Veterans Update

VETERANS UPDATE

January 31, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

30 Jan 25. Chepstow Military Raceday returns on November 5th 2024 with extended C-UAS Conference.

Protecting Critical Sporting Infrastructure and Events

Chepstow Racecourse 4-5 November 2025

Dive into the future of drone technology and security at the UK’s premier Counter-Unmanned Air Vehicle (C-UAV) and Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) Exhibition & Conference. This groundbreaking event brings together key stakeholders to tackle the evolving threats posed by unmanned aerial systems to critical sporting infrastructure, with a particular focus on horse racing.

Why Attend?

Organised by BATTLESPACE Publications and Marksman Communication, the second iteration of Protecting Critical Sporting Infrastructure and Events promises two days of insights, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology demonstrations. With an expanded format and agenda, this event addresses pressing concerns about drone incursions in the sports sector, including illegal streaming, unauthorised filming, and safeguarding compliance under Martyn’s Law.

What to Expect:

Exclusive Insights: Engage with government policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators shaping the future of aerial security.
Live Demonstrations: Witness the latest advancements in C-UAV/C-UAS technology, with real-world demonstrations tailored to sporting venues.
Networking Opportunities: Forge partnerships with like-minded professionals dedicated to securing critical infrastructure.
Practical Applications: Explore how Martyn’s Law impacts the events sector and what venues must do to comply with these vital regulations.

Julian Nettlefold, Publisher of BATTLESPACE, highlights the urgency: “Drone threats to sporting events, particularly racing, have grown exponentially over the past five years. Racing’s vulnerability to illegal gambling syndicates underscores the critical need for robust drone defences. This event builds on the success of last year’s conference by expanding to include product demonstrations and exciting attractions such as drone racing.”

Craig Taylor, Director of Marksman Communication, emphasised the importance of legal compliance: “Events organisers and venue owners must understand their obligations under Martyn’s Law to ensure both safety and regulatory compliance. This conference is a vital platform for sharing knowledge and equipping the industry to tackle the challenges posed by drone incursions.”

Luke Adams, Manager of Chepstow Racecourse, added, “We are delighted to host this initiative alongside BATTLESPACE. Ensuring our venue remains safe from drone incursions is at the forefront of our priorities as we implement Martyn’s Law.”

Ian Cameron-Mowat, Conference Chairman, also remarked, “This year’s agenda is designed to inform, inspire, and drive action in securing the UK’s sporting events.”

Agenda

Day One – 4 November 2025

Exploring Regulatory, Technological, and Insurance Challenges

10:00 – Registration and Breakfast

10:30 – Chairman’s Welcome and Introduction

10:50 – Outline of Martyn’s Law – UK Home Office TBC

11:10 – UAV Challenges Facing Sporting Venues – Arena Leisure

11:30 – Coffee Break and Product Demonstrations

12:10 – Insurance Challenges to Comply with Martyn’s Law

12:30 – Protecting Important Visitors from Drone Incursions

12:50 – Lunch Break and Drone Racing TBC

14:30 – The Challenges of Illegal Streaming

14:50 – Crowd Protection at Sporting Venues

15:10 – Animal and Team Protection at Sporting Venues

15:30 – The Requirement for Portable C-UAS Systems

15:50 – Tea Break

16:30 – Q&A Panel Discussion

18:30 – Drinks Reception

19:30 – BBOY Award Presentation

20:00 – Gala Dinner

22:00 – Charity Auction

Day Two – 5 November 2025

Harnessing Dual-Use Military Technology for Sporting Events

Costs

Day 1: Tuesday 4^th Nov:

Conference £300pp+ vat = £360.00pp inc vat

BOOK – 220 available

Day 1: Tuesday 4^th Nov:

Gala Dinner including drink on arrival: £75.00pp+vat = £90.00pp inc vat

BOOK – 220 available

Day 2: Wednesday 5^th Nov:

Racing Event Silver Ticket:

£120pp +vat

£1200 + VAT per table of 10

Day 2: Wednesday 5^th Nov:

Racing Event Gold Sponsor Ticket

Table of 10 only £2,500.00 +vat = £3,000.00 inc vat

Coldra Court Hotel | 4-Star Hotel Breaks In The UK: £110.00 inc vat: B&B

Harnessing Dual-Use Military Technology for Sporting Events

The Growing Threat of Drone Incursions

Drone incursions pose a rapidly escalating risk to the safety and security of critical sporting events. In the horse racing sector, unauthorised drones are increasingly being used for illegal streaming, providing real-time footage to gambling syndicates and bypassing official broadcast rights. Beyond financial losses, these activities compromise venue security, distract participants, and jeopardise the welfare of animals and attendees. Recent advancements in drone technology, including increased flight range, payload capacity, and autonomous navigation, have made detection and mitigation more challenging. Furthermore, with drones capable of carrying dangerous payloads, the potential for malicious attacks looms large. This highlights the urgent need for sporting venues to adopt robust counter-drone systems and ensure compliance with Martyn’s Law to protect visitors, participants, and infrastructure.

Join Us in Protecting the Future of UK Sports

Don’t miss this vital opportunity to engage with the experts driving innovation and security in the face of increasing drone threats. Whether you’re a policymaker, event organiser, or technology developer, this event is your chance to stay ahead of the curve. Secure your place now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of sporting event safety.

Ticket bookings:

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

January 17, 2025 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
14 Jan 25. Design selected for LGBT+ armed forces community memorial.
A new memorial for the LGBT+ armed forces community will be constructed in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
• Memorial to be constructed in National Memorial Arboretum to honour LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel
• Artist collective Abraxas Academy’s metal structure, a crumpled letter with words from impacted LGBT+ veterans, to be unveiled later in the year
• Builds on government’s response to Lord Etherton Review, including Financial Recognition Scheme announced in December
A new memorial for the LGBT+ armed forces community will be constructed in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The design and construction, overseen by LGBT military charity Fighting with Pride, is being funded by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence.
Abraxas Academy’s design – entitled “Crumpled Letter” – was selected by a judging panel on Friday 10 January at an event onboard HMS Wellington, moored on the River Thames in London. The event was attended by LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel, service charities and the shortlisted artists.
The Abraxas Academy is a group of individual artists working together as a collective. Artists Charlotte Howarth, Nina Bilbey, Sue Aperghis, James Spedding and Kate Homes are behind the LGBT+ armed forces community memorial design. Their winning idea is a crumpled, free-standing letter made from forged bronze. The letter is a combination of words taken from evidence that was collected from former personnel who were impacted by the LGBT ban. The letter symbolises swearing the oath of allegiance, evidence of mistreatment of LGBT personnel that was discarded and the comfort of letters from home while away on operation.
Nina Bilbey, lead artist at Abraxas Academy said:
This is extremely personal for some of our members, some of whom have been affected by the armed forces exclusion of LGBTQ+ identities, and some simply affected by lived queer experience. All our members make a living in the arts by designing and delivering beautiful sculpture, making and inspired by the act of collaboration.
We hope this memorial will help ease some of the distrust and pain suffered by individuals, past and present, and be of inspiration to future generations who will witness this work and be reminded of the healing power of reconciliation and the public acknowledgement of historic discrimination.
The memorial represents three of the 49 recommendations made in Lord Etherton’s independent review into the service and experience of LGBT+ veterans who served prior to 2000.
Fighting With Pride consulted the LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and their families to make sure the winning design would reflect their needs.
Ed Hall, Chair of Fighting With Pride, said:
The trustees are delighted that we have such a strong winner for the LGBT+ armed forces community memorial. It’s been incredibly important to all of us at Fighting With Pride that we held a rigorous creative process to find the right design that will provide a place of peace and reflection for the LGBT+ armed forces family. I’d like to thank everyone who submitted designs, and the LGBT+ serving and veterans’ community who have helped shape the selection.
It’s a mark of how far we’ve come as a society that the competition for this prestigious commission has been so fiercely contested by some amazing creative minds. We received 38 exceptionally high standard designs for the panel of judges to choose from and we now have an outstanding design as the worthy winner.
Last month, the Ministry of Defence opened applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme. This will enable those impacted by the ban while serving between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 to apply for recognition payments. The government also announced the rollout of the two final restorative measures – qualification of administrative discharge and restoration of rank.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:
When I joined the Royal Marines in 1999, this abhorrent ban on homosexuality in the armed forces was still in place. A quarter of a century later, we turn a page on that shameful chapter in our national story.
This government is committed to renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, and we will continue to drive this forward until every recommendation of Lord Etherton’s review is completed.
I thank the LGBT+ community and the charities that supported it, particularly Fighting With Pride, for their courage and continued efforts to bring this to a resolution, and urge everyone affected to visit the LGBT veterans page for support.
Those affected by the ban are still encouraged to register for restorative measures at LGBT veterans: support and next steps.
Veteran Dame Kelly Holmes (MBE mil) OLY said:
Veterans are courageously rebuilding their lives after enduring trauma, the loss of their careers and livelihoods. While the injustices of the past remain unchangeable, I am pleased to see the government’s commitment to support LGBT+ veterans going forward.
The memorial’s design is a powerful way of showing how damaging, words are, but how healing words can be. Twenty-five years ago, LGBT+ veterans were met with condemnation; today, they are embraced with honour and respect.
I see this memorial as a celebration of our community, a space for veterans to reflect on our journey, and a testament to the progress we’ve achieved together. Let’s remember that every step forward is a victory for dignity, inclusion, and unity.
Under this government, further support has been secured for UK armed forces veterans. This includes £3.7 m of funding for social housing, a local connection exemption for veterans seeking social housing, the upcoming rollout of digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards and Birmingham’s successful bid to host the Invictus Games in 2027.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the
currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

