Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Tag: Veterans

  • Major milestone for nationwide project supporting veterans in care homes

    Major milestone for nationwide project supporting veterans in care homes

    The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) aimed at helping veterans residing in care homes throughout England has achieved a significant landmark.

    The Willows, a Care UK home in Middlesbrough, became the 100th care home in the country to gain VFF status.

    Designed for use in residential settings for older people, the VFF helps providers to offer appropriate support for veterans living in care homes across England. It aims to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans and their partners.

    The achievement comes 18 months after the pilot project was launched, in 2023.

    The Framework supports care home staff in identifying veterans and their wellbeing needs, addressing social isolation and providing signposting to statutory and charitable services. It is a quality improvement programme and is free to care providers.

    The Willows is currently caring for ten veterans. Home Manager Julie Gregor is delighted that the home has received VFF status, saying:

    “It enables us all to celebrate veterans and recognise how hard they worked to enable us all to have the lives we have now. The recognition and celebrations shouldn’t stop just because they live in a care home. We can act as their voice and share with the community what they have achieved, ensuring they are not forgotten.

    “I am so proud that we are the 100th care home to achieve the VFF status. Our team has put a lot into becoming a Veteran Friendly home and it is a great achievement to have for the veterans and their families. We would definitely recommend the VFF to other homes.”

    Kathryn Glass is the VFF Project Lead and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme. She said:

    “Congratulations to The Willows on achieving their VFF status, they are our 100th home to receive this accolade. The number of homes working through the Framework continues to increase, along with the recognition of Armed Forces status, signposting to services and support for veteran residents. We are proud to work alongside all our homes, and welcome The Willows to the VFF family.”

    The VFF is a two-year collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter, the Royal British Legion and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA – an NHS flagship Armed Forces programme), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

    In order to assess the impact of the VFF, and use this learning to inform future development and practice, it is currently being independently evaluated by Care City CIC, with a final report due in Spring 2025.

    Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can click here or email VFF@starandgarter.org or call 07425 326070.

     

  • Shining a light on veteran homelessness

    Shining a light on veteran homelessness

    Communities across the UK are coming together in March for The Great Tommy Sleep Out, a national fundraising event organised by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).

    Throughout the month, people up and down the country will be sleeping outdoors for one night or more as they raise money for the charity’s vital, life-changing work with homeless veterans.

    In recognition of its impact and ambition, The Great Tommy Sleep Out, which raised £1.2 million in 2024, was named Fundraising Campaign of the Year at the Third Sector Awards. With the support of sponsors BAE Systems and Barratt Redrow, the charity is encouraging more people than ever to take part and hopes this year’s event will be its biggest and best yet.

    Fundraisers – including families, friends, companies and community groups – will be sleeping out in tents, temporary shelters or simply under the stars. The Great Tommy Sleep Out is all about ‘having a go’: joining in, supporting others and raising funds for the campaign. There is even an international dimension, with people from as far away as Antarctica sleeping outside to show solidarity with the UK’s homeless veterans.

    All funds raised will support RBLI’s mission to transform lives across the UK, providing homes, employment and welfare support for some of the country’s most vulnerable veterans.

    Lisa Farmer OBE, Chief Executive of RBLI, said:

    “Every person taking part is helping to shining a light on vital social issues, such as the urgent need for housing and welfare support for our most vulnerable veterans. The Great Tommy Sleep Out is far more than just a fundraiser – it is a movement. From families, scouts and cadets to corporate teams, people are rallying to support veterans in need, which I find truly inspiring.”

    Part of the support RBLI provides to ex-Service veterans is homes for those who are at rock bottom and find themselves on the streets. The veterans who live in the charity’s emergency accommodation have access to welfare and healthcare support, employment training and work experience, which helps them on their way to independence after leaving the Armed Forces.

    Paula Ray, RBLI’s Assistant Director of Unrestricted Income, is leading the campaign. She added:

    “Thousands of veterans are homeless in the UK right now and our emergency accommodation, Mountbatten Pavilion, relies heavily on funds raised from The Great Tommy Sleep Out. Last year we saw more than 7,000 individual Sleep Outs taking place up and down the country, and it would be wonderful to see if we can beat our record this year.

