A beneficiary of The Not Forgotten Association is currently cycling from his hometown in Somerset to the Association’s headquarters in London. Ben Ward, who served with REME and was injured in Afghanistan in 2012, aims to complete the 162 mile journey in just 2 days. Speaking of his motivations to undertake the challenge for us, Ben said “The Not Forgotten Association has always been there for me since I was injured in Afghanistan.
Read moreThe RAF Association will join millions across the UK this Remembrance Sunday in honouring those who have served and still serve in the Armed Forces.
Those individuals put their lives on the line to protect all of us, but sadly, all too often, they need a little help themselves. The RAF Association does what it can to assist those that serve, veterans and their dependants through practical, emotional and financial support.
The RAF Association’s members and volunteers are supporting veterans all year round. People like Albert, who they helped apply for medals he was entitled to, or Ken, who was aided through difficult times by his RAF Association welfare support volunteer.
Read moreThe new team managing the Gurkha Services project at SSAFA is now in place. The initiative is funded by money from the Libor banking fines. Their aim is to work with all SSAFA local branches and divisions, where there is a Gurkha community, to share best practice and useful information and provide relevant training – ultimately to improve the provisions in place for Gurkhas and their families.
More information: According to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, there are an estimated 12,794 retired Gurkha’s settled in the UK with their families. Our experience shows that Gurkha veterans have complex needs, including many who are elderly and infirm with low literacy levels.
Read moreSt John’s Kirk of Perth will be getting into the Christmas spirit by holding a concert on Wednesday 6 December to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
More information: Performers will include the Kirk Choir and Organist, the Military Wives Choir from Leuchars base in Fife, an Ensemble of the Highland Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, well-known Olivier award winning actress Lesley Mackie, as well as local dignitaries, including Brigadier Mel Jameson CBE- the Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, and Branch President, the local Regiment -51st Highland, 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Black Watch Association and many SSAFA volunteers.
Read moreA Remembrance Service will be held by the Durham Branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity at St Andrews Church War Memorial in Bishop Auckland.
More information: The service will be conducted by the Reverend Dr Stephen Ridley, Chaplain to SSAFA Volunteers Durham and attended by the local Air Cadets who will carry the SSAFA Branch Standard on Saturday 11 November at 10.55am. After observing the two minutes silence, Ruth Wright of Bishop Auckland Pipes and Drums and volunteer for SSAFA Wear Valley and Teesdale will play a lament as wreaths are laid.
Read moreA national charity has joined forces with local solicitors for an initiative that offers affordable will creation in exchange for charitable donations.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines (RNRMC) ‘Make a Will Fortnight’ project asks solicitors from across the south coast to waive their fees on standard Wills. In exchange, those who require the service are instead encouraged to make a charitable donation to the RNRMC.
Between May and June 2017 three established local firms were involved across six locations in Hampshire. Within the fortnight, the firms of Churchers, O’Hara’s and Walter Grey & Co managed to generate 60 appointments and 51 donations from individuals and couples.
Read moreA replica schooner that sent news of victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and of the death of Admiral Lord Nelson arrived in Portsmouth for November’s Pickle Night.
HMS Pickle set sail from Kingston Upon Hull on the 25th October and made her way down the eastern coastline, stopping at Harwich, Dover and Eastbourne before completing her journey in Portsmouth.
Arriving on November 1st, the now privately owned schooner, welcomed on board a mix of individual crew member, serving naval personnel and civilians.
Read moreAs the nation gets set to remember the efforts of our armed forces, new research released today by the Forces Network highlights the lack of knowledge of many Brits, when asked about the conflicts we have been involved in since the First World War. How can we remember if we don’t know?
The research has been conducted to mark the launch of the Forces Network’s Remembrance map which has been created in partnership with Ian Beckett, Professor of History from the University of Kent. The map identifies and commemorates all the conflicts (both combat and peacekeeping missions) which the British Armed Forces have been involved in since WWI, to enable a greater understanding of the commitments made by our service personnel.
Read moreWe have launched a short film that outlines our purpose and services.
The minute-long film is aimed at former and serving officers to help them understand how the OA can support them. This can be at any point on their journey to finding a new career after leaving the Armed Forces.
The Employment Team provides confidential, impartial and practical advice on all aspects of transition and employment. We run networking events, webinars, workshops and employment symposiums. Our OA Employment App makes it easy to access all of our career services ‘on the go’.
Read moreThe OA interviewed Ben Keene and Skye Robertson, from Escape the City, about changing careers. Here are some of their thoughts.
About Escape the City
Escape the City is a global career change community for people who want to do work that matters to them. It believes in building a future where work powers a happier and more sustainable world. The team works with inspiring organisations around the world, and runs a jobs board, online courses, networking events and workshops.
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
