smuggling around the OUTREACH services being offered by East are run by veterans Pat O’Reilly and Caribbean. Lancashire-based charity ‘Veterans In John Clark. Subsequent appointments focussed on Communities’(VIC), for veterans and their VIC, established in 2012, now operates joint operations including spells at the families living in Blackburn, with Darwen outreach in Rossendale, Pendle, Heywood Permanent Joint HQ in Northwood where have hit the ground running. and is looking to extend to other areas of he headed teams directing operations in The service, launched in March, has East Lancashire in the near future. the Balkans and Afghanistan and, later, had already seen a number of veterans The charity offers a unique mix of the responsibility of providing enquiring about the support VIC can outreach services, community-based communications and IT support for all UK provide. projects, social inclusion projects, art forces deployed overseas. He was awarded The new outreach received a £300 classes and outdoor activities which a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List boost from Blackburn with Darwen included regular walks, fishing, sailing and in 2009 as a result of this tour. Council and operates every Tuesday from mountain biking. Eric took up his appointment as 10 am to 1 pm at Darwen Town Hall. The www.veteransincommunities.org/ Scottish Veterans Commissioner in sessions August 2014. [email protected] Discounted travel for reservists si.gov.uk

Train companies have extended the offer to visit friends, meaning they of Armed Forces travel discount scheme get to enjoy time with loved ones for less. to tens of thousands of volunteer With growing numbers of volunteer reservists. reserves supporting the country and The deal signed between rail working as part of a fully integrated force, companies and the Ministry of Defence train companies have worked closely with now means the HM Forces Railcard will the Ministry of Defence to make the now cover all active volunteer reservists, benefit available to all active troops. their spouses and children. www.hmforces-railcard.co.uk/ The railcard will save reservists a third off fares for family days out and trips

4 Cabinet votes to Helping Residents to Reminisce support veterans space around them into a A volunteer group supporting veterans and therapeutic and calming their dependents will continue to operate environment, which can out of a dedicated building, thanks to a help to stimulate commitment from Warwickshire County memories. Using the Pods Council. encourages conversation Cabinet members agreed to grant a amongst residents and ten-year lease for the use of the Horsa assists them with Building in Queens Road, Nuneaton as the remembering their lives. Veterans Contact Point. One of the new Pods was The Centre is staffed by a combination generously donated to of volunteers and professionals from the the Home by the Rotary Veterans Partnership which includes staff Club of Solihull St from the MOD’s Veterans UK service, The Alphege. Royal British Legion, Adult Community Remembrance Pods are Learning and Bedworth, Rugby and the invention of Nuneaton CAB. entrepreneur, Richard The services available include welfare Ernest. Richard thought of the idea after visiting assistance, employment training, literacy Nurse Mark Bebbington and resident Leslie Nelson a care home back in 2009. and numeracy (particularly with Gurkha chatting in the Rempod Bar. Mark had to wait until he got He was struck by how the veterans where there are currently home to open his beer 72 learners involved in this area), an residents living with internet café, peer and emotional support. The Royal Star & Garter Home in Solihull dementia were often living in the past. The Veterans Contact Point Armed Forces has purchased a selection of Rempods for After appearing on the BBC2 television Centre is open Monday to Friday, call the Home. show, Dragon’s Den, Richard managed to 02476 343793 or email Remembrance Pods or ‘Rempods’ are secure a £100,000 deal to develop his [email protected] a reminiscence tool for the elderly and for idea. people living with dementia. In keeping Currently, eight different versions of with the Charity’s mission to help the Rempod are available, including a Extending help to residents live life to the full, the Rempods pop-up Dance Hall, Cinema, Kitchen and have already proven to be a popular and decade-specific themes, ranging from the veterans valuable asset. 1950s to 1970s. The Solihull Home has a An advice and support service aimed at The Rempods are pop-up Shop, a Bar and a Cinema. helping local armed forces veterans and reminiscence rooms that transform the www.starandgarter.org their families to make the difficult transition back into Civvy Street is being extended right across Tyneside. Combat Stress CPN awarded Winston Churchill Gateshead Council appointed an Fellowship Armed Forces Community Outreach Worker last year to provide advice and As a veteran and community psychiatric operational stress injury clinics which support to local veterans and their families, nurse working with Combat Stress, have a history of healthcare provision but the project has proved so successful Andrew Smith has an vested interest in throughout the region. that it is now being extended right across trying to improve the services available to Andrew hopes this research will help Newcastle, North and South Tyneside. veterans across the UK. This has led him Combat Stress continue to develop and Almost 200 Gateshead veterans and to explore areas for research and improve aspects of their own community their families have so far received help and development, discovering the various services while creating collaborative assistance on issues such as housing, models of care offered to veterans partnerships with other healthcare employment, benefits and healthcare since abroad. This February, Andrew was providers, in the interests of sharing best the scheme was launched in Gateshead in awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship practice and improving services in mental 2013. based on his aspirations to study and health care. The new scheme will see Community explore community mental health care The fellowship will enable him to Outreach Workers appointed by Newcastle, services available to veterans who reside work towards improving the services North and South Tyneside councils to help in Canada. provided in the UK and thanks must go to veterans in their own areas to make the The fellowship will take him to the the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust transition into civilian life. province of Alberta where he will work on who have made this possible and shown For further information, call the Armed a six-week project alongside various such support. Anyone interested in Forces Community Support at Gateshead community mental health services, with applying for a fellowship should visit Council on 0191 433 4545 specific focus on the function of www.wcmt.org.uk for further information.

Issue 33 September 2014 5 Key announcements at the annual Armed Forces Community event First Beneficiaries of Veterans Accommodation Fund announced

The first eight beneficiaries for the Veterans Accommodation Fund were announced

The Prime Minister acknowledged So what did the Prime Minister system for re-settling veterans in the the ‘huge sacrifice’ that the Armed highlight during the reception? social housing sector, one of the first Forces make for the nation at the regions to do so in Scotland. second annual Armed Forces This summer, the Community However, it was stressed that Community event at No 10 Covenant reached 100 per cent sign support for the Armed Forces can be Downing Street, emphasising that up in Great Britain, with the Isle of something as simple as displaying an ‘it is right that all of us recognise Scilly confirming their commitment to Armed Forces Day sticker, as a that sacrifice’. support their Armed Forces positive way of acknowledging the THE event, held in July, brought Community. The Community Armed Forces community. together a wide range of members Covenant pledge, launched in June The Community Covenant Grant from the Armed Forces Community, 2011, continues to help foster mutual Scheme, now in its final year, Service Charities and Corporate understanding and cooperation encourages applications from local Covenant signatories to celebrate and between the Armed Forces and the projects that centrally uphold the recognise the work being taken wider community. terms of the Covenant and integrate forward under the Armed Forces Benefits from the Community communities with their Armed Forces Covenant. The Prime Minister Covenants include the establishment population. reflected on what has been a busy of a pastoral programme - Lost Worlds Successful projects are diverse . . . year for the Covenant and provided - in North Yorkshire in order to help Eastleigh is using their £6,000 grant to recognition that the whole nation has council staff support Service families help Ghurkhas learn English and a moral obligation to the Armed upon deployment. Dumfries and integrate with their local Forces Community. Galloway’s have created of a priority communities. The £10,000 given to

6 contribution and sacrifice after they have left Service. I’m delighted that eight projects from across the UK will from today be receiving very well deserved funding which will allow them to continue their efforts in assisting veterans and their families in finding and adapting accommodation.” For organisations seeking to publically support the Armed Forces community, the Corporate Covenant exists as a pledge of commitment to make real changes that recognise the Armed Forces’ contribution and the mutual benefits of their employment, utlising skills and knowledge obtained during a career in the Services.

