Tag: Veterans

A sailing charity that helps injured veterans is celebrating after being given an anchor chain worth £600…

Turn to Starboard in Falmouth received the 60-metre chain from Seaware Ltd, a marine equipment wholesaler in nearby Penryn. The galvanised chain will help one of the charity’s yachts to meet strict safety requirements so it can be used to help veterans learn to sail.

Former soldier and Turn to Starboard volunteer, Roy Newport, said the generous donation was a great acquisition for the charity and would mean more money could now be invested in training courses. He said:

“This fantastic gift from Seaware in Penryn means our yacht will now meet the required safety standards and can be officially used as a training vessel to teach veterans how to sail. The new anchor chain replaces an existing shorter one that was more suitable for yacht racing than training. Not having to pay to purchase a new chain means we can invest more money into our training courses and support more veterans.”

Turn to Starboard is run by a group of serving and retired Armed Forces personnel, civilian staff and volunteers who believe that sailing has a therapeutic and calming effect on participants. They help military personnel affected by operations to gain sailing qualifications to help start new careers in the marine industry. They also offer sailing trips to Service families who have been affected by operations to spend time together on a skippered yacht.

Managing Directors of Seaware Ltd, Paul and Sam Clark, chose to donate the new anchor chain after been contacted by the charity. The husband-and-wife team supply more than 8500 products to boat builders, chandleries, riggers and marine engineers from their premises on the Kernick Industrial Estate. Mr Clark said:

“Turn to Starboard does a great job of helping injured veterans so we were more than happy to help them out. We have supplied the charity since we took over the business four years ago and appreciate that they need donations from time to time. We also understand that not everybody gets the chance to sail, so we are happy to help others wherever we can.”

The chain will be used on board a 47-foot yacht ‘Cisne’ which is on loan to the charity for four years by a supporter since earlier this year. Turn to Starboard’s fleet also includes a 92-foot long tall ship which was donated by the Prince’s Trust.

For more information visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk and www.seaware.co.uk

Stoll, the leading provider of housing and support for Veterans, is setting out the need for a more strategic approach to Veterans’ housing…

The charity, which provides 250 homes to vulnerable and disabled Veterans, works in partnership with 18 other organisations to prevent homelessness and ensure the needs of Servicemen and women leaving Her Majesty’s Armed Forces are met.

Ed Tytherleigh, Stoll’s CEO, speaking at the National Housing Federation conference, said: “We must be far more strategic about Veterans’ housing needs. We need the Ministry of Defence to work with us to ensure the most vulnerable Service leavers, including those who leave the Armed Forces early, get the support they need. We need to work alongside Local Authorities, Housing Associations and homelessness charities to adopt a preventative approach to help people avoid being homeless or ending up in inappropriate housing."

Ed Tytherleigh continued: “There is plenty of information about social housing for Veterans but Service leavers currently have to approach several organisations to know what is available. So I welcome the fact that the Ministry of Defence is supporting Stoll and other Veterans’ charities to set up the new Veterans’ Housing Advice Office which will help people get accurate information and end the fragmented service that exists today. I look forward to the scheme starting in 2017 as it will help those in transition and help prevent homelessness.

"It will maximise people’s chances of finding appropriate housing and help ensure a successful transition into civilian life. The Housing Advice Office will pool several organisations’ information and expertise – a sign of real strength that as a sector we want to work together and are determined to end the current fragmentation to help more Veterans lead independent lives.”

Many Servicemen and women receive military accommodation while they are in the Armed Forces and do not have a civilian home of their own. Therefore the provision of appropriate advice is vital for many people when they leave the Armed Forces. The Veterans’ Housing Advice Office will use information from local authorities, homelessness charities, housing associations as well as the Veterans’ sector.

Veteran, Nicola Stokes, said: “When I needed a new home I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I was struggling with PTSD. I contacted a couple of organisations and someone suggested I should attend Stoll’s monthly Drop In. It took a lot of courage for me to go but there were housing experts at the Drop In who said they could help. And they did – within a couple of weeks Stoll had found me a flat in west London. I was one of the lucky ones.

"Given that housing issues can take a long time, it’s important that Servicemen and women can apply for help before they leave the armed forces. That could save lots of time and unnecessary heartache.”

The unprecedented success of military entrepreneurship has been celebrated by the government, big business and charities, on the third anniversary of the business support service X-Forces…

Attendees of an event on board HMS President in London heard that the 700 businesses supported by X-Forces are a third more successful than their civilian counterparts; their success rate on government Start Up Loans is within the top 10 nationally at over 90% being paid to date.