    “Our campaign is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, who can find themselves without a home when they return to civilian life. With the money raised we continue to support veterans in their time of greatest need, and at the same time we are bringing the issue of veteran homelessness to national attention.”

    Fundraisers taking part receive an exclusive beanie, and there is a Facebook community for fundraisers to swap stories and photos as they encourage and inspire each other.

    To find out more about The Great Tommy Sleep Out, and to sign up, please click here.

     

  • Significant growth in veterans’ mental health support

    Significant growth in veterans’ mental health support

    Military mental health charity PTSD Resolution has released its 2024 Impact Report, demonstrating substantial progress in providing trauma therapy to veterans, reservists and their families across the UK.

    The report reveals the charity treated 460 beneficiaries in 2023-24, while maintaining its commitment to prompt, accessible mental health support with an impressive 82% therapy completion rate.

    The charity, which delivers treatment through a nationwide network of 200 qualified Human Givens therapists, has achieved significant outcomes in the past year:

    – 3,125 therapy sessions delivered

    – 397 new referrals received

    – 52 family members supported

    – 55 veterans in custody treated

    – 68% reliable improvement rate in PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 measure)

    – Average wait time of just 12 days from registration to first treatment

    – Average of 6.75 sessions per client

    Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, said:

    “In a landmark year, PTSD Resolution has exemplified its commitment to doing more with less, delivering high-quality mental health treatment to veterans, reservists, and their families. With over 60% of clients referred through trusted partners, our position in the military community remains strong. Our success stems from the committed team at PTSD Resolution and dedicated network of therapists.”

    The report highlights several innovative programmes launched in 2024. The FAITH (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing) initiative responds to growing evidence that trauma impacts entire households. Recent data shows that 17% of PTSD Resolution’s clients are family members, with partners comprising 65% of these referrals and children 32%.

    The charity’s partnership with Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has expanded, supporting veterans moving from homelessness to independent living. Since 2018, this collaboration has provided essential mental health support to 105 veterans at RBLI’s Mountbatten Pavilion in Aylesford, Kent. In 2024, a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust enabled further expansion of mental health interventions within the STEP-IN programme.

    PTSD Resolution has also pioneered mental health resilience training in Ukraine, developing a ground-breaking two-week programme in collaboration with specialists in Kyiv. The initiative comes at a critical time, as 54% of Ukrainians are reported to experience PTSD, according to The Lancet.

    Financial highlights demonstrate the charity’s efficient operation, with 92% of expenditure directly supporting charitable objectives. The cost per client averages £940, delivered free of charge to beneficiaries. Total expenditure for the year was £369,500, with income increasing to £375,893.

    Lord Arbuthnot, President of PTSD Resolution, commented:

    “PTSD Resolution continues to go from strength to strength. Its awareness and recognition has helped to open new opportunities to help those who are or have been in the armed forces, those who are or have been in prison and other groups who need us. We are helping those who for one reason or another have not been able to benefit from other therapies.”

    PTSD Resolution remains committed to its foundational approach of providing prompt, local, brief and effective therapeutic support, using Human Givens therapy exclusively. Treatment is available without requiring GP referral or diagnosis, and the charity uniquely extends support to veterans with addiction issues or those in prison.

     

  • New support groups for female veterans

    New support groups for female veterans

    Ladies of Leisure (LOL) groups have launched in Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

    These groups are specifically designed to support female veterans with their mental well-being and provide a safe space to connect, grow, and share experiences.

    Activities include:

    • Horticultural therapy
    • Art sessions
    • Dedicated support groups

    These groups will also address key topics such as the menopause and aim to empower women within the Armed Forces community, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and valued.

    Group Details:

    Worcestershire

    Venue: The Trinity, Worcester WR1 2PN
    Start Date: 20th February 2025
    When: Every third Thursday
    Time: 10:00 – 14:00

    West Midlands

    Venue: Wellbeing Centre, Merton Close, Oldbury B68 8NG

    Start Date: 7th February 2025

    When: Every first Friday

    Time: 10:00 – 14:00

    We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word about these groups. Whether through referrals, sharing information with your network, or signposting female veterans, your support will make a difference.