December 19, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

16 Dec 24. Wider services and support available to UK Armed Forces and Veterans. Defence Business Services, on behalf of the MOD, is responsible for delivering a range of services and support for UK Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Defence Business Services, on behalf of the MOD, is responsible for delivering a range of services and support for UK Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Summary guidance on each service can be found within this document. If you require additional assistance or advice, please contact our helpline number 0808 1914 2 18 or email .

Restorative measures including LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme

Online guidance for LGBT veterans wishing to apply for any of the restorative measures is now available. To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/lgbt-veterans-apply-for-restorative-measures/lgbt-veterans-apply-for-restorative-measures or search via www.gov.uk. Please note, the LGBT FR Scheme is not a compensation scheme. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme have no relationship or are connected in any way to the LGBT FR Scheme.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused or made worse by service on or after 6 April 2005.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/armed-forces-compensation-scheme-afcs or search via www.gov.uk.

War Pension Scheme

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused or aggravated by service before 6 April 2005.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/war-pension-scheme-wps or search via www.gov.uk.

Armed Forces Pensions

When a member of the armed forces reaches their retirement age, providing they have qualified for an occupational pension, they receive one of the most generous pensions available in the UK. This fairly reflects the unique sacrifice they have provided their country throughout their career. All members of the armed forces are automatically enrolled into the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. Unlike all other public schemes, members pay 0% in contributions each month. The scheme is unfunded and paid from the public purse.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans or search via www.gov.uk.

Welfare support

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides information, guidance and support to veterans and their families, as well as those supporting veterans through a network of case managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We work with appropriate organisations in the single Services, Defence, wider UK Government, the Devolved Administrations, local authorities and charities to ensure clients receive the help they need from the appropriate provider.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service or search via www.gov.uk.

Respect and recognition

The Ministry of Defence Medal Office (MODMO) issues medals to currently serving members of the armed forces, veterans and MOD employees. You can apply for a medal if you meet the criteria.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/medals-forms or search via www.gov.uk.

You can apply for or replace an armed forces veterans badge. You can get a veterans badge for regular or reserve service in any of the UK armed forces. There’s no fee if you’re applying for your first veterans badge or if you’re replacing it for the first time.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge or search via www.gov.uk.

An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran. It’s free to apply.

To find out more simply visit: www.gov.uk/veteran-card or search via www.gov.uk.

Enquiry Centre and armed forces pensions enquiries

The Ministry of Defence’s veterans helpline provides assistance on many issues including AFCS, WPS, benefits, housing and welfare whilst the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) provides assistance regarding armed forces pensions.

Veterans helpline

Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18

Phone (overseas): 0044 1253 866 043

Normal Service 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday

Joint Personnel Administration Centre

Phone: 0800 085 3600

Phone (overseas): 0044 141 224 3600

Phone (military): 94560 3600

Normal Service 7.00am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/) df

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

November 29, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

27 Nov 24. Easier access to social housing for veterans confirmed.

New regulations to remove a local connection requirement for veterans to access social housing.

New regulations to further support UK Armed Forces Veterans in housing need
Removal of five-year local connection link removed for our heroes looking for social housing
Changes build on government’s commitment to honour the sacrifices made by veterans and ensuring homes will be there for heroes

Veterans will have greater access to social housing thanks to the removal of a local connection requirement made by the government today.

The new changes, made by the Housing Minister in Parliament today, exempt all former UK Armed Forces Veterans from rules that restrict access to social housing for those that do not have a connection to the local area. This will make sure veterans across the country have access to the housing support they need and can find a place to call home.

The changes apply to councils with local connection or residency tests determining who can currently qualify for social housing. This will ensure veterans cannot be unfairly penalised where such requirements are in place, recognising the unique challenges they face in trying to build up a connection in a specific local area.

Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

“Those who put their lives on the line in the service of their country should have access to the housing support they need – this government is making sure they do.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure homes are there for heroes, as part of our commitment to delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.”

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said: “This is a government that is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served and today is an important step forward in delivering on our promise that homes will be there for heroes.

“Today’s action shows our government is delivering our manifesto commitment to strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities and to ensure veterans have access to the housing support they need.”

The Deputy Prime Minister has previously written to local councils reminding them of their obligation to prioritise veterans for social housing and the guidance is being updated to reflect these changes.

Wider government support is also in place to help more veterans into secure and permanent accommodation. This includes a further £3.5 m to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme and Op FORTITUDE, which is the single referral pathway for veterans at risk of homelessness.

Alongside these changes, the government has already given councils greater flexibility to use Right to Buy receipts to build and buy more homes and provided an additional £450 m for councils to secure homes for families, including veterans, at risk of homelessness.

Government investment in housing will also increase to £5 bn for next year and this includes an extra £500 m in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country. In turn, supporting the government’s commitment of delivering 1.5 m homes by the next Parliament and generating economic growth.

Further information

The government’s written ministerial statement confirming today’s changes is available here.
The regulations will come into force on Wednesday 18 December.
On 24 September, the Prime Minister also set out his ambition to improve access to social housing for young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse. Ministers will convene roundtables to explore the detail of these exemptions and bring forward further regulations in due course.

Veterans’ Access to Social Housing

Statement made on 27 November 2024

Statement UIN HCWS255

Statement made by

Matthew Pennycook

Minister of State for Housing and Planning

Labour

Greenwich and Woolwich

Commons

Statement

As we set out in our manifesto and the Prime Minister reiterated in his conference speech on 24 September, this Government is committed to supporting our armed forces communities and ensuring veterans have access to the housing support they need.

To honour that commitment and facilitate access to social housing for veterans, I am today laying regulations to exempt all former members of the regular armed forces from any local connection tests for social housing applied by local councils in England.

Having a connection to an area should not be a barrier to housing for those who put their lives on the line for our country.

The regulations laid today will ensure that no veteran of the regular armed forces will need to meet a local connection test for social housing regardless of when they last served.

The Deputy Prime Minister has already written to local councils to remind them of the guidance and flexibilities to facilitate access of veterans to social housing.

Statutory guidance will be updated to reflect these changes. This includes specific guidance on improving access to social housing for members of the Armed Forces with examples of ways in which councils can ensure that Service Personnel and their families are given appropriate priority for social housing. We know that councils use the flexibilities available to them, but we must ensure that no veteran is unfairly penalised.

In addition to these measures, the government has committed a further £3.5 m to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme. This includes Op FORTITUDE, the single referral pathway for veterans at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

We will continue to work with the sector to deliver affordable homes to meet the needs of veterans as part of our broader commitment to deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation, and in the development of our long-term housing strategy.

Veterans represent the very best of our country. The Government is committed to honouring their sacrifices and ensuring homes will be there for heroes across the UK.

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

November 22, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

18 Nov 24. The UK Ministry of Defence has announced a significant expansion of its Wraparound Childcare scheme, extending it to Armed Forces families deployed overseas.

The initiative, hoped to save eligible families approximately £3,400 annually, forms part of a broader effort to enhance support for service personnel and address challenges related to military life.

Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the importance of recognising the sacrifices made by Armed Forces families:

“We ask our Armed Forces to make extraordinary sacrifices to defend UK interests and keep us all safe. This expansion of wraparound childcare is a testament to our commitment to support these families, saving them thousands of pounds and ensuring their service is valued.”

The expansion will provide 20 hours of funded before- and after-school childcare each week for families stationed abroad. Set to cost £3 m over five years, the programme will be available from January 2025 in several locations, including most European countries, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and Brunei.

The childcare scheme extension builds on existing government measures to improve conditions for Armed Forces personnel and their families. The Ministry of Defence recently introduced recruitment reforms, simplifying application processes and reconsidering over 700 applications previously hindered by medical restrictions.

Additionally, this year saw the largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years, with new recruits receiving a 35% rise.

Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, underscored the government’s commitment:

“Armed Forces families deployed overseas give up so much to protect the UK. For the first time, the government is ensuring they can access the same level of support as those back home. We will not rest until military morale is lifted, and their service is properly recognised and rewarded.”

18 Nov 24. Rygor Land Systems Announces Sponsorship of British Army Sport.

Rygor Land Systems, which launched to meet the evolving automotive needs of the Military, Government, and Defence sectors, back in May 2024, has chosen to sponsor Army Sport as it offers so much to serving Army personnel and aligns with the company’s own values.

Rish Channa, commercial director of Rygor Land Systems, said: “Sport brings people together. It creates a team environment, builds resilience, enhances physical fitness and capability. These skills and behaviours very much align with Rygor Land System’s values of being ‘Reliable’, ‘Resilient’ and ‘Robust’, which is why we knew this would be a brilliant partnership.”

Greg Victor, head of sales at Rygor Land Systems, said: “With 22 years of military service and a history of representing the Army in various sports, I understand firsthand the dedication, discipline, and camaraderie that Army Sport fosters and how invaluable these activities are in building resilience, teamwork, and leadership among our forces. Rygor Land Systems is honoured to play a part in sustaining these programmes and to celebrate the achievements of Army athletes.”

This sponsorship aligns with Rygor Land Systems’ ongoing mission to back the armed forces, providing robust support for soldiers and fostering team spirit and unity through the world of sport. By sponsoring Army Sport, Rygor Land Systems is not only contributing to the well-being of military personnel but also recognising the vital role that sports play in enhancing morale, fitness, and cohesion among service members.

Ashley Wright, business development manager for Rygor Land Systems, said: “The launch of Rygor Land Systems this year has been a fantastic opportunity for me to work within an exciting new company, which has much to offer our customer base. Our sponsorship of Army Sport is all about being able to support service personnel, in mentally and physically preparing for operations through the medium of sport. I was honoured to attend the Inter-Corps Netball tournament in November, along with our People Manager, Samantha, as our sponsorship commenced; it was incredible to see the sporting behaviours and teamwork in action.”

Major General (Retd) Darrell Amison CBE, chief executive at Army Sport, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome Rygor Land Systems as our latest partner and silver sponsor of Army Sport. Their support of Army winter sports, Army football, Army Netball and REME sport really matters. Sport helps prepare soldiers – our point of difference – for operations by improving physical fitness, mental resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Sport fosters cohesion; the ability to thrive under pressure; promotes continual learning; and the courage to overcome fear. In short, Rygor Land Systems support for sport contributes to the Army’s fighting power by inspiring a will to win and improving our ability to fight, all of which contributes to our core purpose: to protect the Nation and help it prosper, by fighting and winning the Nation’s battles, in and from the land, as an integral part of a joint force. Army Sport looks forward to developing a close and beneficial relationship with Rygor Land Systems; a relationship that will endure over the long-term.”

Rygor Group, a UK Best Workplace for two years running, comprises a diverse collection of UK automotive businesses, with a primary focus on trucks, vans, coaches, passenger cars, body repairs and coachbuilding. Through the hard work of our team members, we have secured our position as one of the UK’s top automotive Groups, with a turnover of circa £300m a year.

We value the dedication and commitment of our team members and strive to be one of the UK’s most rewarding places to work. Rygor Group manages our four divisions: Rygor Auto, Rygor Land Systems, Rygor Plant and Rygor Service Solutions, which operate from a total of 17 sites across the UK.

Rygor Land Systems provide comprehensive solutions for critical and deployable land-based assets, which are crucial to modern military and security operations. The team is poised to deliver unparalleled service and innovation to clients who rely on reliable, high-performance, and adaptable solutions

Rygor Auto consists of three renowned brands: Mercedes-Benz, SAIC Maxus, and Higer Buses. Rygor Auto is home to the largest UK dealer group for Mercedes-Benz Commercial vehicles, also offering passenger car aftersales at select locations. Rygor Auto offers customers an award-winning, quality service level, backed up by decades of experience. We are also home to the largest Maxus dealer group in the UK, and the only UK company to offer Higer buses. Rygor Auto is an official UK Best Workplace and Best Workplace for Wellbeing (large companies 2023).

Rygor Service Solutions is our independent fleet workshop division, specialising in full management of commercial vehicle fleets within customers premises, or totally mobile servicing solutions. We look after some of the UK’s largest fleets, including Tesco, Ocado, and Brakes. And are committed to keeping them on the road, serving their customers.

Rygor Plant is a dealer for Mecalac / Dieci / XCMG & KAESER XCMG and we are proud to be their chosen partner for sales and aftersales.

For more information, in the first instance please contact Director of People

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

VETERANS UPDATE

November 15, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

We are delighted to say that the total raised at the 2024 Chepstow Military Raceday totalled £15679.45 and £1110.00 for the children of Ukraine.

Thank you all for your support.

Onwards to 2025 to £400,000

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

November 8, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————-

08 Nov 24. Government boosts support for veterans ahead of Remembrance.

Housing support for UK veterans has been guaranteed after the government committed new additional funding for veterans’ homelessness support programmes

Prime Minister to host veterans and families in Downing Street as the nation prepares to remember all those who fought for our freedom.
Government commits £3.5m for a dedicated wraparound service for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness and ensures they have access to specialist support for employment and independent living.
Builds on pledge to provide homes for heroes, as Prime Minister says, “Veterans represent the very best of our country, and we must honour their sacrifices.”

Housing support for veterans across the UK has been guaranteed after the government committed millions of pounds of new additional funding for veterans’ homelessness support programmes.

The extension follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent pledge to deliver “homes for heroes” and means that under this government, support will be there for veterans at risk of homelessness – not only this Christmas but throughout 2025, including next Christmas and into 2026.

The announcement comes as the Prime Minister, alongside the Defence Secretary and Minister for Veterans and People, hosts veterans and charities for a reception at 10 Downing Street today (Friday 8 November) to mark and celebrate the contributions of the Armed Forces community ahead of Remembrance weekend.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Veterans represent the very best of our country, and we must honour their sacrifices. When I came into office, I promised that I would serve our heroes as they have served us. That is the least they deserve given the sacrifices they have made, and it is why this government is ensuring homes will be there for heroes across the UK. They have done so much to secure our safety it is only right they have security of their own.”

“As the country comes together this weekend, we pay solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the values and freedoms that we enjoy.”

The Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme and Op Fortitude helpline provide wraparound services to veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, such as specialist mental health support, help with securing employment and independent living.

The Prime Minister will meet with veterans and their families at Downing Street to hear about their experiences and reiterate the government’s commitment to supporting veterans for the long term.

The reception comes ahead of Remembrance Sunday, when the Prime Minister will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, joined by Cabinet Ministers including Defence Secretary John Healey and defence chiefs, as the nation remembers all those who fought to defend our values and freedoms.

The pledge builds on the Prime Minister’s recent “homes for heroes” commitment which will exempt veterans from rules which require a connection to a local area to access social housing in England. To ensure local authorities play a key role in delivering this pledge, the MHCLG is hosting a roundtable with representatives from veteran charities and housing providers such as Stoll and Haig Housing.

These changes demonstrate the government delivering on the manifesto commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served. As part of this, the government will put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. The Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our nation is deeply proud of the veterans who have served the country. Theirs is the ultimate public service. Our Armed Forces and veterans will always have our fullest support. As a government we are committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve. We are extending the support for veterans to ensure that those who need it get the housing support they deserve. As we come together as a nation this weekend, we honour all those who have served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns MP said: “Our armed forces are the guarantors of everything we hold dear. They risk life and limb for our nation and this government will ensure veterans and those serving live a life worthy of the incredible contribution they made to this nation. To those I had the honour to serve alongside and to every veteran, I say thank you. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day, I will remember the individuals who have gone before us, and I honour all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a government committed to delivering for all those who serve and have served. I am deeply honoured to be responsible for ensuring our veterans get the support they need and deserve, not just at Remembrance but year-round. We’re turning words into action to improve life for every veteran.”