Pledging corporate commitment

Launched in June 2013, over 200 The second annual Armed Forces Community businesses and charities, from event was held at No 10 Downing Street in July Amazon to Aldershot Town Football Club, have already signed their Royal Wootton Bassett was used for a Kent and the installation of a new pledge,. These pledges see a range of civic event commemorating their new lighting system in Erskine Care Home, commitments and support including Royal status. A grant of £159,000 was Scotland. Barclays’ assurance to make work given to replace a Scout and Guide “eight projects from placements available for veterans and headquarters with a new building Deloitte’s military transition and which will be made available for across the UK will talent programme which provides community use in Bedale, North coaching and mentoring for those Yorkshire. from today be leaving the Services, alongside insight days for veterans. Fund announcements receiving very well Projects funded by the deserved funding £35 million, taken from banks The reception was also an manipulating the LIBOR, continue to opportunity for the Prime Minister to which will allow them flourish. Among the 96 charities and announce the first eight beneficiaries good causes supported were The from the £40 million Veterans to continue their Bridge for Heroes has been granted Accommodation Fund, which aims to efforts in assisting £103,000 which will provide expand the availability of face-to-face mental health support to accommodation for veterans, with a veterans and their Serving personnel, veterans and their housing need, by supporting charities families in Norfolk. and other benevolent organisations. families in finding The Prime Minister said: “I am proud Looking to the Future to announce the first successful and adapting projects that will be supported by the accommodation” Although the LIBOR funding Veterans Accommodation Fund. Our scheme has now closed, the future of Armed Forces make huge sacrifices Defence Minister Anna Soubry, the Covenant remains vital and with a for the nation and it is right that all of also in attendance, was ‘delighted’ new £10 million fund expected to be us recognise that sacrifice – that is with this initiative and praised the announced in 2015, the national why this government enshrined the diversity of the projects endorsed so commitment to the Armed Forces Armed Forces Covenant in law.” far, both geographically and in terms Community continues to strengthen. The first eight projects to be funded of need. She said: “Our Armed Forces include: the construction of a and their families give so much to our www.gov.uk/the- Dementia Wing at The Royal British country so it is only right that we Web Legion’s Maurice House in Broadstairs, continue to recognise their armed-forces-covenant

Issue 33 September 2014 7 New mentoring support for Scottish veterans and their families Two-year volunteer mentoring programme launched TimeBank, said: “Many Service veterans are in a state of crisis in their lives, with complex and multi-faceted problems including financial hardship, homelessness, alcohol dependency and health issues including depression, anxiety and panic attacks We know from our Shoulder to Shoulder projects in London and Birmingham that mentoring can be a powerful tool to aid the recovery and reduce the risk of social exclusion in veterans and their families; therefore strengthening the family unit as a whole.” “. . . mentoring can be a powerful tool to aid the recovery and

The two-year programme will be available to veterans reduce the risk of social and their immediate family members exclusion in veterans The national volunteering charity groups identified as being at particular and their families” TimeBank has joined forces with risk of homelessness, unemployment, one of Scotland’s leading veterans crime and domestic and community Steve Conway, Chief Executive of charities, Erskine, to launch a new violence*. In addition, the Cross Party Erskine said: “Erskine has been caring mentoring project to support Group at the Scottish Parliament on for Scotland’s veterans since 1916 and Scottish veterans and their families. Armed Forces Veterans (April 2012) now we are seeing a whole new SHOULDER TO SHOULDER identified a number of issues specific generation of veterans who need our ERSKINE is a two-year volunteer to Scottish veterans – the use of help. We are very excited to be mentoring programme for 80 alcohol; the need to move away from working with TimeBank to support ex-Service personnel and 20 of their an institutionalised lifestyle; and an ex-Service personnel.” immediate family members in unwillingness on the part of many to Shoulder to Shoulder Erskine has Glasgow and Edinburgh. engage with civilian support services. been funded by the Forces in Mind TimeBank will draw on the There are around 400,000 veterans Trust and the Henry Smith Charity. experience of its successful Shoulder living in Scotland. One in five of the to Shoulder programme in London Scottish population is a member of the www.timebank.org.uk/ and Birmingham to recruit and train veterans' community, with eight per Web shoulder-to-shoulder volunteers to work with veterans who cent of veterans in Scotland more Ali, Project Coordinator are recovering from mental health likely to have a mental health problem Phone issues, as many sufferers struggle to than elsewhere in Great Britain. 0141 814 4510 adjust to life after the military. In addition, 10 per cent are more email [email protected] Volunteers will also support veteran’s likely to become homeless; five per family members, who often face cent to have financial problems; five @timebank unique challenges in understanding per cent more likely to have a criminal Twitter @Erskine1916 and dealing with the issues their record and three per cent to be more partners, sons and daughters are likely to suffer from alcohol problems *http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/ going through. than elsewhere in Great Britain, CrossPartyGroups/Armed%20Forces%20 The project’s beneficiaries will according to Scottish veterans charity Veterans/minutes_20120425.pdf. include early Service leavers and older Poppyscotland** **www.poppyscotland.org.uk/index.php/c non-commissioned officers – both Helen Walker, Chief Executive of ontent/show/about_us/facts_and_statistics

8 Falklands veteran launches Legion Scotland new wellbeing service New service to provide friendship, advice and connect veterans into local services first-hand the was told he would never walk again. horrors of war. He was determined to get back on his His experiences feet and against all odds, after five in the Falklands years in rehab he learned to speak had a and walk again. life-changing Lewis, who is now a mentor and effect on Tony. support worker for adults with The learning disabilities, works part-time entrepreneur as a DJ after doing training during says Legion rehab and is getting married in Scotland’s new August. He said rebuilding his life wellbeing would have been easier with better service will help support. He said: “There is support out meet the needs there so it’s important that there is a of veterans in port of call so people know how to Scotland today. get the help they need.” He said, “The The new service, which was conflicts I was awarded £10,000 funding from the involved in 30 Scottish Government’s Scottish years ago will Veterans Fund, will also offer veterans stay with me the chance to benefit from the forever. It’s charity’s comradeship activities and vitally free wellbeing and pensions support. important that The launch of the wellbeing when you leave service comes as the charity Service the announced its new brand Legion support is there. Scotland as part of a drive to It’s not easy to modernise and better meet the get back to changing needs of the ex-Service civilian life and community whether they served 50 veterans need years ago or yesterday. to know that it’s Kevin Gray MM, CEO of Legion Kevin Gray CEO (left) and Lewis Montague, at the okay to ask for Scotland said, “Legion Scotland has launch of the wellbeing service in Edinburgh help.” been helping the ex-Service The community for over 90 years since we Falklands veteran and wellbeing service will provide were set up in 1921 to help veterans entrepreneur Tony Banks and Iraq friendship, advice and connect who were in need after the First veteran Lewis Montague, 32, who veterans into local services that can World War. In this centenary year of rebuilt his life after a near fatal car help them cope with changes after the outbreak of the First World War crash, have backed Legion leaving military life. we are now launching this new Scotland’s new wellbeing service, Lewis, from Kirkcaldy, joined the service to better serve today's Scottish which provides support and advice Army in 2000 and served with Black ex-Service community and their to veterans after they leave the Watch 3 Battalion of the Royal families.” Armed Forces. Regiment Scotland in Kosovo, LEGION SCOTLAND has set up the Germany, Poland and at the frontline new wellbeing service which will see of the Gulf War. Lewis was still coming Phone 0131 550 1583 befrienders across Scotland providing to terms with the loss of friends who Web www.legionscotland.org.uk a first point of contact to help died in combat when he was involved veterans of all ages and backgrounds in a near fatal car accident. Facebook Legion Scotland to settle back into civilian life. The incident while he was on Tony, 52, served in the leave put him in a coma for two Twitter @LegionScotland Falklands where he witnessed at weeks and in hospital for a year. Lewis

