Ex-Soldier, David Wood volunteers for Help 4 Homeless Veterans recently received an award from the High Sheriff of Dorset for his work with the veterans community.
David was presented with a £250 cheque for Help 4 Homeless from the Dorset Shrieval Trust as well as a High Sheriff’s award certificate for his enormous contribution to the charity.
Read moreMike Saunders, 75, from Lowestoft, will spend the festive period with other vision-impaired ex-Service men and women at Blind Veterans UK’s Llandudno centre. Every year the charity invites beneficiaries who would otherwise have been alone at Christmas, like Mike, to spend the week at one of the charity’s training and rehabilitation centres.
Mike says: “It’s going to be great to spend Christmas with Blind Veterans UK. The staff seem to have a sixth sense because they always know what you need – they’re incredibly helpful and kind.”
Read moreThe Aged Veterans Project has recently been introduced in Herefordshire and Nottinghamshire. It is aimed at veterans aged 65 and over, their family members, dependents or carers to provide professional support that is tailored to their individual needs. The ex-Service community in the two councils has already greatly benefitted from the additional service available.
The project has been funded by the Aged Veterans fund and aims to improve the health and wellbeing of aged veterans, develop skills, reduce social isolation and enable independent living. The service is delivered by a consortium of organisations including Herefordshire Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Alzheimer’s Society, Herefordshire Veterans Support Group, The Cart Shed and the leader of the project the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS).
Read moreA team from scuba diving rehabilitation charity, Deptherapy, and PADI 5* dive centre Divecrew, have made a scuba diver’s wish for one, last dive come true this Christmas.
Colin Clements, 60, from Woodley, Berkshire, is suffering from an aggressive form of brain cancer that will take his life in the near future. Knowing he would be unable to dive again, Colin donated his diving equipment to Deptherapy so that other divers could be helped by his loss.
When contacting Colin to offer his thanks for this brave and selfless gesture, Richard Cullen, Deptherapy Chairman, was made aware that Colin had a dying wish to undertake one, last dive.
Read moreA landmark report from Ulster University on veterans’ services in Northern Ireland has called for increased support for veterans and their families.
This is the second in a series of reports from the Northern Ireland Veterans Health and Wellbeing Study (NIVHWS) from Ulster University, which received £750,000 funding over four years from the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT).
The latest report outlines the findings of in-depth interviews with 20 service providers and 13 veteran-led focus groups, to establish more information about the current needs of this group and to help predict their future needs.
Read moreForces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded Tros Gynnal Plant funds of £284,427 to enable them to pilot a three-year trial of a community based mental health support service for ex-Service personnel and their families from Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, who have a Service-related mental health problem.
Tros Gynnal Plant, a Wales based charity focusing on Children, young people and families, will work alongside the current Veterans NHS Wales (VNHSW) service to help ex-Service personnel who have been referred to the VNHSW.
Read moreOur Homes For Veterans service in Wales is set to be boosted by a grant we have we have received from the Big Lottery Fund. It will increase the support veterans receive within accommodation centres across Wales and work in partnership with other support agencies to provide a wrap-around service.
The sum of £497,758 will be given over the course of three years in order to fund two part time roles as well as eight full time positions to help provide support for veterans in Wales. The allocation of this grant is essential in allowing Alabaré to continue to help the lives of those who have served in the British Armed Forces but since fallen on hard times.
Read moreInternational bestselling crime and thriller writer, Peter James, famous for the Brighton-based Roy Grace series, is to host an ‘evening with’ in aid of Sussex charity, Care for Veterans.
Mr James, author of 12 consecutive Sunday Times no.1s whose books have sold 19 million copies worldwide, will talk about his life and extensive career, as well as answer questions from members of the audience. Some of his works will also be on sale at the event, and guests will have the opportunity to get them signed by the author.
The annual Not Forgotten Association Christmas Party at St. James’s Palace signals the start of the festive season. It almost feels as though the State Apartments’ opulent, red and gold setting was designed specifically for Christmas celebrations, as it never fails to put everyone is a mood of great cheer and merriment. Those who visit leave feeling joyful with lasting memories made of a wonderful and very special afternoon.
This year was no exception as nearly 300 guests were hosted by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, who took a considerable amount of time to meet and talk with many of those in attendance.
Read moreThe NFA were thrilled to receive a grant of £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. Their funding will help us continue to entertain veterans and service personnel throughout the Christmas period with our program of Christmas lunches. Each year, the NFA organises 8 Christmas lunches throughout the country. These Christmas events are designed to give a boost to veterans of all ages, to provide companionship with like-minded people, to meet old friends and to make new acquaintances.
Read more
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