    If you have any questions or would like to refer someone, please don’t hesitate to contact:

    Tina Dales (Worcestershire):

    Neil Binder (West Midlands):

    This initiative is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and we are committed to making it a success.

     

     

  • Funds awarded for informative Bereavement Hub

    Funds awarded for informative Bereavement Hub

    The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded a grant of £30,000 to new not for profit CIC Beyond the Wire to develop its innovative Bereavement Hub, designed to help families navigate the complexities of life after loss.

    Beyond the Wire was launched in mid 2024 by Jilly Carrell, following the death of her husband, Nick, while a serving Colonel in the British Army. Its Bereavement Hub is designed to ensure that families can easily access the help they need during one of life’s most challenging periods.

    It will provide bereaved military families with information through a single, comprehensive portal where they can find essential resources tailored to their unique needs.

    “When my serving husband passed away, I was not only faced with the overwhelming grief of our two daughters, but I also had to navigate an unfamiliar system of benefits and support,” said founder, Jilly Carrell.

    “If I had access to a bereavement hub that provided straightforward answers, it would have made a significant difference during that tumultuous time.

    “While we know that this hub cannot take away the pain of loss, it will provide crucial guidance, directing families to organisations that can support their children, offer financial information, and provide essential resources as they navigate this difficult journey.”

    The Veterans’ Foundation’s Grants Manager, Sarah Kelling, said:

    “The loss of a loved one is a very tough road to navigate, so we are delighted to help fund this worthy cause that is building valuable support to those in need.”

     

  • Operation Sterling: Can you help?

    Operation Sterling: Can you help?

    Have you heard of Operation Sterling? It is a programme with our partner, Age UK, that helps LGBT+ veterans over fifty with tailored financial advice and support with making claims, housing options and more.

    Primarily, Operation Sterling gives veterans a free, full and thorough benefit check. So far, the programme has identified on average £2,000 in unclaimed benefits.

    We are currently working with Northumbria University to evaluate the project. We would like to hear from LGBT+ veterans who are eligible for Op Sterling but have not yet accessed the available support.

    If this is you, it would really help if you filled out the survey and consent form (your survey cannot be used without the consent form being returned as well) and sent both completed documents to us. Your feedback will help shape future support for older LGBT+ veterans.

    The questionnaire is brief and should not take any longer than 15 minutes to complete. We want to receive all responses by Thursday, 6 Feb at 4pm.

    Consent Form (word doc) updated link

    Survey (word doc) updated link

    Please email your responses (both completed documents) to Ellie, FWP Op Sterling Lead here.

    More information about the research can be found here.

    Are you curious if you have unclaimed benefits or want to know more about Op Sterling? Please visit the website here. The referral process is straightforward, and advisers can often speak with you during the same week.

     

  • Launchpad welcomes four new trustees to its Board

    Launchpad welcomes four new trustees to its Board

    Homeless veterans’ charity Launchpad has appointed four new Trustees to its Board.

    Ian Dormer CBE, Katherine McGough, Aaron Sahota, and Chris Smith have been appointed as Trustees of the charity, following interviews with existing Board members and chief executive.

    The appointments were approved by existing Trustees at their last meeting in November and it now takes current membership to ten.

    The charity provides vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have experienced homelessness and have struggled with the transition into civilian life.

    Launchpad manages three houses in the North of England in Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans at any one time. Demand for specialist veteran’s accommodation and services is increasing, with 361 homeless veterans’ approaching, or being referred to Launchpad in 2024 alone.

    Ian Dormer CBE has a diverse background in public service, education and engineering. He serves as an independent member of the Audit & Risk Committee for Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and is Director of Herbert Dove Trustees, overseeing JT Dove – a significant builder’s merchant.

    Ian is also the managing director and owner of Rosh Engineering Ltd which specialises in high-voltage equipment across the UK and Northern Europe.

    His previous leadership roles extend to the educational sector as Chair of the Primary Science Teaching Trust and Non-Executive Chair of Newcastle College. With experience on various boards, including the Institute of Directors and Regional Development Agency ONE North East, Ian combines strategic oversight with entrepreneurial acumen, making him a prominent figure in both for-profit and non-profit sectors.

    Katherine McGough is a highly experienced professional with Human Resources and Organisational Development experience, particularly in the housing sector where she is currently Director of People Services at North Star Housing Group, a role she has held for almost 13 years.