Issue 33 September 2014 9 Project Nova Partnership working to support Norfolk and Suffolk veterans in police custody I get from time-to-time, telling us how much we helped and saying thank you. The word Nova means “new beginnings”, and that’s exactly what we want to help these veterans achieve”. “The word Nova means “new beginnings”, and that’s exactly what we want to help these veterans achieve”.

Organisations from the charitable and public sectors are working in Jenny McKibben, Deputy Police partnership to support veterans and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk commented: “Veterans can struggle In a first of its kind partnership, working closely with the Norfolk and to overcome challenges presented to RFEA, The Forces Employment Suffolk police custody suites to them and may find themselves Charity, Walking with the support and engage with veterans coming into contact with the criminal Wounded, Norfolk and Suffolk identified. Colin served in the Army justice system. Project Nova offers Police Force, Anglia Ruskin for six years, leaving in 1983; he then veterans and their families help with University and Forces in Mind Trust served with Norfolk and Kent Police integration back into civilian life and are working together to support until joining the RFEA charity in 2011 we are pleased to support such a veterans who have entered police as a specialist employment beneficial initiative.” custody. consultant, working with veterans in Air Vice Marshall Ray Lock from THE formal Project Nova initiative, Prison. Colin has strong links across Forces in Mind Trust added: “This launched in July, is an 18-month trial both counties and actively supports project will provide an invaluable jointly delivered by RFEA and Walking veterans in the criminal justice insight into an extremely vulnerable With The Wounded. The trial will system, linking them into the military cohort. FiMT is very pleased to provide advice, guidance and support charity network available to them. provide funding for this type of to veterans using a ’Nova Network‘of Colin Back said: “The research, which adds to the strong military charities and organisations in rehabilitation process back into the evidence-base to which we are Norfolk and Suffolk that can assist community is sometimes not an easy contributing across the sector. The veterans depending on their one, veterans deserve all the support findings will enable support services individual needs. The trial will also be they can get – Project Nova will to improve the intervention we can underpinned by an academic provide assistance, advice and offer veterans entering police evaluation carried out by Anglia continued support after release from custody, ensuring they have the Ruskin University and funded by police custody, to both the veteran necessary additional help to take their Forces in Mind Trust, to measure and their family, and it is fantastic place in society.” effectiveness and successful how supportive Norfolk and Suffolk outcomes. Police have been regarding the Project Nova will be coordinated project. “What makes my job so Web www.rfea.org.uk by Colin Back, who has already been worthwhile are the emails and cards

10 Funding Boost for Veterans Project Plans for new veterans gardening therapy project blossom

From left Horticultural Therapist Zisky Stovell, veteran Danny Quinn, Heather Budge-Reid, Trustee Roger Moore, Vicky Page from Scotts Miracle-Gro, Stacey Crump – Armed Forces Covenant Fund Manager and Jacqueline Francis from ISS Landscaping Gardening Leave has unveiled Gardening Leave’s Dundee project several projects over the years. When detailed plans to open a new has also received a £73,000 award from we heard about the new Dundee horticultural therapy site for the Armed Forces Covenant LIBOR fund garden project we were very happy troubled Armed Forces veterans in and £10,000 from the Lethendy Trust. and excited to help get the garden up Dundee later this year – and has Heather Budge-Reid, chief and running. Gardening Leave is a received a £10,000 donation from executive of Gardening Leave, said: wonderful charity and the work they do Scotts Miracle-Gro to get the project “The east coast of Scotland has for our veterans using horticultural blooming. traditionally always had a large Armed therapy is simply outstanding." GARDENING LEAVE will be Forces veterans population and Defence Minister Anna Soubry said: transforming an old, inner-city bowling Dundee is the third largest recruiting “I am delighted that we have been able green in Dudhope Park in central centre in Scotland, so we’re really to provide Gardening Leave with as Dundee into a working horticultural excited about launching a new project much as £73,000 of Libor funding, and therapy garden filled with raised in the city. To have the support of this is just another positive way that vegetable, herb and cut flower beds. Scotts Miracle-Gro and ISS, as well as the Armed Forces Covenant is The project will allow the large veteran our original funding grant from the supporting our people. Our personnel population living on Scotland’s east Armed Forces Covenant, is wonderful. and veterans play an invaluable role in coast to access the charity’s gardening Without the support of the City Council society and it is only right that they get therapy services. and their commitment to the veterans the support they deserve after leaving The new garden, to be built by ISS of Dundee, this dream would not be the Forces.” Facility Services Landscaping, has turning into a reality." The new Dundee garden will boast received a £10,000 Gro100 Grassroots “We’re looking forward to seeing raised wooden vegetable and flower Grant from Scotts Miracle-Gro. As well the Dudhope Park space being beds, communal seating area, kitchen, as giving the project this cash boost, transformed into a garden where local office and quiet area and will be Scotts Miracle-Gro has forged green veterans can grow and tend planned along the lines of a traditional links between Gardening Leave and a vegetables, as a first step on their kitchen garden with the produce veteran’s horticultural therapy charity journey to good health and a destined for local community activities. garden in North Carolina in America, successful transition to civilian life.” Web www.gardeningleave.org which it also funds. The charities’ Vicky Page, head of the Scotts gardens will be twinned when they Miracle-Gro UK Community Outreach Facebook Gardening Leave both open later this year, sharing best Programme, said: "Scotts Miracle-Gro Twitter @Gardening_leave therapeutic practice and experiences. has worked with Gardening Leave on

Issue 33 September 2014 11 Veterans get Disability Confident New job is life changing for David “This has been life changing for me,” he said. “Employers were overlooking me because of my condition and my own lack of confidence hindered my job search, which fed my depression and stress. I felt I was in a vicious circle and was only able to break out when Remploy and M&S showed faith in me. “Now that I have a permanent job at M&S the future is so much brighter and I feel I can start making plans again.” Betty Niven, Recruitment Coordinator at M&S’s Silverburn store said: “I’m delighted for David, who is proving a hard working and popular colleague. At M&S we look beyond disability and focus on a person’s ability.” The Disability Confident campaign aims to help increase employer confidence in recruiting and retaining disabled people as part of a diverse workforce and to encourage employers to be positive about the skills that disabled people bring to business.