Acknowledged by the Ministry of Defence as having made a ‘very significant difference’ for the UK’s service leavers, X-Forces gathered with partners from big business, government departments and military charities to congratulate these entrepreneurs, who are now scaling-up and providing employment.

X-Forces’ CEO and founder, Ren Kapur MBE, urged the collaboration to consider how they can further nurture innovation and enterprise from the Armed Forces based on this successful model.

X-Forces was founded in July 2013 to foster the military focus and tenacity in the UK’s Armed Forces community with a free-to-access package of support comprising business planning, funding and mentoring. Three years on, X-Forces has helped more than 700 new businesses to launch, and facilitated 7.3 million pounds in government Start Up Loans.

X-Forces works closely with military charities including Help for Heroes and Blind Veterans UK to develop bespoke programmes for Wounded Injured and Sick (WIS) veterans and service leavers. This experiential training explores enterprise as a flexible career that can be adapted to an individual’s personal thresholds, whilst regaining confidence, purpose and an outlet for their work ethic and creativity.

The X-Forces service – with Lord Young, the former Prime Minister’s Advisor on Enterprise, as its patron – was endorsed in speeches by Lt Gen Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People and Marcelino Castrillo, RBS Managing Director of Business Banking. Four of X-Forces’ business owners also addressed the reception, sharing their experiences entering into entrepreneurship.

Lt Gen Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People, said: "I salute X-Forces for the significant difference they have made for Service Leavers. They provide a service that ensures the very best in terms of development and ingenuity is brought to the fore from the best in society – service leavers!”

Life is back on track for injured RAF veteran Stephen Ashcroft of Cheshire, thanks to a new partnership between the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and Barclays…

For Stephen, his RAF career unexpectedly came to an end when his vehicle drove over an Improvised Explosive Device leaving him with life-changing injuries and an uncertain future.

Stephen, then a Corporal serving with No. 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment, was on his second tour in Afghanistan, when his unit was deployed to Kandahar airfield to respond to an emerging threat, which was later identified as a ploy. As a machine gunner, Stephen and his unit’s responsibility was to maintain the security of the airfield and the staff working there. When his vehicle left the airfield area, it triggered the IED which killed the vehicle’s 20-year-old driver and left Stephen with devastating injuries.

In 2013 and just age 31, Stephen was discharged from the service and was faced with the daunting prospect of finding a new career outside of the RAF.

Stephen said: “A key aspect to making a successful transition back into civilian life was to find a job I was going to be really passionate about. For me the degree in biology did just that.

“The RAF was unable to fund my entire tuition, which is why I approached the RAF Benevolent Fund. They offered to pay for the remainder of my fees, including my foundation degree in natural sciences and my degree in biology. Their support ultimately enabled me to achieve my goal as I wouldn’t have been able to afford it without their funding.”

As part of its wide portfolio of support for the RAF Family, the RAF Benevolent Fund provides transition grants of up to £12,000 per veteran to support bespoke resettlement programmes for RAF personnel who are Wounded, Injured & Sick (WIS) and medically discharged from service. The training helps fill skills gaps that could limit employment opportunities in the civilian world or help a veteran retrain for a new career following life-changing injuries.

The RAF Benevolent Fund have partnered with Barclays to provide these grants, through the Barclays AFTER programme. Every year Barclays supports Servicemen and women with their transition into civilian employment after serving in the Armed Forces, and aims to highlight the economic value these highly skilled individuals can bring to the world of work.

Stephen said: “I’m so grateful to the Fund and Barclays for helping me with my university fees – I couldn’t have started this degree without them. It has totally changed my life and given me the opportunity to achieve something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without their help.”

Stephen now has a successful career working as a DNA analyst for a forensics company.

Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are delighted that Barclays has chosen to support the RAF Benevolent Fund in this way. As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, Barclays’ grant will help the charity continue to improve the employability of Wounded, Injured & Sick veterans, helping them and their families live more secure and productive lives. This donation will allow us to continue our strong support for WIS personnel by providing transition grants to help more young veterans like Stephen with life after injury.”

Stuart Tootal, Head of the Barclays Armed Forces Transition Employment and Resettlement (AFTER) programme, said: “Ex-servicemen and women have a wealth of experience and an innate skillset that can bring real value to the civilian workplace. We are committed to providing service personnel with the tools and support they need to help build and translate their skills so they make a successful transition on to civvy street.”

