They waltzed, they foxtrotted and they quickstepped their way to a whopping total of more than £21,000 for Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland. And now the charity’s much-loved ‘Come Dancing’ event is set to return in 2019 even better than before.
Read more“My PTSD is a dark, dark demon and I have fought with him many times. I know him well.” – Frankie
Wednesday 27th June was National PTSD Awareness Day in the USA, so Frankie Perez took the opportunity to speak out about mental health. He urged those listening to educate themselves and to seek the support they need if they are suffering.
Frankie is currently walking 1000 miles across the United States as part of the Walk Of America expedition team. He and his follow teammates have all suffered with their mental health as a result of their service.
Kev Carr is ex- British Army. He was injured in 2004 and has been a resident of The Beacon – a homeless veteran’s residence in Catterick – since August 2017. He is currently one of 6 veterans walking 1000 miles across the United States this summer as part of the Walk Of America expedition team, raising vital awareness and funds for the invisible wounds of war.
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When I joined the Army at 17, the world was my oyster. I was ready to serve my country and be proud of the fact that I was a soldier serving alongside my allies.
Read moreThe reason I’m taking part in the Walk Of America is because in 2006 I was wounded in combat. I lost my right eye and my shoulder. And they fixed me up when I left the hospital and I went back to work. But it wasn’t until four years later that I was diagnosed with a brain injury, PTSD and depression. For all that time I just had no idea why I couldn’t remember anything. I was losing my mind. I would just stay in my house and I wouldn’t want to leave because that was my only ‘safe place’.
Once I was diagnosed, at least I had the answers, but even then I didn’t get help because I didn’t really know where to go.
Read moreAll the photographs from The Not Forgotten Association’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace are now available. Some 2,500 service personnel and veterans represented over 150 military charities, care homes and organisations – see how many of them you can spot!
Read moreA team of wounded veterans have embarked on a 1,000 mile journey across America to spread awareness of military mental health, and raise vital funds to support those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. In order to reflect Expedition Patron Prince Harry’s vision that those who serve together should heal together, the team includes veterans from both the UK and the US.
John Mayhead is walking the first 2 weeks of the expedition. Like many on the team, he suffers from PTSD, chronic depression and anxiety. Here he talks about the struggles, both physical and mental, that the team have faced along the way.
Read moreThe Garden Party at Buckingham Palace is the high point in our calendar and this year demand and interest in attending was greater than ever recorded. We believe this was due to our Patron attending, the increased awareness of the charity following a concerted effort to improve our social media presence and recognition of the significant value our events have on the beneficiaries. This high level of demand led us to increase the invitations to the Garden Party and some 2,500 attended on Thursday 7th June 2018.
The guests represented over 110 military organisations and charities, and 32 different military associated residential homes.
Read moreA former Royal Marine inspired his colleagues in the real estate finance team at NatWest in Manchester to climb Snowdon in aid of Broughton House, the Salford care home for ex-servicemen and women.
Fifteen members of the team climbed the Welsh peak and completed a 35-mile cycle ride across Wirral to raise £10,000 for Broughton House.
Those taking part were aged 23-60 and included the bank’s north west head of real estate Heath Thomas along with directors, regional managers, assistants and graduates.
Read moreNancy Birtwhistle, the winner of the Great British Bake Off 2014, has regaled 50 lucky cake lovers to join her at a fundraising event held by Housing Options Scotland (HOS) at Cromlix Hotel on 29th May 2018.
Moira Bayne, CEO of HOS, was delighted with the success of the sold-out event. “On behalf of everyone at Housing Options Scotland, I would like to thank Nancy for coming to our afternoon tea today and being our special guest. Thanks to her presence, we have managed to raise £1,000. This significant money will be extremely useful in allowing us to help more people who face housing challenges”.
Read moreThe OA is calling on local businesses across the North of England to attend its Veteran Work Northern Showcase event, which takes place Thursday 14th June at Virgin Money, Jubilee House, in Newcastle.
Whilst 71% of medium and large organisations say they would consider employing veterans, only 39% would consider employing someone with no industry experience. Employers are potentially missing a trick by not tapping into this talent pool and the benefits veterans bring to the workplace – whatever its size.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