Veteran David Parker with Betty Niven, the Recruitment Coordinator at M&S’s Silverburn store

Government and employers are working together to remove “This has been barriers, challenge negative attitudes and ensure that disabled people have the opportunities to life changing fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. for me . . .” ARMED FORCES veteran David Parker turned to Remploy, Disability Confident campaign partner, for stammer in difficult and stressful support when his extreme anxiety and situations. loss of confidence prevented him David secured a work placement on from making a fresh start and finding the Marks & Start scheme, M&S’s employment in Civvy Street. David’s community programme that provides condition, triggered by Post Traumatic access to employment for lone Stress Disorder, also caused him to parents, homeless, disabled and young and long-term unemployed people. And not long after, successfully completing the Remploy is the UK’s leading provider Web www.gov.uk/dwp/disabilityconfident of specialist employment services to placement, David accepted an offer of people who experience complex a permanent job as a customer service Twitter @DWPgovuk assistant in the busy food Hall at barriers to work. www.remploy.co.uk Facebook Department for Work and Pensions - DWP M&S’s Silverburn store in Glasgow.

12 Inspire . . . Enable . . . Support Course to boost veterans’ employment prospects blinded in his right eye. He served in Iraq in 2006 as well as in Kosovo and Kuwait and was medically discharged in 2010. He said: “My experience of the Pathfinder programme is a positive one. The military environment feels familiar with like-minded people attending it for the same reasons as me. This in itself was a great start to the programme. “I found myself (and others) quickly settled into it after the initial reservations and as the week progressed the aim of the programme becomes apparent. Sarah Tomlinson, Training and Development Manager at Help for Heroes. with one “It assists getting back on track of the corporate mentor, who work with the veterans. They are raking aggregate to and knowing the fact that there are fill a footpath in the Yorkshire Dales as part of the Enable phase of Pathfinder. others (facilitators included), who have been in a similar position at Wounded, injured or sick veterans individuals get established back into times in their lives. are encouraged to sign up to a new ‘civvy street’ and preparing for “The majority of Service leavers course being run in Catterick to employment or a vocational activity. are lucky enough to know exactly boost their employment prospects The first stage, INSPIRE, which what they want out of Civvy street. or give them ideas for vocational lasts six days, will take place at the For some of us adjusting to Civvy opportunities. end of November/beginning of street isn’t quite straightforward. The THE Pathfinder Experience course December. It’s free of charge and Pathfinder course is a good starting will take place at the Help for includes food and accommodation. point for those who are stuck in that Heroes-run Phoenix House Recovery Phase two, ENABLE, which takes five rut. Centre on Richmond Road and is days, will be run in February 2015. “If you’re stuck at home, twiddling aimed at veterans who have been Phase three, SUPPORT, is two days your thumbs and running round in medically discharged or who have and will take place in May 2015. circles then I’d certainly recommend developed a medical condition post- Sally Mendonca, Supported you reach out and grasp an discharge. Courses Coordinator for the Support opportunity to get on a Pathfinder Hub at Phoenix House, said the Centre course.” had already run two successful For more information and an Pathfinder courses. application form, contact Sally She added: “The whole Mendonca. Businesses interested in experience has really helped the mentoring should also get in contact. veterans who attended. They have been matched with a mentor, who Anyone who served in the Army, Royal will help them over the next 12-18 Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force months.” who needs the help of Phoenix House “We’d love more veterans to sign up Recovery Centre can self-refer by to the course as it’s a great way for calling 01748 834148. Stuart Redman them to get support in thinking about their opportunities, whether that is Phone Sally Mendonca 01748 834148 vocational or a new career. We are The course, run in partnership also always on the lookout for new Web www.helpforheroes.org.uk with Serve On, a community interest mentors.” [email protected] company set up to help the transition Veteran Stuart Redmond’s Army email from military to civilian life, is split career with the Royal Electrical and Twitter @HelpforHeroes or @PhoenixHouseRC into three phases. With guidance from Mechanical Engineers was cut short Facebook Help for Heroes Official a mentor, it looks at helping due to injury after he was partially

Issue 33 September 2014 13 From Troops to Teachers Veterans seeing benefits of programme placing them in education

As part of the programme trainees will spend four days a week as part of the school staff

In July 2013, the Department for part of the school staff, spending four “I was a bit nervous at the Education launched the Troops to days each week in school and one day start thinking ‘How am I Teachers programme to give the on academic study. There are also best non-graduate Service Leavers several residential study weeks which going to do this?’, the opportunity to train for a take place throughout the year, because it’s completely teaching qualification. Successful bringing together trainees from different to anything else completion of the two-year across the country. In addition, they I have done. I have done a programme will lead to a degree receive tailored training and together with Qualified Teacher development that further draws upon bit of presenting in the Status (QTS). and develops their experiences and Forces but it’s very THE programme was designed expertise for teaching in schools. different to be faced with and developed jointly by a group of a classroom of children.” outstanding schools and initial The trainees teacher training (ITT) providers, enjoyable. I’m starting to get into a working together with the Career After almost two terms in school, routine now, but when you first start Transition Partnership. It builds on trainees are already seeing the there isn’t really one because you’re the skills and experiences Service benefits of their career change . . . just trying to immerse yourself into Leavers have gained throughout their Mike, a secondary school trainee the school, get around to see as much military careers. explained: “It’s been brilliant, very as possible. So at the beginning I was After a rigorous assessment and exciting, very busy. I’ve been juggling dipping into lots of different lessons, selection process, the first cohort developing in the classroom with the lots of different departments but now began their training in schools in university side of things which has as I have moved on a bit I am very January 2014. Each trainee works as been a challenge at times, but also much focused on my subject. I have 14 started taking on a few lessons myself learning. Personally I am not far from which is really fun. I was a bit nervous the University of Brighton, so I have at the start thinking ‘How am I going also travelled down there a few times to do this?’, because it’s completely and used the library, and that’s also a different to anything else I have done. nice way of working – sitting in the I have done a bit of presenting in the library, reading a few books and Forces but it’s very different to be getting on with the assignments. faced with a classroom of children. I Overall the studying has been brilliant also get involved a few activities after and complements what I do in school school, for example the football club. nicely.” You do four days in school and Emma, a primary school trainee on Friday it’s University work, which said: “It’s that moment when you’re involves webinars that you can do trying to introduce a new concept to from home. It’s a really nice way of a child, and they are not getting it doing it [studying]. At the start of the and they are struggling. It’s that course I wasn’t sure how that was all moment when the penny drops and going to work and exactly how the you know they have understood - for webinars would run, but having done me that is what this is all about.” The trainees have found the children them now it’s a really nice way of Alison, another primary school they teach inspirational

trainee added: “It’s been extremely inspirational. The inquisitiveness of the children has surpassed my expectations”.

The next class

The second cohort will start their training in September 2014 with a week-long school-based induction and then a week of study workshops with their fellow trainees, before beginning their school-based training. If you want to know more about the programme, or hear more from current trainees, there’s plenty of information on the Troops to Teachers non-graduate programme website. You can also register an expression of interest for any future application rounds. Visit the website for further information and to submit an expression of interest, at www.troopstoteachers.ctp.org.uk For Service Leavers with degrees, there are several school or university based options to gain a teaching qualification. Further information can be found on the Department for Education’s website.