Today’s announcements build on recent government commitments to support and champion veterans. In last month’s Budget, the government extended the National Insurance relief for employers hiring qualifying veterans for a further year until 5 April 2026.

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

07 Nov 24. Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies specialising in Defence, Aerospace & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital Identity, is proud to become a partner and patron of Bleuet de France.

Bleuet de France supports war casualties (with both physical and psychological injuries), soldiers deployed on overseas missions, victims of terrorist attacks, war widows and widowers, wards of the Nation, and grieving families. Its actions benefit 25,000 people.

“We are honoured to join forces with Bleuet de France, an emblematic organisation for solidarity and remembrance. At Thales, we have always been committed to supporting those who have served our country, as well as the victims of all conflicts, whether on the battlefield or during terrorist attacks. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen our commitment and to further contribute to this great cause,” said General Bernard Barrera, Army Advisor for Land Defence at Thales.

“For nearly a century, Bleuet has stood alongside ‘those who remain’ to fulfil its mission: providing them with human and material support. Solely relying on donations and private patronage, Bleuet de France is pleased to now count Thales among its partners, who will help us expand our impact,” said Patrick Remm, President of Bleuet de France.

Thanks to donations, Bleuet de France can notably fund higher education for some wards of the Nation, provide equipment for injured soldiers, and offer psychological support to victims of terrorist attacks and their families.

Thales is actively committed to promoting Bleuet de France campaigns among its employees throughout the year. On the occasion of the commemorations of Armistice Day on 11 November and of the tragic Paris attacks, the company is organising an awareness and fundraising campaign, both online and at 16 of its industrial and tertiary sites across France.

Thales is also relying on the company’s 260 army reservists to raise awareness and improve the visibility of Bleuet de France, and to sensitise all its employees to this civic initiative of solidarity and recognition.

About Bleuet de France

Since the end of World War I, Bleuet de France has been providing psychological, material, and financial support to the men and women who risked their lives for France, victims of terrorist attacks, soldiers injured during overseas operations, veterans, wards of the Nation, grieving families, and residents of certified nursing homes.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

October 25, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

24 Oct 24. RBL hopes to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health as 2024 Poppy Appeal launches. Some of those in attendance at the RBL’s Poppy Appeal took part in mindfulness and meditation sessions

The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal has kicked off in London, with this year’s campaign aimed at highlighting the mental scars linked to military service.

An event at HMS President marked the launch of the campaign, with Armed Forces community members gathered at the military base near Tower Bridge.

Some of those in attendance took part in mindfulness and meditation sessions, while others, like Army veteran Tony Routledge, opened up on the psychological impact service can leave behind.

Ex-Royal Signals Bombardier Tony Routledge, 62, was injured in Iraq and became so severely depressed that he threw his medals in a river during a mental health crisis.

“I felt the country didn’t care about my service, I couldn’t feel proud about being a soldier anymore and had effectively wasted my life,” he said.

“I’ve gone through a lot of PTSD and I’ve never really asked for help. Literally, five years of locking myself away,” he told BFBS Forces News.

“I got in touch with the RBL, the person I was talking to, she was great. She said, look, we’ll get you sorted straight away.

“I started to go out and started to do things more and started to smile and interact more with my kids.”

The RBL says this year’s target of £51.3m will help them support people like Tony and amputee veteran David Plant, who told BFBS Forces News he called the RBL during a PTSD episode.

“I’d run away thinking that I’d escaped everything and took the demons with me,” he said.

“I thought I was in the middle of nowhere, out in Spain, which I didn’t know that the Royal British Legion have a branch out there.

“I attempted to take my own life and the Royal British Legion came to save me.”

With 50,000 collectors fundraising each year, the RBL says more than half of personnel and veterans have experienced some form of mental health issue.

The RBL offers rounded care to personnel, veterans and their families, referring those with acute mental health conditions to specialists.

Commemorations this year will mark anniversaries including 80 years since the Normandy Landings, 25 years since the end of UK forces involvement in Kosovo and 10 years since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.

(Source: forces.net)

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

October 11, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

10 Oct 24. Royal Navy’s Valkyries embark on Atlantic row, powered by support from NSSLGlobal. The Valkyries, the first all-female ocean rowing crew from the Royal Navy, are preparing to embark on the gruelling World’s Toughest Row – a 3,000-mile endurance race across the Atlantic Ocean. With the backing of NSSLGlobal, a long-time supporter of Royal Navy challenges, the crew will push their limits as they row across the Atlantic, enduring sleep deprivation, 40ft waves, and extreme physical and mental strain.

As part of the Royal Navy’s HMS Oardacious campaign, this mission not only tests human endurance but also raises vital funds for mental health support. NSSLGlobal, now in its fifth year as a Gold-tier sponsor of HMS Oardacious, will provide a satellite equipment and airtime, and most importantly 24/7 technical support to keep The Valkyries connected throughout their journey across the Atlantic.

The four intrepid women in this year’s team are known as The Valkyries in honour of the mythological female figures from Norse mythology who flew through the air and guarded the lives and ships of those they favoured. They aim to be the fastest female military crew to complete the Atlantic Challenge.

The sponsorship continues NSSLGlobal’s 42-year partnership with the Royal Navy and a 55-year track record of work with the MOD and commercial customers. NSSLGlobal will provide crucial 24/7 connectivity services, airtime and equipment to the team, who are all serving Royal Navy personnel.

The four team members are:

Skipper Lt Cdr Izzy Rawlinson
Lt Cdr Ali Aindow, one of the Royal Navy’s first female mine clearance diving officers
PO Aaby Aldridge
Warfare officer Lt Cdr Nic Hall

Billed as the World’s Toughest Row, the Atlantic Challenge starts in La Gomera in the Canaries on December 12th and ends at the Caribbean Island of Antigua approximately 40 days and nights later. Throughout this epic voyage, NSSLGlobal’s 24/7 connectivity will be essential for navigation, weather intelligence and for communications between The Valkyries, race organisers, friends and family and social media.

Sally-anne Ray, Group CEO, NSSLGlobal, said: “As an organisation with many strongly talented women in leadership roles it makes us especially proud to sponsor The Valkyries. Out on their own in the Atlantic, battling the elements and extreme fatigue, they will be an inspiration, reminding us of what women can achieve when faced with the toughest challenges”.

” Many of the NSSLGlobal team are ex-forces which also makes us value the work of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity which is so closely tied in to HMS Oardacious. We certainly wish them well and have confidence they can achieve their ambition.”

HMS Oardacious, founded in 2019, raises funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and boosts awareness and understanding of mental health. It also heightens awareness of the importance of STEM subjects among students and has raised money for heritage charities. So far it has raised more than £600,000.

Lt Cdr Nic Hall, one of the Valkyries said: “Without the support and connectivity provided by NSSLGlobal our Atlantic crossing in a small boat would be far more challenging, leaving us much more isolated. I can’t fully express how grateful we are.

“We’re going to feel like tiny atoms out there on the Atlantic and our communications help keep us connected to the safety team and weather-router, making for a safer and hopefully shorter row. Having that connectivity will also enable us to keep up our media and social media activity to raise money and to stay in touch with family and friends.”

NSSLGlobal has supported each HMS Oardacious team with critical safety and welfare communications from its inception. That first Royal Navy team took 37 days, which was then the fastest military team in the race’s history. The 2022/23 took just over 35 days and the 2023/4 team claimed the title, albeit with a slightly slower time than 2022/2023.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

October 4, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

03 Oct 24. Ex-Army chief Gen Sir Patrick Sanders backs new Afghan War association. One-hundred-and-fifty-thousand people in the UK will become automatic members of a new war association when it launches in December.

The UK Afghanistan Veterans Community, co-founded by a current serving lieutenant colonel and a recently retired former staff sergeant, will be the largest military association in the UK.

Backed by senior officials including General Sir Patrick Sanders, the former Chief of the General Staff, the organisation is calling on Afghan veterans to contribute to a survey which they say will help shape the UK’s understanding of its membership.

