News

The Ripple Pond partners with Forces Wives Challenge for Armed Forces Day 2018

The Ripple Pond are very excited to announce our partnership with Forces Wives Challenge for Armed Forces Day 2018.

The Forces Wives Challenge is a ‘network of wives and partners throughout the country who come together to seek adventure and create, organise and participate in their own challenges’.Often following the flag, and the career of the serving partner, means that family sacrifices need to be made. Understanding this as part of a community is integral to seeing one another through tougher times such as tours, separation, injury, postings and general instability of family life.

Read more

Visit to Highgrove Gardens

On Wednesday 20th June, 47 beneficiaries and their escorts were taken on a tour of Highgrove Gardens, by kind permission of HRH The Prince of Wales. Blown away by the beauty of their surroundings, many found the trip a cathartic experience with laughter and smiles trickling through the whole group throughout the afternoon. Representing 14 organisations from all three services and spanning a variety of age groups, the trip also provided the opportunity for individuals to meet new friends – a direct representation of what the Association aims to do: address the causes of isolation, reduce loneliness and, overall, have a bit of fun!

Read more

Veterans to Compete in OA Inter-Services Triathlon

To celebrate 30 years of the championship, special veteran teams will also participate this year.

The OA Inter-Services Triathlon sees some of the best athletes from across the Armed Forces push themselves to the limit in individual and team categories. Competitors will swim through 1.5 km of open water, cycle 41 km of tricky terrain and finish the course with a 10 km run. The Fire, Police and Prison services are also entering guest teams.

Read more

Northern Businesses to Increase Recruitment of Veterans

Businesses across the North of England supported a Veteran Recruitment Roadshow, with over 40 businesses of all sizes from across the region attending to learn more about how they could tap into the veteran talent pool.

The event was hosted by Deloitte, The Drive Project and veterans’ charity the Officers’ Association at Virgin Money 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.

Read more

Teaching Under a Hot Tin Roof, by Richard Jones

Richard Jones, a former RAF officer, is travelling around the world with his family. He shares what lessons he has learnt on the way.

I scarcely believe it is almost six months since I wrote about leaving my job to travel for a year with my family. I almost feel like a different person now, having travelled from New Zealand across South East Asia. I have experienced many new cultures, and going on this adventure with my wife and children has been incredible.

Read more

How to Job Hunt Effectively

Lisa Jones, an OA Career Consultant and former Army officer, shared her top career searching tips with BFBS Radio.

Give yourself time, because it can often take six to eight months to find the right job. If you are a Service leaver, allocate time away from your current role. Create a schedule so you work smartly and maximise your time developing opportunities. Be open with your family about needing to spend an evening or weekend focussing on your job seeking.

Read more

26th June 2018: OA Webinar – How to build a personal brand for success

Leaving the services means you will have an amazing array of skills and experiences that are wanted by many employers or as a service to others. But how do you differentiate yourself from all the other talent in the market who have experience in the sectors that you want to go into?

Read more

Blind veteran from Kent with a passion for photography meets hero David Bailey

A blind veteran from Rochester, Kent, has fulfilled a lifelong dream of meeting photographer David Bailey at the Brighton rehabilitation and training centre of military charity Blind Veterans UK.

Ray Munday, 88, attended the event held last month as part of a photography-themed activity week run by the charity, which supports vision-impaired ex-Service men and women. Ray was one of 14 blind veterans to attend the week.

Ray says: “When I was told about the visit my jaw dropped – I was so excited, because I’ve followed Bailey since he shot to fame in the 60s. You could say I’m a groupie, because I love his photography! He’s a great bloke.”

Read more

Blind veteran from Suffolk with a passion for photography meets hero David Bailey

A blind veteran from Beccles, Suffolk, recently met photographer David Bailey at the Brighton rehabilitation and training centre of military charity Blind Veterans UK.

Nick Barber, 56 attended the event held last month as part of a photography-themed activity week run by the charity, which supports vision-impaired ex-Service men and women. Nick was one of 14 blind veterans to attend the week.

Nick says: “David Bailey is one of the main reasons I picked up a camera.

Read more

Blind veteran from Hampshire with a passion for photography meets David Bailey

A blind veteran from Fareham, Hampshire, recently met photographer David Bailey at the Brighton rehabilitation and training centre of military charity Blind Veterans UK.

Will Phillips, 60, attended the event held last month as part of a photography-themed activity week run by the charity, which supports vision-impaired ex-Service men and women. Will was one of 14 blind veterans to attend the week.

Read more
Items 81 to 90 of 588
Our Executive Members

By @Cobseo 54 years ago

Afghanistan support

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