Phone The Teaching Line 0800 389 2500

www.troopstoteachers.ctp.org.uk

Successful completion of the programme will lead to a degree Web www.education.gov.uk/get- together with Qualified Teacher Status into-teaching/teacher-training-options

Issue 33 September 2014 15 There for the families Military children’s charity amazing achievements in 2014 “It's somewhere we can go and it's private and there's that element of support for other wives."

that people want to help the children who are left without a parent. It means more than I could ever put into words,” said charity founder Nikki Scott. The Davies family is one of the families supported by the Charity... "They've been absolutely fantastic," said Joanne Davies, 37, who lost her husband Damian while he was serving in Afghanistan in 2008. "Our son Matthew loves receiving things on his birthday and Christmas and we enjoyed a holiday at a Scotty's lodge, and I went to the Scotty's ball. It's somewhere we can go and it's private and there's that element of support for other wives." As well as offering the children the opportunity to have some fun and Nikki and daughter Brooke at Scotty's holiday lodge make some new happy memories, the charity is also hard at work preparing Military children’s charity Scotty’s Yarmouth and the new lodge is a number of new services to help its Little Soldiers is celebrating a great already booked up throughout the members with bereavement support year for fundraising, allowing it to summer. and personal development. purchase a third holiday lodge in “It's all possible thanks to the the south of the country that amazing support we have received,” provides holiday breaks for said Scotty’s chief executive Stuart bereaved children. Robinson. “We know that there are THE charity for the children of the many more children out there fallen, set up by army widow Nikki affected by the loss of a parent in the Scott in 2010, provides holidays, gifts, Armed Forces and our main focus for treats, parties and experiences for 2014 is raising more awareness of members up to their 19th birthday. Scotty's Little Soldiers nationally to The charity honours husband Corporal help us reach out to these brave Lee Scott's memory - both as a loyal children.” Scotty's Little Soldiers members with soldier and a loving father - with funds Each lodge is filled with home celebrity chef Jamie Oliver at The Sun for the charity raised through events, comforts, and the charity makes sure Millies Awards fundraising, donations, merchandise the families have everything they and corporate sponsorship. could need, including bedding, high Phone 01553 763 000 Scotty’s is currently helping 148 chairs, toys and games for the family. children and fundraising efforts have Travel fees are also taken care of and Web www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk enabled the purchase of a third the charity provide each family with Facebook Scotty’s Little Soldiers holiday lodge at Devon Cliffs Haven £100 each time they stay to help resort, which opened at Easter. towards food and activities. Twitter @CorporalScotty Scotty’s already owns two holiday “I feel very proud of everything Youtube SLSoldiersTV’s channel lodges in Blackpool and Great the charity has achieved and I love 16 Veterans in North of Scotland get dedicated support Charity expands its veterans service into North accommodation hugely successful as individuals can and support for say ‘me too’ and share how they veterans and their coped with what was going on in their families. lives.” The new The veterans’ course is based on Inverness veterans’ the lifestyle management courses course will make a developed by Thistle that helps those significant with long term health conditions live difference to the the life they want. lives of veterans and their families, Thistle was awarded £155,877 over helping to support two years from the Scottish them on issues Government’s Self Management such as depression, Impact Fund, administered by the Post Traumatic Health and Social Care Alliance Stress Disorders Scotland (the ALLIANCE) last year. and anxiety. The The money enabled Thistle to course is shaped continue the veterans’ service and and supported by Chris, a veteran supported by Thistle, is now a facilitator on expand to Inverness. veterans who have the course supporting other veterans In addition to the ALLIANCE and been through it Scottish Government’s backing, the themselves. Thistle Foundation veterans’ course Ex-servicemen and women from Speaking out about his experience has also received the support of across the North of Scotland will of the course, in a new video released Poppyscotland. Over the past six now be able to get dedicated by the Thistle Foundation, veteran, years, the charity has committed support to help them adjust to Ross Swinton, said: “I knew in my head £100,000 to support Thistle to run civilian life, after a charity won that if I didn’t sort myself out I could its veterans programme and to funding to expand into the North. end up in a bad place, a really bad train veterans to provide the much INVERNESS veterans will be the place, lose everything, family , home, needed peer support to others. first outside the central belt to benefit life. And the course helped me to sort Poppyscotland are also working from the Thistle Foundation’s myself out. I have good days and bad with Thistle to ensure veterans in peer-support veterans’ course, which days but the difference is that now I the North of Scotland get the help is proven to support veterans facing a know a bad day is only going to be a they need, for example, helping range of issues after leaving the bad day cause there’s always them to connect up with veterans service. tomorrow. It’s like starting anew; that may need support. Poppy The North of Scotland has a high learning to live again.” Scotland will also host the course ex-Service population of around Diana Noel-Paton, Chief Executive from the charity’s Inverness base in 118,000 and a large serving presence of the Thistle Foundation, said: “We Strothers Lane. at nearby bases. Not all veterans need are delighted to expand our veterans’ help but research, by the Citizens course to Inverness so we can support Advice Scotland, has identified local veterans who may be several issues faced by the Armed experiencing difficulties as a result of Forces community when they return their time in Service or as they try and service coordinator, Phone to civilian life, including finance, settle back in to civilian life. Pat Mackinnon 0131 656 7356 employment, physical and mental “The Veterans’ Self Management health, housing and social isolation. Service works because veterans are Web www.thistle.org.uk/ Edinburgh-based Thistle there for each other. They can relate email [email protected]. Foundation is a pioneering charity to each other. And once they have that supports people with a range of completed it successfully veterans go Facebook The Thistle Foundation disabilities and health conditions to on to support others who are live the life they want. The charity experiencing similar struggles. We Twitter @thistlecharity started life in the 1940s, providing know that a ‘peer support’ approach is

Issue 33 September 2014 17 University of Wolverhampton discovers Armed Forces Entrepreneurs Unique Start-Up programme supports unsung heroes “The programme has given me the confidence and knowledge to understand how to approach my business and with the help from my business mentor I successfully secured the funding I needed to acquire premises and equipment.”

‘Supporting the Unsung Hero’ is available to the Dependants’ of veterans, Reservists and Serving personnel at no cost as it has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant LIBOR Fund. Since October 2013, when the University of Wolverhampton ran its first cohort, the programme has received in excess of 250 enquiries with 150 registered applicants, currently there are eighty Service Dependants participating in the programme. Demand for the Dependants Business Start-Up Programme has Sally Wagstaff, one of the first cohort on the ‘Supporting the been widespread throughout the Unsung Hero Programme’ UK and word has spread to military locations overseas. In response the The University of the opportunity to start their own University has agreed to deliver a Wolverhampton and the Black business with the support of a cohort in British Forces Cyprus by Country Chamber of Commerce dedicated business adviser. The the end of 2014 and are exploring have come together to deliver a 10-month programme consists of the possibility of delivery in unique Business Start-Up an Introduction to self-employment Germany to support families who Programme, specifically tailored session, a four-day Business are returning to the UK in 2015 with to meet the needs of Armed Start-Up course and a seven-month the Army Re-basing Programme. Forces families. Individual and Group Mentoring Helen Lloyd-Wildman, the DRAWING on the University’s programme. It is delivered through University of Wolverhampton success and reputation to provide the Wolverhampton Business Registrar and Secretary, and the business growth the Armed Forces Solutions Centre in conjunction Executive lead on relations with the Dependants’ Business Start-Up with the Black Country Chamber of Armed Forces said, “We are proud Programme ‘Supporting the Commerce and the MOD Hive to be leading this programme Unsung Hero’ gives Service families Information Service. which forms an integral part of the

