The well-being of former serving members of the Armed Forces has been at the centre of policy and research for some time. There is evidence from clinical practice and academic research showing that veterans can encounter difficulties dealing with the impact of their service experience after leaving the forces as well as challenges moving from military life to civilian life.
The moderate consumption of alcohol for pleasure and relaxation undoubtedly has an important role in
our society.
A group of cyclists are gearing up for yet another fundraising odyssey to help raises thousands of pounds for leading Armed Forces charity Poppyscotland. The Flying Fifers will set off on Saturday (June 30th) from Leven and will cycle more than 120 miles a day for six days until they arrive in the French commune of Compiègne where the 1918 Armistice was signed. Just a few miles into their route will see the group taking part in the Armed Forces Day parade along Edinburgh’s George Street.
Read moreLocal military charity Blind Veterans UK is hosting Brighton’s Armed Forces Day celebrations this year. The charity, which supports vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, is bringing together Service charities and organisations in the area, giving a platform to showcase the work they do within the local community.
The special event, which will take place on 1 July, is being supported by military charities and organisations including the RAF Police Association South Downs Branch, SSAFA, The Royal British Legion and the Sussex University Royal Naval Unit.
Read moreThe public are being urged to help our veterans back into work by adding their messages of support to a campaign starting Monday 25th June by The Poppy Factory, the UK’s leading employability charity for ex-Service men and women with disabilities.
The charity, which supports veterans with disabilities into work across the UK, is asking people to help it reach its goal of supporting 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into work by the end of the summer, by posting a good luck message to a veteran for their first day in their new job.
Read moreScotland’s leading Armed Forces charity is searching for a new Scottish Poppy Appeal Area Organiser (AO) to lead the fundraising push in Dunblane this year and beyond.
Poppyscotland Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie explains: “We’re looking for individuals, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s Appeal in Dunblane. Last year, £13,500 was raised in the area, but, without your help, we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount.
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 moreOn 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 moreThe NFA has joined up with Amazon as part of their Amazon Smile initiative. This means that you can raise money for the NFA every time you buy something on Amazon. From that new laptop or television, to the washing up liquid and loo roll, no matter what you purchase 0.5% will go directly to the Association. It may not seem a lot, but every little helps! All you have to do is head to smile.amazon.co.uk, sign in, search for ‘The Not Forgotten Association’ in the bar on the right hand side and Bob’s your uncle – your good deed done for the day.
Read moreGavin Astor House, located within the Royal British Legion Village, is a high dependency nursing facility where 84% of residents have a military connection.
Set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, Gavin Astor House offers single private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Residents are provided with a choice of meals and can take part in a wide selection of activities – the latest being a trip to Buckingham Palace!
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