Combat operations in Afghanistan ended a decade ago.

Now, as the 10th anniversary of that moment approaches, two veterans of the conflict have joined forces to launch what will be the first major war association to be formed since the Gulf War.

The two men, Royal Signals Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Mallett and Invictus Games athlete Jonny Ball, have worked with charities including RBL and international PR consultant M&C Saatchi to get the organisation off the ground.

Speaking to Forces News, Col Mallett said the association would “seek to establish a charitable community for the 150,000 UK Afghan veterans who served in Afghanistan over the course of the 20-year campaign”.

He added: “The fact we have two Chelsea Pensioners that are Afghan veterans is signalling quite clearly that this next generation of veterans is coming through.”

And Mr Ball, who was until recently a staff sergeant in the Intelligence Corps, also highlighted the demographic of the Afghan veteran population.

He pointed out that there were also 21-year-olds who served on Op Pitting – the UK evacuation of Kabul in 2021 – young adults who are already able to say they are veterans of this significant chapter of UK military history.

Mr Ball told BFBS Forces News: “There are a bit of a mix of narratives in the community. It ranges from a sense of shame in the way in which we withdrew – completely out of the control of the Afghan veterans themselves – to a sense of pride in the amazing work we did out there during our time.

“I, for one, am very proud of rebuilding a school in Afghanistan and furthering the opportunities and life chances of ordinary Afghan children.”

The association is unique in terms of its size, the demographic of its members and the fact that so many of those who qualify for membership are still serving in the Armed Forces.

That is borne out by the fact the group’s co-founders consist of a serving lieutenant colonel and a former Other Ranks soldier who recently returned to civvy street.

“It might surprise people to see another rank like myself, recently discharged from the Army Reserve, and a lieutenant colonel in the regular Army that are mates,” said Mr Ball.

“But we are mates. We’re brothers. We have that shared experience of Afghanistan.”

The group launches formally in December but has already engaged focus groups made up of Afghan veterans and created partnerships with major organisations like the RBL and the National Memorial Arboretum.

It has also attracted the backing of the Army’s former boss, General Sir Patrick Sanders, who only recently retired from the military and his post as the Chief of the General Staff.

Gen Sir Patrick has accepted an invitation to become the association’s patron and is joined by General Zac Stenning, Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, who will act as the organisation’s military sponsor.

The organisation is calling on Afghan veterans to give their views via a survey which is currently live and will help form the basis of a report, which the association will make public upon its launch in December.

(Source: forces.net)

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

September 13, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

02 Sept 24. Free tickets available for November’s Chepstow Military Race Day. Always a popular event in Wales’s racing calendar, the Chepstow Military Race Day held in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity takes place on Wednesday, November 6, and thousands of free tickets are now available.

Founded and organised since 2013 by Julian Nettlefold, publisher of BATTLESPACE, and Chepstow Events, around £300,000 has been raised for charity at Chepstow Military Race Days. Funds have helped SSAFA to carry on its life-changing work for serving and former Armed Forces personnel, and their families.

People helped include Gareth, who was medically discharged from the Royal Navy after just two years’ service.

He said: “I was looking to make my career, my life in the Navy, but a couple of years in I had to leave because of a previously undiagnosed condition that meant I just couldn’t serve. It was a bad time for me, but with the help of a SSAFA caseworker then a mentor, they made sure I never battled alone and supported me into my new job.

“I couldn’t have done it without them and without SSAFA.”

Mr Nettlefold commented: “We’re building on the success of the event – the platinum sponsor this year is Spectra – with greater table sales and considerable interest in the free entry very kindly given by Chepstow Racecourse to all past and present military personnel.

“This has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for our three chosen charities, SSAFA, The Royal Hospital Chelsea and Combat Stress, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming the Chelsea Pensioners back to Chepstow.”

Tickets are limited to those with a UK Armed Forces connection and for no more than six tickets per booking or household.

To secure free tickets for the race day on Wednesday, November 6, visit chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/military-raceday and use the promo code FORCES24.

10 Sept 24. Ministry of Defence recognise LGBT Veterans in milestone ceremony to help right the wrongs of the past.

Defence Ministers John Healey MP and Alistair Carns OBE MC MP presenting the Etherton Ribbon to LGBT Veterans.

The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence today.

During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence John Healey MP and Minister for Veterans and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three veterans. This is part of the new Government’s commitment to right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of Lord Etherton’s review into the historic treatment of LGBT veterans.

Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the Etherton Ribbon.

The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.

The special design – which can be worn as a pin – was created by LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the strength shown by those who stood against it.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges the treatment they suffered.

The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and has no place in today’s Armed Forces. I want to be the first of this government’s Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.

We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.”

Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns OBE MC MP said: “The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the wrongs of the past. The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on all the recommendations, including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans recognition they deserve.

We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and support they need.”

The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was published in July 2023.

The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.

Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in today’s Armed Forces.

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

September 6, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

People helped include Gareth, who was medically discharged from the Royal Navy after just two years’ service.

“I couldn’t have done it without them and without SSAFA.”

Tickets are limited to those with a UK Armed Forces connection and for no more than six tickets per booking or household.

To secure free tickets for the race day on Wednesday, November 6, visit chepstow-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/military-raceday and use the promo code FORCES24.

05 Sept 24. Statement from the Secretary of State following the resignation of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner. The statement follows the resignation of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

“I would like to thank Danny Kinahan for his dedicated work on behalf of veterans and families living in Northern Ireland.

“Over the last four years, he has worked on a range of important issues that affect veterans in everyday life, including health, housing and welfare and we will continue to engage with him on these issues.

“We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

VETERANS UPDATE

August 30, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

28 Aug 24. Armed Forces Family Fun Day at Bath Racecourse on Sunday 15th September.

This will be a wonderful family raceday with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertainment. Ticket Offers (please feel free to share these with anyone you think might be interested)

Free tickets for Military Personnel

o The tickets can be redeemed at the checkout using the code Forces24

o Have to book ticket prior and show their ID card on the day.

o Maximum of 1 ticket per person.

o Book via this link: Armed Forces Raceday (bath-racecourse.co.uk)

Blue Light Tickets – Only £10
Can redeem through this link: https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/company?cid=40027

Details of the day

Date: Sunday 15th August

Time: Gates open at 11.40am, first race is at 1.40pm and last race is 5.10pm.

Entertainment:

Red Devils Parachute Display

️Bootcamp Challenges

Police: Check out police vehicles, chat with officers, and grab some cool freebies!

Navy: The Navy will also be bringing a vehicle for people to sit in and have photos with!

Military Wives Choir

Marching Band

️ Trooping the Colours Display

️Stalls

All entertainment and activities on the day are FREE, it’s such a good value day out (and that’s without the added discount your followers can get)

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

August 2, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

30 Jul 24. A new era for veterans’ services in Northern Ireland.

As of April 2023, the Veterans Welfare Service for Northern Ireland has expanded its offerings to all veterans, regardless of their service background.

In recent years, veterans’ services in Northern Ireland have undergone a significant transformation. Traditionally, veterans in this region have been a hidden community, often concealing their service careers due to security concerns encountered during ‘the Troubles’ or Operation Banner.

This new service framework evolves from the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and the Royal Irish Aftercare Service, established in 2007 during the post-Operation Banner era.

The newly-established Veterans Welfare Service – Northern Ireland (VWS NI) ensures that veterans living in Northern Ireland have access to trusted advice, connection, and support services tailored to their specific needs.

The service works collaboratively with charities to ensure that veterans receive the best possible outcomes, by providing comprehensive assistance in the following areas:

welfare – support, advice and practical assistance
medical – physiotherapy and psychological therapy
benevolence – financial support
advocacy and signposting for further support, including benefits, housing and vocational advice
help with Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation Scheme applications

To get in touch with the VWS NI, you can:

email:
phone: 02890 420145
North (Coleraine): 02892 260615
South (Portadown): 02892 260044
East (Holywood): 02890 420266
West (Enniskillen): 02892 260114

In addition to improved welfare services, the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Awards are returning for a third year. The awards are to be led by Jason Gillard – the founder of Connect Through Service – who aims to change the narrative of being a veteran in Northern Ireland by highlighting the positive contributions of the veteran community. The ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, 23 October, in Belfast.

Nominations for the 2024 awards are now open. To find out more or to nominate a veteran, visit Veterans’ Awards: Northern Ireland.

