News

Blind veteran from Conwy to complete three-day Iceland trek

A blind veteran from Conwy is currently training to complete a three day Iceland trek with Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for blind and vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, and The Not Forgotten Association.

Amazingly, Steve Thomas, 45 and from Llanrwst, was entered into the challenge, which has been arranged by The Not Forgotten Association, unknowingly. Steve explains “The Rehabilitation and Training Manager from the charity’s Llandudno centre put my name in the hat without me even knowing!

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SSAFA secures £287,000 in funding from The Soldiers’ Charity

In July 2017, our Charity awarded a grant of £287,000 toward SSAFA’s Casework service and Forcesline during 2017.

SSAFA’s Casework service provides much-needed welfare advice and support for our soldiers and veterans. Our grant will help with the training of SSAFA’s network of 4,000 caseworker volunteers who meet with potential beneficiaries to find out what help they need and offer support.

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The Official Cateran Yomp video is here!

More than 1,150 walkers took part in this year’s Cateran Yomp, the 24-hour 54-mile trek across the Highlands of Perthshire, all to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Despite challenging weather conditions, this year’s Yomp saw the most participants ever in the seven years it has been running, with the highest amount ever – 499 – completing the Gold Route. Relive the memories and watch our official Yomp video today!

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Felix Festival returns to raise funds for bomb disposal charity

The Felix Festival, a live music event that fundraises thousands of pounds for those affected by military and police careers in bomb disposal, is returning by popular demand on September 16 at Silchester in Hampshire.

The music event, organised on behalf of the charity Felix Fund which provides financial and wellbeing support to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, is this year hoped to raise £30k — surpassing the £25k raised at Felix Festival 2015.

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Calling all veterans! Charity launch search for round-Britain crew member

A Cornish sailing charity is launching a recruitment drive with a difference – to find a military veteran to join them on a section of a challenge to sail around the British Isles.

A crew of seventeen injured veterans – many with little or no sailing experience – set sail on a tall ship from Falmouth in Cornwall on August 5 on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge. So far the team has battled huge waves and clocked up more than 400 miles sailing up clockwise up the West coast.

Now the charity is calling out for a crew member also affected by military operations to join them on the epic journey, whether for a shorter section or the rest of the route.

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Finding a Flexible Approach to Work after Service Life, by Harriet Rogers

Harriet Rogers shares her story about wanting a new career that is more flexible and not office based.

It was during my career transition workshop, run via CTP, that panic began to set in. My fellow officers announced their chosen industries to work in after leaving the military – Project Management, Consultancy, Defence Sales, Finance – making me feel increasingly like an imposter. I introduced myself and feebly squeaked that I wanted “something flexible and online.” I felt mortified that I did not have a better plan.

Despite 12 years of commissioned Service and working in high pressure environments, I suddenly doubted if I could adapt to my new career. I appreciate I am not alone.

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What do Recruiters Look for in Candidates with Military Experience?

When applying for a job it can be difficult to know exactly what employers and recruiters want from candidates.

The OA recently hosted a panel discussion with recruiters to answer questions about the job application process, during the recent OA Employment Symposium in York.

The panel included Michael Sanderson, Siemens Talent Acquisition Partner; Leanne Wood, Network Rail Defence Engagement Manager; Tony Ellender, Balfour Beatty Emerging Talent Manager; Korinna Sjoholm, Berwick Partners Associate Partner, and Sharon Goodall, NHS Digital HR Manager.

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Louise ready to take on Royal Parks Half Marathon after losing more than eight stone in 15 months

A woman from West London is preparing to run the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon for Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for blind and vision-impaired ex-Service men and women.

Louise Viisminas, 49 and from Hayes, is taking on the 13.1 mile challenge as part of a wider fitness regime that has seen her lose an astonishing 52 kilos, more than eight stone, since Febraury 2016. She explains: “I ended up having a few health issues and eventually came to the realisation that it had to stop. Something needed to change and that’s when I decided to start improving my fitness.

“I’m now in a place where I’ve constantly got to challenge myself. I do the park run every week, which is 5k, and also took part in a charity walk last september. I ended up covering 7k in 50 minutes, and then thought, why not starting running?”

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Afghanistan support

In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here