18 understand how difficult it is for service families to find employment; my husband who is also a veteran followed me around the world for 12 years while caring of my two daughters. I had seven postings during this period and my husband had eight different jobs. I have seen him go through the highs and lows of searching for and securing work and the impact this has had on us as a family. The courses that the University offers give the Service family the opportunity to enhance their employability and break the cycle of an uncertain career” The University of Wolverhampton aims to support Armed Forces personnel, veterans, Reservists and their families by providing quality courses designed to enhance personal and professional development. It can accredit prior learning and experience gained while in service which could reduce the time required to study for an undergraduate or post graduate degree. Service personnel and veterans who would like to The Programme includes the support of a dedicated business adviser undertake academic study can utilise their Enhanced Learning opportunities we offer Armed October 2013. Since completing the Credits towards the cost of the Forces personnel, Veterans, course she has opened a state of course as the University is Reservists and their families. This the art laser hair removal clinic in registered with the Enhanced programme has the potential to Lichfield. Sally said: “The Learning Credits Administration create up to one hundred new programme has given me the Service (ELCAS). business start-ups, significantly confidence and knowledge to For further information on the boosting economy on a local and understand how to approach my courses available and the national scale, with the opportunity business and with the help from my Dependants’ Business Start-Up to expand overseas to military business mentor I successfully programme, contact Lianne locations such as Cyprus by the end secured the funding I needed to Bradbury the Armed Forces Co- of the year and potentially Germany acquire premises and equipment. I ordinator at the University of in 2015. This is important for am now the proud Company Wolverhampton. families who are struggling to find Director of Xodos Aesthetics employment and those who will be Limited and I cannot praise the affected by the MOD’s rebasing programme enough.” Phone plans when they relocate from Lianne Bradbury is the 01902 321677 Germany to the UK over the next University of Wolverhampton www.wlv.ac.uk/mod few years.” Armed Forces Co-ordinator and the Web www.wlv.ac.uk/ One of the course’s success Programme Manager for the supportingtheunsunghero stories is Veteran Sally Wagstaff, a Dependants’ Business Start-Up former Nurse in the Royal Navy and Programme. Lianne who retired email [email protected] a Dependant of a serving Royal from the Army herself in October Facebook Navy Officer. Sally enrolled on 2011, having served 22 years with Supporting The Unsung Hero cohort one of the programme in the Royal Logistic Corps, said: “I

Issue 33 September 2014 19 it

Lord Young Urges Cohesion for Military Transition to Enterprise X-Forces celebrates first year of success

Lord Young

opportunity for established organisations to support a new In July, the organisation’s stakeholders, candidates, corporate partners and generation of entrepreneurs from the supporters gathered to celebrate this impressive milestone at an event at Armed Forces community. In support Wellington Barracks in London’s Westminster. of the Big Business helping Small Business initiative, and using a The Prime Minister’s Adviser on X-Forces’ founder and Chief proven mentoring framework, the Enterprise has called for greater Executive Officer Ms Ren Kapur said X-Forces scheme also benefits the cross-sector collaboration to “We embarked upon a mission to organisation in developing their maximise the entrepreneurial help Service leavers and Armed future senior leaders with broadening potential within the Armed Forces Forces dependants to achieve their experience of mentoring a start up community. dreams. Twelve months on, our outside the mentor’s normal business SPEAKING at the first year network grows more supportive as it environment. This is further anniversary celebrations of X-Forces, expands to include more corporate enhanced for commercial Lord Young of Graffham - serial partners and military organisations. organisations by cross-fertilising the entrepreneur since 1961 and life peer Kapur does not believe in values and core work ethic of military in the House of Lords - stressed that, relishing this impressive milestone; life. although progress had been made, “We have worked intensively, but Plans for year two include the collaboration is crucial in enabling there is so much more to do. establishment of further regional the UK’s ex-Service personnel to “Our vision is a warm reception hubs to allow X-Forces to work with move from the battlefield into their for Service Leavers choosing the broadest geographical spread of own boardroom. enterprise, with clear signposting and the Armed Forces community and Lord Young said “So many the investment to see their giving one-to-one access to business leaving our Forces have the skills and determination and commitment advisers, mentoring and finance. experience to make a great success in developed with solid training and Business workshops that consider civilian life and at last, are being vital first-year assistance.” how to take the first steps into given the chance to show us what X-Forces receives a dozen new entrepreneurship are already run in they can do. I hope that, not only will registrations per day from Service various regional locations across the they succeed, but that they will be an leavers, veterans, military spouses, UK, and will be scaled up, along with inspiration to those who follow reservists and cadets wishing to networking events involving them.” engage support for their business Corporate Members and the existing Since its launch in July 2013, idea. military community. X-Forces has helped to launch 170 At the core of the X-Forces Web new entrepreneurs, and facilitated service is thorough business planning www.X-Forces.com more than £1.5 million in seed and support to ensure that each new Phone 0207 811 3237 funding. A plan for regional roll-out business is supported with sound has begun; X-Forces’ second base advice; it’s a journey that lasts years. Twitter @OfficialXforces was opened in Newcastle in April The unique X-Forces Corporate Facebook www.facebook.com/x-forces 2014. Membership programme offers an

20 Heroes Return programme extended Big Lottery Fund supports Heroes Return to Normandy 70 Years On A P

t a

y r r a P

d i v a D

t h g i r y p o c

© David Render made a return to Gold Beach where 70 years ago he served with the Sherwood Rangers Sherwood’s lost 59 officers between June 1944 to May 1945. David said “We all knew we were going to get killed; the average

A lifespan for a trooper was a fortnight. P t

a We became numb to it. I certainly y r r wasn’t a hero. When we did an action, a P it was just on to the next one. They d i v a drove us to death. A day in Normandy D t

h was from 4am in the morning to 1am g i r the next morning.” y p o David said of the 70th c

© commemorations: “To go back to the David Render was one of over 250 Normandy veterans who were supported by cemeteries to see our lads is really the Heroes Return Programme heart-rendering. We were the lucky ones, make no bones about it. And we As dawn broke 70 years ago on 6th over £28 million to ensure that over are lucky that we have got an June 1944, the first of 156,000 allied 57,000 Second World War veterans, organisation like the Big Lottery Fund troops stormed the Normandy widows and carers have had the who cares for our old soldiers who are beaches under a hail of German opportunity since 2004 to go back to still very interested in keeping alive artillery. By sunset there would be battlefields to attend their memories and passing them on 10,000 casualties. It would be one of commemorations. to the younger generation who we the most momentous days in history One veteran who made a Heroes sincerely hope will not do it again.” and the start of a two-month epic Return pilgrimage back to Normandy The Big Lottery Fund has extended struggle to liberate Normandy, one was 89 year old veteran David Render, its Heroes Return 2 programme to that would cost over 225,000 dead, who returned to Gold Beach, where 70 enable veterans to apply for funding to wounded, or missing in action. years ago he served with the make second trips. The programme IN SALUTE to their memory the Big Sherwood Rangers as a troop leader in deadline for closure will now be the Lottery Fund is proud to have command of six Sherman tanks. end of 2015. supported over 250 UK Normandy In the battle for Normandy David Phone 0845 00 00 121 veterans who made a Heroes Return had two tanks blown from under him www.biglotteryfund.org.uk journey back to the shores of France but remained a troop leader to the end Web to join in the 70th commemoration of the war and, apart from a few /heroesreturn ceremonies to pay their respects to lost bruises and nicks, came out the war Twitter @biglotteryfund #biglf comrades. physically unscathed, a rare The Big Lottery Fund has awarded achievement given that the Facebook Big Lottery Fund

