News

Defence Secretary shows commitment to Armed Forces mental health with over £220-million funding and new helpline

Gavin Williamson has pledged to increase funding for Armed Forces mental health services over the next decade and launched new Military Mental Health Helpline

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has pledged to increase funding for Armed Forces mental health services to £220-million over the next decade and launched the new 24/7 Military Mental Health Helpline.

The new number – 0800 323 4444 – has been open and ready to take calls from midday on Sunday. It will be backed up by a major internal communications campaign on mental fitness across the services.

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New plans for military flexible working become law

Service personnel will be able to apply for enhanced flexible working opportunities after the Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Bill became law on the 8th February.

The measures, which achieved Royal Assent on Thursday, will allow some military personnel to serve part-time for defined periods.

Consultation within the Armed Forces has found that personnel want more choice over the way they serve when their personal circumstances change, such as having young children, needing to care for elderly relatives, or taking on further training and education.

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2018 CTP Employment Fairs

Don’t miss out on the chance to meet local and national employers with both current and future job vacancies – book your place today! This is a fantastic networking opportunity – whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market to get a feel for what’s out there. It also gives you the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer and are keen to recruit from the pool of talent leaving the Armed Forces.

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Reservist employers toolkit

The employer toolkit provides information on all aspects of employing reservists. This includes: an outline of the benefits of employing reservists; guidance for line managers on how to manage reservists; managing requests regarding time off for training; details of rights and responsibilities, and financial assistance for employers and guidance and actions for when a reservist is mobilised, demobilised and returns to work.

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Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2017

The sixth Armed Forces Covenant annual report has been presented to parliament, showing good progress on providing support for the Armed Forces Community.

The Covenant is a promise from the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

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Queen to commission namesake aircraft carrier in just three weeks, Defence Secretary announces on flight-deck

Her Majesty the Queen will formally commission her namesake aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, into the Royal Navy fleet in just three weeks’ time.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the news as he made his first landing onto the deck of the carrier today, while she was at sea sailing around the South Coast of England.

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Ministry of Defence and Royal Foundation launch new partnership to improve mental health

His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon will today (Monday) launch a new partnership to improve the mental health of current and former Armed Forces personnel.

The joint initiative between the MOD and the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry builds on the MOD’s recently launched mental health and wellbeing strategy, which outlines how the department will improve the mental health of its serving military and civilian personnel, their families, and veterans.

It will see the Royal Foundation provide advice and resources to the MOD to improve training, education and information sharing for the entire Armed Forces. The work will include annual briefings, websites and specialist support to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.

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UK team sets off to compete at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017

The team will join 16 other nations at the international event for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

A 90-strong team of wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military personnel have departed from London Heathrow for Toronto, Canada to represent the UK in the third Invictus Games.

The eight-day sporting event will see 550 individuals from 17 nations compete across 12 sports including athletics, wheelchair basketball, swimming and a new sport for 2017, golf. The event will begin with an opening ceremony on 23 September at the Air Canada Centre, featuring Canadian singers Sarah McLachlan and Alessia Cara, and will finish with a closing ceremony on 30 September with performances from Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams.

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Opening of the RBLI Invictus and Victory Houses

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon gave a speech and officially opened Victory and Invictus Games Houses built by the Royal British Legion Industries.

Excerpt from Sir Michael Fallon’s speech:

It’s a huge pleasure to be here today to open these magnificent new apartments and meet their future occupants who I look forward to chatting to in a few minute’s time.

I remember standing across the road from here three years ago not long after I’d been appointed Defence Secretary. Back then there was nothing but a barren patch of land and set of ambitious plans.

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Afghanistan support

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