With continued development and advocacy, the future for veterans in Northern Ireland looks promising as VWS NI ensures that they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

July 12, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

09 Jul 24. Spectra Group renews their Silver Sponsorship of Team Forces.

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, is extremely pleased to announce renewal of their Silver Sponsorship for Team Forces this year and is very proud to be supporting British Forces sport and adventure training through this excellent organisation.

Spectra Group’s support to Team Forces, and such extreme endeavours as expedition Frozen Dagger, forms a fundamental part of Spectra’s UK MoD social responsibility plan, through which they give back to the wider customer community across UK defence. Sport and adventure training is a key component of service life generating teamwork, leadership skills and personal challenge but the funding of some elements can often be difficult to secure. Through their Silver Sponsorship, Spectra Group enables wider participation and increased quality of key sporting events directly supporting those taking part.

Team Forces is an MoD endorsed programme which improves the lived experience for the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge and adventure. Their initiatives improve health, wellbeing and recovery of service individuals by promoting excellence, equality and inclusion. Team Forces conducts fundraising, attracts sponsorship and makes financial grants to increase the accessibility of such activities.

In particular, Spectra Group have sponsored the Armed Forces Equine Charity to make equine sport and recreation more affordable and accessible to the military community. For example, last year over 19,000 people enjoyed equine activities, at all levels, at their Armed Forces Equestrian Centres. They also supported 424 Wounded Injured and Sick (WIS) serving members to access horse riding and provided critical support to over 50 highly vulnerable veterans who had isolated themselves and were at high risk. In addition, their contribution to the Ulysees Trust, a charity which provides funding assistance to challenging expeditions and activities involving members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces of the UK, supported some of the 80+ adventurous training activities. In a significant expansion from 2022, last year over half the cadet expeditions took place overseas; including Canada, South Africa, Borneo, Norway and the USA.

Major General Lamont Kirkland, CEO at Team Forces said: “We are delighted that Spectra Group has renewed as a Silver level sponsor. Their long-standing support of Team Forces demonstrates Spectra Group’s significant and ongoing commitment to the armed forces community. Through their membership Spectra Group will help us deliver social impact through sport, challenge and adventure – together we will help the best get better!”

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “As a veteran myself, and with many veterans employed by Spectra Group, I am proud to announce our continued Silver Sponsorship of Team Forces to best support those still serving and have the opportunity to give back. Our ethos at Spectra Group is to design communication products that are focused on solving the problems that front line soldiers face, and so, to also support members of the armed forces community to have greater access to sport, challenge and adventure is a real privilege.”

09 Jul 24. Help for Heroes disappointed as no dedicated Cabinet-level veterans’ minister appointed.

The Government will not be appointing a dedicated veterans’ minister to the Cabinet, Downing Street has confirmed.

During Rishi Sunak’s Conservative administration, then-minister for veterans’ affairs Johnny Mercer attended Cabinet meetings to speak on behalf of former personnel.

Labour has decided that Defence Secretary John Healey will represent veterans at Cabinet rather than a dedicated minister, a decision which left Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes “disappointed”.

A Government spokesperson said: “Ministerial portfolios will be set out in due course – appointments are still ongoing.

“But first and foremost, the Defence Secretary will represent veterans at Cabinet.

“Our veterans are part of our military family and the Secretary of State will drive work with Cabinet colleagues to deliver for them.

“We are determined to change how we do government, stopping silos and working collaboratively across departments to serve the public and veterans.”

‘Disappointed’

Help for Heroes CEO James Needham said: “While we are disappointed there isn’t a dedicated veterans’ minister in Keir Starmer’s cabinet, we hope John Healey and his team will continue to work with Help for Heroes and other charities to deliver the support our Armed Forces community deserves.

“We will continue to campaign for a review of the medical discharge process and end the barriers to fair compensation and benefits for veterans.

“We receive consistent testimony from those we support that these processes are not fair or working properly, and many would be shocked by the way in which our service people and their families are treated.”

‘RBL will seek reassurances’

Forces charity Royal British Legion (RBL) wished the new PM well as he entered office, while reiterating its commitment to working with the new Government to advocate for the Armed Forces community.

(Source: forces.net)

08 Jul 24. Hope for veterans as MOD accepts responsibility for personnel’s hearing loss. The agreement, with law firm Hugh James, sees the MOD no longer disputes that it owes a duty of care to personnel who suffered hearing loss while serving their country

The Ministry of Defence has accepted responsibility for the hearing loss suffered by military personnel, offering hope to others affected.

Until today the MOD opposed many hearing loss claims made by veterans arguing that other sources of noise were to blame, that individuals should have worn protection, or that their claims were too late.

But in a major breakthrough for thousands of military veterans seeking compensation for hearing loss suffered during their service, the MOD, in agreement with Hugh James Solicitors, has accepted responsibility.

It comes after a case last year saw a former Royal Marine awarded almost £714,000 in compensation after hearing loss ended his military career.

James Barry’s case saw the High Court reject claims from the MOD that Mr Barry was partially responsible as he failed to use hearing protection.

In a statement, an MOD spokesperson said: “We take the health and wellbeing of our personnel seriously and always look at how we can reduce noise levels in their working environment.

“This is alongside providing training, protective equipment and regular hearing tests to detect any early signs of hearing loss so action can be taken if necessary.

“We have reached an agreement with Hugh James Solicitors on how to progress a cohort of historic noise induced hearing loss claims, which has been accepted by the Court.”

The agreement, with law firm Hugh James, sees the MOD no longer disputing that it owes a duty of care to personnel who suffered hearing loss while serving their country.

Clients of the law firm will now only have to prove that any hearing loss was sustained during their time in the military.

Simon Ellis from Hugh James said: “This is a groundbreaking development for servicemen and women seeking justice for their hearing loss.

“Many military personnel suffered hearing loss that was entirely preventable, had they been provided with the correct equipment and training.

“As a result, individuals have had their careers prematurely ended, other employment opportunities denied to them, and their personal lives irrevocably changed.

“People who put their lives on the line in the service of our country should expect that they are not put in additional unnecessary danger by their employer.

“The Ministry of Defence has both acknowledged the duty of care that it owes military personnel to protect their hearing and agreed that all individuals discharged after 1987 can secure the compensation they are entitled to for any hearing loss resulting from their military service.”

One former Royal Marine said the MOD accepting responsibility for his hearing loss provided a “glimmer of hope” in his legal fight for compensation.

Robert ‘Barney’ Barnett was medically discharged from the military in 2014 after an 18-year career, which saw him serve on three tours of Afghanistan and two of Iraq.

He is now one of the thousands hoping to receive compensation for noise-induced hearing loss, having launched legal action against the MOD in 2016.

He has never been able to afford the hearing aids he needed after suffering around a 20% loss of hearing in each ear, describing the legal process as “slow” and “frustrating”.

“It gives me a glimmer of hope. Not just me, I hope nobody has to go through what I have. It’s speeding up the process,” he said.

“The people who don’t have a good support network, this injection of cash, whatever that will be, whatever level, for some people that will mean the world, to not have to go through this lengthy legal battle.

“The reason I am doing this is to spread the message far and wide.

“We found in the veteran community and the services, sometimes things are kept need-to-know, so the hope of doing this is that the message is spread far and wide, and there is hope.

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get, so it is worth at least ringing, texting, or sending an email just to make an initial inquiry.”

Several cases will go to trial next year to determine the level of compensation veterans should receive. (Source: forces.net)

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

June 28, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

26 Jun 24. Donations from BAE Systems to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) have reached the landmark figure of £1m. The Company has supported the charity since it was established in 2007.

The RNRMC is the principal charity of the Royal Navy. It supports past and present personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary and their families.

Last year, the charity helped more than 60,000 serving personnel, veterans and their family members through a range of initiatives.

BAE Systems assisted the charity on a number of these, including, employability and resettlement programmes for those who need support transitioning to civilian life, a number of sports projects and employee-led fundraising days across the year. The Company also sponsors prestigious events such as the RNRMC Trafalgar Night Dinner and Heroes Cycle Challenge.

Glynn Phillips, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ maritime and land business, said: “At BAE Systems, we work every day to protect and equip the men and women of our armed forces and we’re privileged to continue that support for sailors, marines and their families through our relationship with the RNRMC. We are proud to reach the £1m figure and look forward to continuing our important work together.”