Issue 33 September 2014 21 Traineeship programme helps veterans step into new career Ex-Military Traineeships now available in the East Midlands

The Programme will provide trainees with ‘work ready’ skills

To provide a stepping stone from limited resources – which is “ex-Service men and the military into a quality logistics unmatched by civilians. Getting the women have a wealth of job, Skills for Logistics in most positive reaction to these partnership with Future Horizons, qualities depends also on the skills and experiences - the Career Development individual having the ‘work-ready such as attitude, team Partnership, Job Centre Plus and skills’ and confidence to complement spirit and the ability to leading logistics employers have their military training - which includes developed a short, practical skills that are in high demand from deliver with limited Traineeship Programme. The logistics employers.” resources – which is programme will provide the The Ex-Military Traineeships now functional skills that service leavers available will provide these unmatched by civilians.” need in order to step out of the ‘work-ready’ skills. Over 10 weeks, the Programme applicants should Service and into either a logistics structured Traineeship Programme will email apprenticeship or a full-time provide practical learning and ‘work [email protected] logistics career. ready skills’ at Level 1 – both in the with their name, age, address, THE Programme is the first of its classroom and on-site at the email address and daytime kind and will be supported by West workplace. In addition, with coaching telephone number. The Traineeship Nottinghamshire College and major and mentoring, the Programme will Programme will be held from the logistics employers such as Norbert instill individuals with the confidence beginning of June 2014 to 30 Dentressangle. required to do the job. At the end of September 2014. You must meet Commenting on the programme, the Programme, there will be a the eligibility criteria and be Dr Ross Moloney, CEO of Skills for guaranteed job interview with the available for the duration of the Logistics said: “Ex-Military? opportunity of a job placement with a Programme. Aged 16-24 years of age? Based in the quality logistics company. Closing date for applications is East Midlands? Your country still The Traineeship Programme is the end of September 2014. needs you. Without doubt, leaving the open to anyone who has left the Armed Forces can be a daunting Military, is aged between 16-24, is prospect. Yet ex-Service men and unemployed and a resident of the East women have a wealth of skills and Midlands. Candidates must be Web www.skillsforlogistics.org experiences - such as attitude, team available to end of October 2014. Twitter @skillslogistics spirit and the ability to deliver with To register for the Traineeship

22 Veterans get gardening with Thrive gardening projects improve health and wellbeing

support that came from that, he began to feel better. It’s through his doctor that Tim found Thrive. Tim said: “Thrive is amazing. It’s a place where you are made to feel welcome. I’ve learnt such a lot. Did not have a notion about gardening before, but now I love it. I can get lost in planting. I want to stay for as long as I can. It is so therapeutic. I can’t believe I feel so strongly about something in such a short space of time.” Former soldier, army medic and Thrive trustee Rory Mackenzie praised the project, Sid Hill (left) and Ray Warner are two of the veterans ‘thriving’ on the programme which has been funded by The Royal British National charity Thrive has places gain vital work experience and a City Legion, saying: "For those available for veterans on gardening and Guilds qualification which could coming out of the Forces with some of projects in Birmingham and lead to a different career, new the issues I experienced, the chance to Gateshead funded by The Royal employment or onto further work in a team again, learn something British Legion. educational pathways. new and doing it outdoors in all IT WOULD SUIT veterans looking Tim was referred to Thrive by his weathers, is just the job. to improve their health and wellbeing, Consultant Psychologist, who can’t Sue Freeth, Director of Operations, work in a team with fellow servicemen believe the transformation in him in The Royal British Legion commented: and women, gain an accredited such a short space of time. “We are delighted to be supporting qualification in horticulture and get Tim has been through a lot since Thrive in recognition of the great work back into civilian life. leaving the Army in 1995 after seeing they do in using gardening to help The Thrive charity uses gardening active service in Northern Ireland and people improve their health and to bring about positive changes in the the Falklands conflict. wellbeing and arming them with the lives of people living with disabilities He found adjusting to civilian life skills and qualifications needed to get or ill health, or who are isolated, hard and said there was no help a job working outdoors.” disadvantaged or vulnerable. during the 90’s for people who were For the past six months the charity struggling to cope. He turned to drugs has been working with veterans in a bid to blot out how he was feeling Phone 0118 988 5688 arming them with the skills, and soon started relying on them to qualifications and experience needed get through the day. Web www.thrive.org.uk/ for a job working outdoors. Before his diagnosis of Post email [email protected] Working in a team, veterans will Traumatic Stress Disorder, Tim said the also improve their fitness, strength way he was feeling almost drove him Facebook Thrive and stamina. They are taught to suicide. But once he started getting gardening skills and use them to help help for his drug problems and Twitter @thrivecharity maintain a local park. This means they following a PTSD diagnosis and the

Issue 33 September 2014 23 Supporting Veterans on the Road to Civilian Life Network of support available to the Armed Forces Community

“They have given me a leg up onto the right track making me independent, and I have also regained my self-esteem.” Finally, realising he needed help, John went to the Citizens Advice Bureau who advised him to contact SSAFA. After calling his local branch office, John was allocated a volunteer caseworker, who immediately got on the case and contacted the Royal Artillery Association who helped to clear John’s debts. He was also advised to contact Combat Stress who have helped him work through his depression and PTSD. John is now a changed man. He John served in the Royal Artillery and was helped by SSAFA sees his children every weekend, his work is going well and his debts have SSAFA is a charity providing the civilian world a very confusing been cleared. John said “SSAFA and lifelong support to anyone who is place, add in mental health issues and the Royal Artillery have given me the serving or has ever served in things can quickly spiral out of ability to help myself again. They have HM Armed Forces and their families. control.” given me a leg up onto the right track EVERY YEAR their network of “At SSAFA we know how difficult making me independent, and I have volunteers and professional staff the transition from military to civilian also regained my self-esteem.” provides advice and support for life can be.” If you would like to find out more around 50,000 people. Its services When former soldier John about SSAFA, whether it’s to help you range from care for those bereaved completed his military service and or someone you know or if you would through recent conflicts to commenced work as a lorry driver he like to learn more about volunteering, befriending those whose who served could not have imagined that one of call 020 7403 8783 or visit ssafa.org.uk. during the Second World War. the roads he would take would lead A regional network of over 7,000 him to depression and debt. trained volunteers, throughout the UK John’s troubles started during one and on military bases around the of his tours as an Air Defence Gunner world, means that support is always in the Royal Artillery. After witnessing close at hand, whenever and wherever five of his colleagues being killed in a it is needed. terrorist attack on their vehicle he Phone 020 7403 8783 David Singletary, a volunteer began a downward spiral into Post Web www.ssafa.org.uk Branch Chairman says that people are Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), coming to SSAFA in increasingly dire which ultimately lead to debt, Facebook ssafafb circumstances. He said: “Those who marriage break up and thoughts of Twitter @SSAFA have recently left the military can find suicide.