    She has also owned her own business offering HR, coaching and training to North East businesses and held various senior roles. Katherine’s expertise encompasses strategic change management, policy development and performance management and this will be her first non-executive role.

    Aaron Sahota currently works as a senior manager at PwC – a leading global firm in professional services and consulting. His experience encompasses managing significant accounts in the financial sector, particularly with a UK retail bank, and implementing large-scale transformations.

    He specialises in internal audits and health & safety and has worked in regulated environments in the public sector. His appointment as a Trustee of Launchpad is his first non-executive role.

    Chris Smith is an accomplished executive with over 38 years’ experience in the social housing sector, 20 of which have been at a senior level as Director of Service in various functions. Chris is currently employed as Deputy Chief Executive of Thirteen Housing Group and has a very impressive track record in business development and community regeneration.

    Lucy Perriam, Chair of Launchpad, said:

    “I am delighted to welcome our four new Trustees who each bring extensive experience, knowledge and the leadership qualities that will hugely benefit this wonderful charity, our staff and veterans.

    “I’m really pleased with the quality and strength of each appointment who, together with our existing Trustees, chief executive and leadership team, will enable us to further develop Launchpad nationally and to help reduce veterans homelessness.

    “I’d also like to put on record my thanks to Philip Mixer who has resigned from his position on the Board for personal reasons. Philip served as a Trustee of Launchpad for almost eight years.”

     

  • Nominated charity for Armed Forces T-Shirt Day announced

    Nominated charity for Armed Forces T-Shirt Day announced

    The Forces Employment Charity has been named the official charity partner for Armed Forces T-Shirt Day and the AT E@SE Festival 2025, two high-energy events dedicated to honouring the UK’s Armed Forces community.

    With a shared mission of supporting servicemen, servicewomen, and veterans, these events will raise essential funds and awareness for veteran employment programmes.

    Armed Forces T-Shirt Day 2025

    This year’s Armed Forces T-Shirt Day is Monday, 1 September 2025. Supporters across the UK are encouraged to wear a military t-shirt or purchase an official T-shirt to show solidarity with the Armed Forces. Five pounds from each t-shirt sale will go directly to the Forces Employment Charity, which offers critical employment support, job placement programs, and training resources to veterans, reservists, and their families. If you choose to wear your own military t-shirt on Armed Forces T-Shirt Day, you can make your £5 donation here.

    AT E@SE Festival 2025

    The AT E@SE Festival 2025 will kick off the celebrations from 29 – 31 August, hosted at the Spilsbury & Jones Brewing Company at Orleton Court Farm Campsite. This family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, activities for all ages, and stalls from various military charities. It’s a weekend for everyone to enjoy while coming together to support a great cause. Ticket sales will benefit the Forces Employment Charity, helping to fund initiatives that empower veterans to transition smoothly into civilian careers.

    Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity, expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the nominated charity:

    “We are absolutely delighted to be the official charity partner for Armed Forces T-Shirt Day and the AT E@SE Festival 2025. The funds raised from these events will make a real difference, enabling us to support even more veterans seeking civilian employment. This incredible generosity allows us to expand our programmes, ensuring that every veteran who needs our help can access the resources and opportunities they deserve.”

    Rob Greaves, Army veteran and Founder of Armed Forces T-Shirt Day and the AT E@SE festival, explained why they selected the Forces Employment Charity as this year’s nominated charity:

    “The Forces Employment Charity plays a vital role in helping veterans and their families build brighter futures after their service. We wanted to partner with a charity that directly impacts the lives of those who’ve served, and their work in employment support and training is truly inspiring. By supporting them, we hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have given so much for our country.”

    How to join in the fun

    Tickets for the AT E@SE Festival are available now here, priced from £15 per person; under 10s go free.

    Official Armed Forces T-Shirt Day 2025 t-shirts may be ordered from priced at £13.95 plus postage and packing.

    Join us in supporting our Armed Forces veterans while enjoying two unforgettable events.