Andrew Jameson, Chief Executive of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: “Surpassing the £1m milestone in donations from BAE Systems marks a momentous achievement, highlighting the extraordinary impact of our partnership in supporting the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and their families.

“We couldn’t begin to do what we do without the backing of our corporate partners. To reach this milestone is a testament to our close working relationship with BAE Systems.”

Since 2007, the RNRMC has funded projects and facilities that boost morale for those who serve today. It has distributed over £100 m to organisations and charities which care for serving personnel, children, families and veterans.

Last year, BAE Systems contributed more than £11.2m to projects supporting its local communities, education and the armed forces through charitable sponsorships, donations, employee fundraising and volunteering.

27 Jun 24. Roke has been included in a definitive ranking of the top 50 employers of veterans in the UK by the prestigious GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, a comprehensive guide to the leading companies supporting the Armed Forces community.

Roke has a long history of supporting veterans, and is a recipient of the highest level of accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award programme for its commitment to supporting the armed forces community. As a gold award winner, Roke actively communicates and upholds a positive stance for employees who are veterans, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Enriched by the experience of serving their country and equipped with skills and values that are highly valued by employers in other sectors, the 15,000-plus people who leave the British Armed Forces each year form a unique and highly capable talent pool. But an awareness gap and a lack of visible role models have presented barriers to service leavers hitting the ground running, while depriving companies of a superb way to fill their skills gaps.

High-profile initiatives to promote the veteran talent pool in recent years, such as the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, have improved how employers perceive ex-forces candidates, highlighting the exceptional values and adaptability they offer after their service.

Such efforts have encouraged many more employers to embrace talent from the Armed Forces community. But while the significant growth in dedicated UK employment programmes and pathways for the Armed Forces community is hugely welcomed, it can be challenging and confusing to identify, navigate and access the opportunities available.

This is what inspired the formation of the GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, first launched last year by the organisers of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, to provide a comprehensive guide to the leading companies in which military veterans and other members of the Armed Forces family can build a meaningful career.

The inaugural book proved hugely popular with thousands of downloads. And after feedback highlighted a strong interest in a definitive listing of the very best Forces Friendly organisations, for the 2024 programme a Judging Panel of 20 successful veterans in business was compiled to assess the entries and rank the top 50 employers.

The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans are published in the 2024 edition of the book today, with Roke being successfully ranked in 15th place among the leading employers for the UK Armed Forces community. The book is not only a valuable resource for veterans seeking their next career move but also employers looking to benchmark their own offerings to the Armed Forces community.

Roke Managing Director, Paul MacGregor, said: “Roke is proud of our long history of supporting the UK Armed Forces and its allies, going back to our founding in 1956. Today we count many veterans within our team, whose experience, work ethic, teamwork and determination is the backbone of many parts of our growing business.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded 15th place in the Top Employers of Veterans in the UK 2024 and look forward to welcoming many more veterans to our team.”

Chris Parker MBE, British Army veteran, Director at Fortinet UK and judge for the GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, said: “The GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the leading organisations who support members of the Armed Forces community working in the UK.”

Ben Rossi, founder of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and the GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, said: “The UK is one of the global leaders when it comes to offering dedicated pathways, programmes and other opportunities for veterans and the wider Armed Forces family seeking a high-value career. But navigating this landscape, understanding exactly what companies offer to the Armed Forces community and deciphering what is the right direction for you can be complicated and confusing.

“The GREAT British Employers of Veterans cuts through the noise by producing a simple but comprehensive guide to the companies when members of the Armed Forces community are valued and really thrive. The top 50 employers listed in this year’s book are really the cream of the crop when it comes to Forces Friendly employers in the UK and they thoroughly deserve this recognition for what they do for the Armed Forces community.”

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

May 31, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

30 May 24. Celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024 at the Historic Dockyard. Armed Forces Day 2024 is set to be one of the best yet, with the event making a much-anticipated return to the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

With its history of Royal Navy shipbuilding stretching back to the mid-16th Century, the dockyard embodies Medway’s longstanding connection to the armed services, and is the perfect place to celebrate their work and dedication.

Medway’s 15th Armed Forces Day comes to the historic venue on Saturday, June 29, from 11am to 5pm, bringing colourful parades, live bands, and fun have-a-go activities, along with military displays and vehicles.

Other unique attractions include HMS Ganet and the RNLI lifeboat exhibition, along with the fascinating Air Raid and Royal Dockyard tours.

Designed to bring the public together with serving personnel, veterans and their families, the day will also include moments of reflection with a commemoration service and the iconic Beating Retreat finale.

Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Leisure, said: “Armed Forces Day is always a brilliant chance for the community to come together and celebrate those who have served for their country and those who continue to do so. Returning to the Historic Dockyard will make it an extra special day, which will be one to remember for everyone who comes down. We have a long historic connection to the armed forces, and we all want to acknowledge the importance of those links for families throughout Medway. Most importantly it will be a great fun-packed day, with something for everyone and all ages to enjoy.”

For more information visit: Visitmedway.org/events/armed-forces-day-2024/

28 May 24. Teenage Cadets Prepare to March for Army Charity. A group of plucky Army cadets are preparing for the trek of a lifetime to raise funds for Army veterans and their families.

The cadets, from Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Somerset, will compete in the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge of the Cateran Yomp. They will join over 1,000 soldiers, veterans, and their families marching up to 54 miles in 24 hours across Highland Perthshire.

Supported this year by headline sponsors Babcock International Group, the annual event raises much-needed funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. As well as funding their places, Babcock is also matching each cadet’s first £100 of fundraising.

This year’s event falls just two days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day and also coincides with the charity’s 80th anniversary.

Heading off at 6am on Saturday 8 June, returning to Blairgowrie in the early hours of Sunday 9 June, the cadet cohort includes a team of six from the Norfolk Army Cadet Force.

One of the ‘Norfolk Cadet Ramblers’ is 17 year old Cdt Sgt Lois Hill who commented, “I think it will be an amazing experience that raises money for an important cause. I enjoy challenging myself and thought this would be a great opportunity. I have enjoyed the training so far even though it has been difficult. It allows me to push myself and feel prepared for the event. ‘m looking forward to the amazing scenery and environment where the walk will take place, as well as being able to push myself to my limits, with the support of the rest of my team.”

Cdt Sgt Archie Lang (also 17) added, “I enjoy anything outdoors and it’s nice to do something for a rewarding cause. I enjoy running so it has been OK to manage the distance but I’m really looking forward to embarking on the more challenging terrain that lies ahead.”

Leading the team is Major Rob Hayden, Country Training Officer (Cadets), who commented, “The Cateran Yomp aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We are always looking for opportunities to push and motivate our senior cadets so participating in the Babcock Cadet Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our cadets and former cadets who have come back as volunteers to motivate the next generation.

“When you join the cadets, you embrace the ethos of community spirit and contribute to society through physical and personal challenges, so hiking through the Perthshire countryside to help army veterans provides the ideal focus for our senior cadets. As they trek through the hills and paths of the Cateran Trail, walking alongside soldiers, veterans and their families, I have no doubt that the Yomp will provide our cadets with the experience of a lifetime, shaping lifelong memories and building their resilience, determination and sense of achievement.”

Harry Whiteley, Senior Events Manager (Challenges), Army Benevolent Fund, added, “We are delighted to be hosting the first ever Babcock Cadet Challenge, which allows us to welcome Army cadets to this amazing event for the first time, free of charge. We have no doubt that this year’s cohort will lay the foundations for hundreds of others to follow in their footsteps in the years ahead and ultimately position the Cateran Yomp as the leading cadet trekking event in the UK.”

James Innes, Head of Social Impact, Babcock International Group, said: “As headline sponsors of the Cateran Yomp we are proud to be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund. We are particularly excited that this year we are launching the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge where we are providing free entry to Cadets (including Army, Air, Sea, Police, Fire) along with £50 towards travel and matching the first £100 of funds raised. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

May 10, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

08 May 24. KastKing Contributes to Getting Wounded Warriors Back On the Water. The simple pleasure of casting into the water and connecting with a fish attracts millions of anglers to the thrill of the sport. It’s easy to take the sport and hobby we love for granted until a traumatic injury takes that opportunity away.

Such is the case with many wounded warriors and first responders harmed in the line of duty. Spinal cord or head injuries can leave them with limited or no use of their hands, arms, and legs.

Before their injuries, these wounded heroes may or may not have been avid anglers; however, veteran assistance groups, such as River Deep Foundation, recognize the restorative power of being outdoors and having a renewed empowerment to cast and retrieve a lure to catch a fish.