New Medals Announcement Changes to Ministry of Defence Medals and Clasps following Sir John Holmes’s Independent Review This Autumn, the first of the new military awards, a result of the independent medals review, will be issued. THE PRIME MINISTER appointed Sir John Holmes in 2012 to conduct an independent review of the policy governing the award of military medals. His report published the same year, concluded that the existing guiding principles were reasonably based but that there should be greater readiness to review past decisions. Sir John was then commissioned to independently review a number of cases to consider for a change in medallic recognition. The Ministry of Defence Medals Office is now working to implement the new awards This substantial and complex piece of work is now complete. Each of the reviews has been subject to took part in the Berlin Airlift operation ‘CYPRUS’ if they served for 90 days or detailed discussion by the Committee from 25 June 1948 to 6 October 1949 more. The qualifying period has been on the Grant of Honours, Decorations inclusive. Applications for the new reduced from 120 days, bringing it and Medals and its conclusions have clasp will be accepted from 1 March into line with the qualifying period for gained Royal approval. 2015 onwards. The first of the awards service during the Kenya anti- The Ministry of Defence Medal will be made towards the end of that terrorism campaign. Applications for Office is now planning the month.(However these timings the clasp ‘CYPRUS’ under the new implementation of the new awards. A remain under review) qualifying period will be accepted phased approach has been adopted from 1 October 2014 onwards. The to allow time for their design and There are also changes to existing first of the clasps will be despatched manufacture. Medals and Clasps that are to be towards the end of that month. awarded under revised qualifying The details are: criteria . . . How to Claim

New Clasps South Atlantic Full details on how to claim the The qualifying period for the new awards are available at Cyprus 1963-64 award of the South Atlantic Medal https://www.gov.uk/the-ministry-of- Those servicemen who served in without the Rosette will be extended defence-medal-office but please note Cyprus during the period 21 from 12 July to 21 October 1982, the above dates from which December 1963 to 26 March 1964 will when the airfield at Mount Pleasant applications will be processed. With be awarded the General Service was made operational. Applications the exception of the South Atlantic Medal (1962) with clasp ‘CYPRUS for the South Atlantic Medal, under Medal, RAF and Civilian Pilots are 1963-64’. Applications for the new the new time extension, will be encouraged to submit copies of their clasp will be accepted from 1 March accepted from 1 October 2014 flying logbooks to provide evidence 2015 onwards. The first of the awards onwards. The awards will begin to be of eligibility. Please note all will be despatched towards the end despatched towards the end of that applications will be dealt with in date of that month. (However these month. order. timings remain under review) veterans - 0808 1914 2 18 Cyprus 1955-59 Phone Berlin Airlift Those who participated in the Serving Personnel - 0800 085 3600 The General Service Medal 1918- suppression of acts of terrorism in Web www.gov.uk/the-ministry-of- 62 with clasp ‘BERLIN AIRLIFT’ will be Cyprus between 1 April 1955 and 18 defence-medal-office awarded for at least one day’s service April 1959 will qualify for the General email to all aircrew, RAF and civilians, who Service Medal 1918–62 with clasp [email protected]

Issue 33 September 2014 25 Protecting our history Royal support for the national campaign to reduce war memorial theft reported to War Grants for War Memorials scheme for Memorials Trust Welsh war memorials. has fallen for two Applicants to Cadw can receive consecutive years, up to 70 per cent of project costs up although in 2013 to a maximum of £10,000. In cases incidents of vandalism where projects cost more than £1,000 rose. War Memorials Trust can offer an In Memoriam 2014 is additional 15 per cent of funds a partnership between sought. All applications should be War Memorials Trust submitted directly to Cadw. and the SmartWater War Memorials Trust’s Director, Foundation that was Frances Moreton, said: “War established to provide Memorials Trust greatly appreciates greater protection to the support of HRH The Duchess of war memorials across Cornwall. As we start to mark the Wales and the rest of centenary of the First World War this the UK. Launched in year, interest in war memorials has November 2011 In been at record levels. We hope today Memoriam 2014 is we can encourage more communities offering SmartWater across Wales to engage with In ]

d free of charge to the Memoriam 2014 to pro-actively o o custodians of the protect their war memorials. We hope w r o

H estimated 2-3,000 war this scheme, alongside Cadw’s Grants t t a memorials in Wales as for War Memorials Programme, will M t h part of a UK-wide help ensure the people of Wales have g i r y campaign. protected, secure and conserved war p o c SmartWater can be memorials at which to pay their © [ applied to metal respects in the next few years and for HRH The Duchess of Cornwall marking the Welsh sculptures or plaques many years ahead.” National War Memorial with smartwater assigning them with a While marking the Welsh National state-of-the-art forensic War Memorial with SmartWater, HRH In Memoriam 2014 was delighted code that can only be seen under UV The Duchess of Cornwall met to welcome War Memorials Trust’s light and provides undeniable representatives of War Memorials Trust, Patron, HRH The Duchess of traceability. Once SmartWater has the SmartWater Foundation, Cadw, One Cornwall, to the Welsh National been used to mark a war memorial it Voice Wales, War Memorials Trust’s War Memorial in Cathays Park, is virtually impossible to remove and Regional Volunteers who have been Cardiff. Her Royal Highness marked can withstand burning, sand blasting promoting the project in their the war memorial with SmartWater and long term exposure to UV. It communities, veterans and as part of a national campaign to therefore represents an increased schoolchildren engaged with war protect war memorials. threat of detection, arrest and memorials through the Trust’s MANY of the nation’s valued war subsequent conviction to thieves. educational work. Cardiff Council is the memorials remain at risk from thieves Many war memorials have already custodian of the memorial and has and vandals attempting to steal metal been protected and In Memoriam given permission for the memorial to from monuments. Despite the metal 2014 is calling upon anyone yet to be marked. having relatively little monetary value, take up this offer to ensure their war in 2011 it was estimated that on memorial is marked with the forensic Phone 020 7233 7356 average one war memorial a fortnight liquid. www.warmemorials.org Web is being targeted by thieves looking Supporting communities who www.inmemoriam2014.org to illegally remove bronze, copper or have experienced metal theft is one email [email protected] other metals to sell on for scrap. Since aspect of War Memorials Trust’s work. Facebook In Memoriam 2014 it reached a peak in 2011, the number The charity is now working with Cadw of war memorial metal thefts to support the recently launched Twitter @InMemoriam2014

26 Veterans UK

VETERANS WELFARE SERVICE The Veterans Welfare Service can help anyone who has served in the UK’s Armed Forces. Support is provided on issues from benefits to housing, by either telephone contact or a home visit by one of our Welfare Managers.

Contact the Veterans Welfare Service on the Veterans UK Helpline: 0808 1914 2 18 email: [email protected] or visit: www.veterans-uk.info The Heroes Return Programme supported Normandy veteran David Render make a return to Gold Beach where he served 70 years ago - see page 21