Briggs Defence welcomed two special guests to its stand at military procurement event DVD2016, and was delighted to make cheque presentations to complete a fundraising initiative in support of the military community…

The specialist defence division of engineering services, asset management and equipment supply company Briggs Equipment raised more than £28,500 earlier in the summer when it co-hosted and sponsored the 29 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Officers’ Mess Dinner.

Brigadier Martin Moore CBE, President of the RLC RUFC, received funds for the RLC’s rugby development programme, which uses sport to help soldiers develop vital skills such as communication and teamwork.

A second cheque was accepted on behalf of the national charity of the British Army, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, by its Chief of Staff, Brigadier (retired) Robin Bacon.

Gary Clements, Strategic Development Director at Briggs Defence, said: "This year’s military-style charity dinner was a huge success and thanks to the generous support of our customers and industry partners we are delighted to make donations to two organisations which, albeit in very different ways, play a key role in supporting the UK’s dedicated Armed Forces personnel."

Briggs Defence is a trusted partner of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), managing in excess of 4,000 assets at 279 MoD sites across 13 countries. It has been sponsoring the RLC’s sports programmes since 1998 and is a committed supporter of the military community. The RAF Regular & Reserve BMW superbike was on the exhibition stand at DVD2016, along with one of the cars from this year’s Rally for Heroes, both of which receive sponsorship support from Briggs Defence.

Gary added: "Both the car and superbike generated a lot of interest in our stand at DVD 2016, which highlighted or extensive range of services and the support we provide for the MoD. We were also delighted to welcome both new and existing contacts from the defence industry on the stand."

A 78 year old lady Isabel Gibson, has taken on the daring challenge of abseiling 540 feet down the Broadgate Tower…

Isabel’s husband served on the merchant ship that carried the ammunition to the Suez Crisis in 1956. Followed closely behind was Stoll Chairman, Andy Fryer along with 24 members of the Military.

Describing the experience, Isabel said: “Why should age hold you back from doing anything? It was a great experience and something I will certainly remember. I was delighted to be able to raise money for such an important cause and one that has greatly helped me.”

Stoll Chairman, Air Commodore Andy Fryer, a former Nimrod navigator who has seen action in the Falklands, Balkans and Afghanistan, said: “It’s not every Sunday you abseil down one of the tallest buildings in London! It certainly raised the adrenaline levels but I was delighted to be able to do something to mark our Centenary and raise the essential funds needed to support those who have tirelessly served our country.”

This impressive feat was in aid of Stoll’s Centenary year, the charity has been supporting vulnerable ex-Servicemen and women since 1916. To mark this important milestone, Stoll is fundraising to help address the increasing need for housing for vulnerable Veterans leaving the forces.

Another resident at Stoll, Tom Howard also took part in the challenge. He said: “As an ex Paratrooper I am used to descending from great heights and thoroughly enjoyed it! Stoll gave me a secure base when I was in need which has allowed me to build my life here in London. For that I am immensely grateful and am just pleased I can give something back for those leaving the forces.”

For more information, please visit the website www.stoll.org.uk

Blesma Member Yanto Evans and his friend Ian Underwood are taking on a unique challenge for military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans…

The journey is anticipated to last five days and will cover over 2,700 miles. The aircraft Yanto will be using has no adaptations. On their way around the country, Yanto and Ian are seeking to raise the profile of Blesma and the work they do with injured veterans.

The two men met through their local Flying Club at Turweston Airfield, and when Yanto invited Ian to join him on the trip, he jumped at the chance.

Former Parachute Regiment soldier Yanto was working as a private security contractor in Iraq when he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg during a training exercise. Since his injury he has developed a multitude of skills, including in motorsport with Race2Recovery, sailing and learning how to fly.

Ian is a retired air-line pilot and lost his leg in a plane crash in 1987. Following his recovery he re-joined his airline and continued to fly until his retirement. He is now a flying instructor.

On how he came up with the idea, Yanto said: “Earlier this year I sailed around the UK which gave me the idea of doing the journey over land, sea, and air. So this year I am doing the air leg, and next year I plan to drive it to complete the trio! At the same time, I wanted to raise awareness for Blesma, a charity that has given me some great opportunities since my injury.”

Ian added: “Of course I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join Yanto on this lovely trip, especially as we are aiming to raise awareness for such a good cause – I was more than happy to help!”

