Follow this link for all of the latest news from the RAF Families Federation.
Read moreFollow this link for all of the latest news from the RAF Families Federation.
Read moreThe Soldiering On Awards are delighted to release the video of the Awards night which took place on the 24th March 2017 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. A night of celebration; honouring all of the Awards Finalists and Winners.
Read moreA stunning, symbolic sculpture depicting the last remaining tree in a First World War battlefield is set to go on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to coincide with the launch of the commemorations of the Battle of Arras which began 100 years ago this week.
The sculpture, entitled “FRANCE 1914”, was created by artist Simon Burns-Cox who donated it to Poppyscotland, an organisation which provides life-changing support for the Armed Forces community. Having previously been on display at the Scottish Parliament and the People’s Palace Museum, it will be exhibited at Kelvingrove for the coming 12 months, before moving to Glasgow’s Riverside Museum next year. Thereafter, it will be auctioned off with the funds going to Poppyscotland.
Read moreThe Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) held two South of England briefing events, the first in Portsmouth on Thursday 30th and the second in Andover on Friday 31st March, which were attended by over 55 people in total. Attendees came from a wide range of sectors including the Armed Forces Community and the Armed Forces charity sector as well as other key stakeholders and interested parties who work to support ex-Service personnel, and their families.
Read moreNHS England has launched improved mental health services for veterans in response to a national engagement undertaken last year. The views of veterans and their families have helped to inform a service that builds on the success of previous provision and seeks to provide increased access to local care and treatment across the country in a more uniformed manner. This includes recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing access to early treatment and support, as well as therapeutic treatment for complex mental health difficulties and psychological trauma. Patients are also provided with help, where appropriate, with employment, reduction in alcohol consumption, housing and social support.
Read moreFamilies were out in force for the Army Families Federation (AFF) Scotland roadshow on 23 March, with people travelling from as far as Glasgow and Penicuik.
Stands from Donna McCartney, Parent Support Officer Scotland, Barry Nichols, Armed Services Advice Project and Kinloss HIVE proved popular, as did the AFF specialists who spoke with numerous families to discuss their issues and concerns. In particular, the AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist Katherine Houlston drew soldiers from Inverness to access her expert knowledge.
Read moreFollow this link for all of the latest news from the RAF Families Federation.
Read moreShell Shock is presented by Smokescreen Productions and supported by the Sussex Armed Forces Network, Anglia Ruskin University, Help For Heroes, Combat Stress and PTSD Resolution.
In the autumn of 2016 the Chancellor awarded this project a grant from the LIBOR fund to enable us to develop the production and embark on a number of venues in late spring / early summer 2017.
Shell Shock is one soldier’s story of coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tommy Atkins’ observations on life on civvy street are poignant, frequently comic and always moving. His over-emotional responses to post office queues, a trip to Ikea, his relationships and family lead to alienation and anger.
Read more1,250 Forces children and parents across the country to receive books and scrapbooks in the read, share, talk and stay connected initiative
A grant from The Royal British Legion of £32,465 has been awarded to Reading Force, the charity working to support Forces families nationwide and overseas to read together. With this grant the charity will launch the project in Legion branches, and reach many more Forces families and their extended family members, helping families to stay close and connected during tours of duty, training postings, and moves of home. The tri-service charity is dedicated to improving communication and keeping family members connected by encouraging them and supporting them to share stories and chat about them.
Read moreThe 2017 Soldiering On Award winners were announced on Friday 24th March at the Black Tie Dinner and Awards ceremony held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London in the presence of the charity’s patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC.
550 Guests attended the Awards, hosted by award-winning journalist Angela Rippon and former Royal Marine medic Cassidy Little, the Awards ceremony recognized 46 finalists in 10 categories, naming each category winner.
The evening, opened by Soldiering On CEO Anne Donoghue, commenced with a minute’s silence in remembrance of PC Keith Palmer, formerly of the Royal Artillery, and all those killed and injured on the 22nd April.
Read moreAfghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here