  • Roadmap to helping ex-Service personnel using the benefits system

    Roadmap to helping ex-Service personnel using the benefits system

    A new report outlines the positive experiences and barriers to support experienced by ex-Service personnel accessing the benefits system. The report brings together the final findings of seven years of research from the University of Salford, funded by Forces in Mind Trust.

    Since 2017, researchers have heard from 108 veterans in a total of 298 interviews to understand their experience of the benefits and how changes such as the introduction of Universal Credit have affected them. Researchers have engaged with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) throughout the project.

    Key Findings

    The report identified some significant areas of progress. For instance, the introduction of designated ‘Armed Forces Champions’ to help with managing benefit claims, undergoing benefits assessments and accessing employment opportunities was seen positively by veterans. Armed Forces Champions’ ongoing support, check-ins and understanding of military life were all cited as factors behind positive experiences of the benefits system for ex-Service personnel.

    However, the experience of Armed Forces champions was not consistent across different geographical areas, and the uncertainty of future funding of these posts undermined their positive impact.

    In addition, ex-Service personnel were faced with challenges when using the benefits system such as delays in accessing medical records, a lack of clear guidance on the interaction between military compensation and civilian payments, and a feeling that they were not well-understood within the benefits system. The complexity of the benefits system could also often be exacerbated by a lower financial literacy in ex-Service personnel, who have spent less time in civilian life.

    Recommendations

    To address these barriers the report recommends reducing medical records delays through the implementation of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Programme Cortisone, which aims to provide an integrated information system that will make Service health records more accessible. Meanwhile clear guidance that is consistent and sustained across the DWP, MOD and Armed Forces charities would help with misunderstandings and frustration with the interaction between civilian and military payments.

    Previously, the research project had made the first ever call for a trauma-informed benefits system. Researchers found that some veterans had experienced trauma during their lives, some during their military service, and others either before or after. This report recommends ensuring a trauma-informed approach to benefits assessment is implemented by the new government: providing training, support and enough time for staff to take a personalised approach to their appointments with veterans.

    A full list of the 16 recommendations on how we can help veterans navigate the benefits system can be read in the full report.

    The report also includes a graphic novel

    Project director Professor Lisa Scullion from the University of Salford said:

    “Over the lifetime of the project, our research has helped support considerable progress in improving veterans’ experiences of the benefits system and through our interviews we can see more positive experiences over time. Although we welcome the positive measures that have been implemented already, there is still more to do to ensure that veterans are experiencing appropriate and consistent support in all their interactions – whether that be with assessment providers, work coaches or telephone staff. 

    “We look forward to continuing our engagement with the DWP to help ensure that the specific needs of veterans continue to be recognised and responded to  – this includes our commitment to supporting the Department in their efforts to integrate trauma-informed approaches.”

    Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust said

    “Whilst most veterans transition out of the Armed Forces into employment, some may need to access the benefits system. It is positive that veterans have seen some positive changes but it is clear more work needs to be done to remove the disadvantages faced by this cohort as they navigate a complex system. Collaboration will be a key part of improving this transition and ensuring that ex-Service personnel do not face disadvantage when they leave the Armed Forces.”

  • Veterans & families wanted for study

    Veterans & families wanted for study

    Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has commissioned QinetiQ and RAND to undertake a study to explore the transition from military to civilian life.

    The research will help to further understand what the transition process looks like today. It is intended that the outputs from the study will be used to inform the planning, development and delivery of services in the charitable sector and within local and central government.

    Call to action

    • We are looking for ex-Service personnel and spouse/partners of ex-Service personnel to take part in an interview.
    • During the interview you will be asked questions about your experiences of the transition process and how the process was communicated to you.
    • The interview will take no longer than one hour and will be conducted virtually (over the phone or via video call) at a time/date that suits you.

    Eligibility criteria

    To be eligible to take part you must:

    • Have left the Regular UK Armed Forces a maximum of five years ago; OR
    • Be the spouse/partner of an ex-Service person who left the UK Regular Armed Forces a maximum of five years ago.
    • Be aged between 16 to 60 years old.

    How to take part

    If you are interested in taking part please complete the demographic questionnaire here, Please be aware that not all personnel who volunteer for the study can be selected to take part. In terms of timeframe, interviews will largely be conducted in February.

    If you would like more information about the study please contact Natalie Fisher at: nfisher2@qinetiq.com