Starting at their home Airfield in Turweston, Northampton on Wednesday 21st September, the pair will fly their Piper Warrior light aircraft around Britain in an anticlockwise direction. Yanto will pilot with Ian being the co-pilot for the duration of the trip. From Turweston they will head east to Beccles in Norfolk, then turn north and follow the east coast all the way up through the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, then west towards the Outer Hebrides where they will turn south towards Islay, going through the Isle of Mann, Haverfordwest and Perranporth in Cornwall before turning east back inland to Dunkeswell and Sandown on the south coast. From Sandown the last leg is back to the east coast at Beccles.

To support Yanto and Ian in their challenge, you can donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Yanto-Evans

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

A new company is aiming to transform the provision of careers and business support for the Armed Forces community…

The Forces Enterprise Network Hub (Fen Hub) will provide the skills, resources and practical tools needed to be successful in different routes to employment, such as starting and maintaining a business or securing employment…

Creators The Forces Enterprise Network, Recruit for Spouses and Evolution Forces Families are bringing their experience in recruitment and knowledge of financial services to deliver training programmes and business networking to the Forces community, making a difference to Service families.

Christine Dedman, director at Forces Enterprise Network, said: “Our newly established organisation is a natural fit. Together we can provide extended services to the whole Armed Forces community drawing on our individual strengths and in-depth understanding of the defence community in which we operate.”

Heledd Kendrick, CEO at Recruit for Spouses, added: “No military spouse should have their career subjugated because of their attachment to the Armed Forces.”

Fen Hub offers extended member services via online business support, downloadable guides on a range of employment and self-employment topics, mentoring, seminars and representation.

A network of business support hubs across the UK’s MOD bases, British Forces Germany, Belgium and Cyprus has strengthened Fen Hub’s reach and encourages peer supervision, creating a unique business network of entrepreneurs from a previously undervalued, high-quality resource of professionals from the Armed Forces community.

For further information, visit http://forcesenterprisenetwork.co.uk/fen-hub

The Board of Forces in Mind Trust has appointed Hans Pung, President of RAND Europe, as its Chairman with effect from December 2016…

Hans succeeds the Trust’s founding Chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Stables CBE, who is standing down after 5 years.

Hans entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1991, and served in the US Army as an engineer officer until 2002. During this period he studied for 2 years at postgraduate level at Merton College Oxford, and subsequently joined RAND Europe in Cambridge as a policy analyst.

Responsible for research across Europe in defence, health, innovation, social policy, and security, Hans was appointed RAND Europe’s President in 2012. Hans and his family live in North Hertfordshire.

Deputy Chairman Andrew Cowan, who led the selection process, said: “We are delighted to appoint Hans Pung as our Board Chairman. His experience and abilities will ensure Forces in Mind Trust builds on the outstanding work of Tony Stables as we implement our strategy for the coming years”.

Hans Pung said: “Being from a military background myself, I understand the challenges of moving from military to civilian life. I’m delighted to be joining the Forces in Mind Trust as Chairman and supporting its exceptional work helping Service members and their families make a successful and sustainable transition.”

The annual cycling event SR UK will be coming to Hampshire in September, with a group of wounded, injured and sick veterans from the UK and the United States coming together to take on a week of cycling…

The group will visit a number of attractions across Hampshire and Dorset including Winchester Cathedral, Bovington Tank Museum, the Watercress Steam Train Line and the Museum of Army Flying before finishing in London.

Starting on Sunday 25 September, the riders will be set off by Deputy Lieutenant for Hampshire, Andrew Kent Esq DL, who will be meeting them at the start line.

Mr Kent said: “Hampshire people are tremendously proud to be hosting many of the week’s activities, and to welcome US veterans as well as those from the UK. The Invictus Games in May, and now the Rio Paralympics, show just how much can be achieved despite physical challenges. This event is another demonstration of that success, and I am very privileged to be part of it."

Each day following, the riders will take on a different part of the countryside, taking in the fantastic scenery and places of interest, riding on average between 25 and 30 miles per day. Some of the riders will be completing the week on hand-bikes.

SR UK is in its fourth year and has proved to be an extremely popular event amongst the British and American cohorts. Both groups appreciate the chance to meet and bond with comrades who have been through similar events and who share the same military sense of humour.

Blesma Chief Executive Barry Le Grys said: “Once again we are extremely pleased to host SR UK bringing together wounded veterans from both sides of the Atlantic for a hard six day cycle ride. The challenge, comradeship and sense of achievement will be of much worth individually and collectively in managing wounds for the longer term. Hampshire is home to a great many serving and veteran members of the Armed Forces and we are grateful to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Kent, for launching the Ride.”

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.