News

There But Not There commemorative campaign is launched to mark 100 years since the end of WWI.

Ghostly figures of First World War soldiers or ‘Tommies’, have sprung up all over the UK today, as part of a new fundraising campaign led by former Chief of the General Staff, General The Lord Dannatt and supported by Birdsong novelist, Sebastian Faulks.

Hoping to raise in excess of £15 million for armed forces and mental health charities, including Walking With The Wounded, the six foot high Tommies are part of a nationwide art installation called ‘There But Not There’. The campaign marks 100 years since the end of the First World War and aims to commemorate all those who lost their lives.

Read more

Bake Off star gives blind veterans a reason to be cheerful on ‘Blue Monday’ at charity event

Sophie Faldo, winner of The Great British Bake Off 2017, surprised blind veterans with a cake and video message at a tea party hosted by a national military charity on ‘Blue Monday’ (15 January). The social event was organised by Blind Veterans UK at its London office to give its beneficiaries a smile on a day hailed as ‘the most depressing of the year’.

Sophie, a former Officer in the Royal Artillery and now a Reservist, baked a fondant cake for the event and recorded a video message for blind veterans in which she spoke of her own time in the Army.

Read more
SSVC

Brits don’t know how many military personnel have died in conflict

As the nation gets set to remember the efforts of our armed forces, new research released today by the Forces Network highlights the lack of knowledge of many Brits, when asked about the conflicts we have been involved in since the First World War. How can we remember if we don’t know?

The research has been conducted to mark the launch of the Forces Network’s Remembrance map which has been created in partnership with Ian Beckett, Professor of History from the University of Kent. The map identifies and commemorates all the conflicts (both combat and peacekeeping missions) which the British Armed Forces have been involved in since WWI, to enable a greater understanding of the commitments made by our service personnel.

Read more

Veterans Awareness Training- Plymouth

seAp Advocacy were delighted to be part of an interactive training day for front line health and social care staff who serve our Veteran Community in Plymouth. Our Military Advocacy Service in Plymouth developed and delivered the training in partnership with Improving Lives Plymouth. The event was funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds.

Read more

Falklands Trek Challenge in November

From 19th – 28th November, eight Falklands veterans and twelve injured servicemen from more recent conflicts will embark on a 75 mile trek across the Falklands, to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Falklands War. Many of the injured servicemen we have met in recent years from the conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan joined the military because of the Falklands conflict. They have met and made friends with Falklands veterans through attending the NFA’s events over the years.

Read more

Veterans’ Gateway Update – October 2017

It’s now just over six months since the soft launch, please see below an update on the progress of Veterans’ Gateway and what is coming next for the service.
Veterans’ Gateway so far…

Since the soft launch on 03 April 2017, 1,143 telephone calls have been made to the Veterans’ Gateway helpline which have led to 419 referrals to 19 different partners. There have been 110,000 website sessions (71% of which are new users) with 686 users using the ‘ask a question’ function and 496 live chats taking place.

Read more

National sight loss charity targets eye health professionals with new video featuring prize-winning beneficiary

Blind Veterans UK has launched a new video aimed at ophthalmologists, sight loss advisors and other eye health professionals, to increase the referral of blind veterans to the charity as part of National Eye Health Week (18 – 24 September).

The short video, filmed at St Helen’s Hospital, features Maria Pikulski, an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) based at the hospital, who is also a beneficiary of the charity.

Maria was recently recognised by the sight loss sector when she won the 2017 Eyecan Awards run by Galloways. The awards were created to celebrate what can be achieved by people of all ages when they are given the right opportunities, encouragement and support.

Read more

Veterans’ Gateway issues need-to-know advice for Pension Awareness Day

Veterans’ Gateway, a new service for veterans, is ready to assist veterans with pension problems this Pension Awareness Day, with some key pieces of advice on Armed Forces pensions.

Providing a first point of contact for veterans who need support, Veterans’ Gateway connects users with the right organisation that can help on a range of issues including housing, finance, mental health and employment.

Since the launch of the service, pensions advice is one of the most common subjects that individuals using Veterans’ Gateway have sought help and guidance on.

Read more

“Don’t struggle with sight loss alone” says Nottingham RAF veteran this Eye Health Week

This National Eye Health Week (18 – 24 September) a Beeston RAF veteran who was signposted to national sight loss charity Blind Veterans UK by his Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) is urging others to seek support.

Norman Green, 87, said: “It’s hard to admit that you’re going blind, particularly when you’re used to being independent. I’ll admit my pride stopped me seeking help when I probably needed it the most. I wish now that I’d got in touch with Blind Veterans UK much sooner.”

Read more

Sea Cadets visit RFA Argus to mark Seafarers Awareness Week

Sea Cadets from London, Kent and Essex had an amazing opportunity to tour casualty ship RFA Argus at the start of Seafarers Awareness Week (24-30 June), the annual campaign coordinated by maritime charity Seafarers UK.

100 young people and volunteers from Sea Cadets units in Beckenham and Penge, Bexley and Lewisham, Orpington, Southwark, Sutton, Chelmsford, Maldon and District and Thurrock visited the vessel moored at Greenwich on Monday 26 June.

Read more
Items 21 to 30 of 35
Our Executive Members

By @Cobseo 55 years ago

Afghanistan support

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