Through a collaborative effort with their non-profit alliance member organizations, River Deep Foundation works with vets with debilitating spinal cord and other traumatic injuries to offer outdoor family events, such as fishing, to assist in re-engaging in sport and adventure.

This is where Colorado University Graduate Engineering student, Connor Borshard, and the team of six other fellow engineering graduate students stepped in to help. A non-profit group called Quality of Life Plus issued a call for university STEM programs to create innovative technology solutions that improve the quality of life for injured veterans and first responders. Borshard’s team was drawn to a project aiding in the casting, catching, and reeling of fish for individuals who have little to no dexterity in their hands or upper limbs. Borshard and his team proposed and engineered a brilliant solution they’ve dubbed, the Adaptive Fishing Device.

In summary, the Adaptive Fishing Device holds a spin cast rod and reel in the vertical casting position above a firm tripod base. The device receives inputs from the user, such as the desired casting distance, then loads a set of torsion springs to bring the rod back while depressing the casting button of the reel. Once loaded, the device springs the rod tip forward while releasing the casting button and launching the lure toward the target.

As Borshard explains, “We wanted the device to be relatively portable, yet stable enough for different terrains. It weighs in at 36 pounds total weight and has a 15-minute setup by those providing assistance to the angler.”

There are two methods of casting with the Adaptive Fishing Device. For those with some fine motor dexterity remaining in their fingers, a joystick can be maneuvered back and forth to load the cast. If the angler is further limited with no movement in the arms, hands, and fingers, a sip or puff device can be utilized to provide casting inputs to initiate the cast with air pressure.

The notion of getting veterans and first responders back out into the therapeutic element of the outdoors struck a chord with Borshard, who in addition to being a graduate student, is also an active-duty U.S. Marine. Once his graduate studies conclude at Colorado University, he’ll enter the Marine Corps flight training program.

When KastKing President, Al Noraker, heard of the initiative by the CU Engineering team, he leaped at the chance to aid in the effort by donating six-foot KastKing Crixus spin cast rods and KastKing Brutus spin cast reels to be used with the Adaptive Fishing Device.

“I’ve been fortunate to witness the incredible transformation from those with extreme PTSD and debilitating traumatic injuries leading to severe depression,” remarks Noraker. “I’ve seen it in a 19-year-old wounded warrior to an older Vietnam vet and it’s truly amazing how a simple experience of catching a fish changes their whole demeanor in such a short time.”

Recalling the transformation struck an emotional chord with Noraker, as he added, “When you witness the difference that fishing can make to people who have lost almost everything in the service of their country; well, that’s why I’m involved and will continue to be well after I’ve retired.”

For those interested in learning more about or implementing the Adaptive Fishing Device, Quality of Life Plus will take ownership once the graduate team hands over the finished product.

06 May 24. Ex-military personnel losing out on six figures in under settled claims. Thousands of ex-military personnel could be owed six-figure lump sums for having previously under settled personal injury claims against the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Many soldiers’ careers end abruptly due to injuries that could have been prevented – commonly either noise-induced hearing loss or cold injuries.

It is beginning to dawn on increasing numbers of ex service personnel that they have significantly under settled claims due to the negligence of their former lawyers or professionals who have failed to take into account the long-term compensation ex service personnel are owed.

Under settlement of military claims is a common mistake and occurs for a variety of reasons. Usually, full consideration has not been given to the service person’s earning potential post-injury to include any change to their pension entitlement or other benefits. The financial consequences of under settled claims are wide reaching, ranging from the loss of a military career and military pension, military benefits and reduced earning potential in civilian life.

Many injured service personnel are now taking action against their former solicitors for having failed to settle their claim fairly. Figures showed that, in the last 5 years, over 4,000 military claims had been settled, only a small handful of which went to trial. This raises concern that some claimants may have been wrongly advised to under settle their claim in order to bring their matter to an end quickly.

If a claimant has concerns that their solicitor may have been negligent and their case may have been under settled, they usually have six years from the date of the negligence to issue a professional negligence claim at court. In certain circumstances that time scale can be extended, but it is recommended that anyone who is concerned that their case may have under settled seek independent legal advice as soon as possible.

Abigail Flanagan, partner at Hugh James Solicitors, explains: “It is often not until years later that ex-service personnel realise their claims were significantly undervalued by solicitors who did not understand the complexities of such compensation.

What may have seemed like a big lump sum at first does not in fact take into account the lifelong career they would have had in the military, were it not for their injury, and does not reflect the salary and benefits, including pension entitlement, that they would have accrued over the years.

We’re observing a growing number of cases among veterans who are becoming increasingly aware of their circumstances. This realisation often happens through conversations with fellow servicemen who have received substantially higher compensation. For many injured ex-soldiers, who may not have pursued alternative educational or vocational paths, the prospect of a financially challenging future looms. They find themselves in a limited job market and sometimes have to seek low-paying jobs with limited career prospects.”

Pursuing under-settled claims against a negligent solicitor could result in their being awarded significant compensation to reflect what they were entitled to when the claim was initially brought, making all the difference to their futures”.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

VETERANS UPDATE

April 12, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————-

11 Apr 24. Prime Minister and Veterans’ Minister announce ‘OP PROSPER’ to boost veterans’ employment. The Prime Minister will meet veterans, businesses and charities today to announce dedicated employment support service.

Prime Minister to meet veterans, businesses and charities today to announce dedicated employment support service
New funding will support veterans into high-skilled high-paid jobs
The Government commits to making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran

The Prime Minister will meet veterans and businesses today [Friday] at a Veterans Connect event at a military museum, where he will launch OP PROSPER- a wraparound employment service to support veterans into work after they leave the Armed Forces.

OP PROSPER will be backed by £2.1m in new funding. The scheme will support veterans in securing high paid jobs, where they can hone the skills that they developed in the military in key sectors that are helping to boost the economy. This includes areas like cyber and digital, manufacturing, energy and financial and professional services.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The courageous men and women who have served in our Armed Forces represent the very best of our country and we must serve them as well as they have served us. They deserve our full support to thrive in civilian life and to continue contributing their incredible skills to the prosperity of our country. That is why I am proud to announce OP PROSPER, which will support veterans in securing high-skilled roles in key sectors that are helping to grow the economy.”

The Prime Minister will be joined by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer today, to meet veterans and some of the leading employers of veterans in the UK, including Deloitte, Amazon and Centrica.

Veterans’ employment in the UK is at an all-time high, at 89%, but there is more we can do. OP PROSPER will build on the support already available and will improve awareness of the skills and talents of veterans among industry and employers, to encourage businesses to hire veterans.

The initiative will also provide wrap-around support to veterans and their families, delivered by experienced employability professionals. This will make sure that they are supported to go straight into new roles or take the next step in their existing career.

In 2022, the Government introduced a 12-month National Insurance relief for employers hiring veterans into their first role after service, which has been extended for another year. This tax incentive gives businesses potential savings of up to £6,200 per employee, while also allowing them to benefit from the fantastic skills and experience that veterans bring.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said: “Our veterans leave the military with an abundance of skills, and the tenacity and drive to continue achieving greatness. But for too long, too many have ended up in jobs that don’t fully harness their talents and abilities. That is why we’re introducing Op Prosper. By connecting veterans with employers, engaging industry bodies on the importance of hiring veterans, and strengthening their qualifications and skills, this Government will ensure more ex-servicemen and women are securing high quality and fulfilling employment. Hiring a veteran is one of the best business decisions a company can make, and OP PROSPER will help ensure this is realised by all employers across the country.”

The Government has committed to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans, providing an additional £33 million in funding to support veterans over the next three years, with a further £10m announced in the 2023 Autumn statement for veterans’ healthcare. In 2021, Op Courage was launched as a bespoke mental health support for veterans supported by professionals who are from or have experience of working with the military community, and over 30,000 veterans have used this service to date.

Earlier this year the government launched a new digital service enabling veterans to verify their veteran status and apply for a Veteran Card, streamlining the process to access veteran-specific support. Since the project launched, almost 100,000 Veteran Cards have been issued.

The Veteran Card provides veterans with a clear recognition of service, a tangible link to the Armed Forces, and allows them to easily verify their veteran status to access support and services from government, charities, and local authorities.

This government established the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to better coordinate veterans’ policy, bring together and improve our knowledge of veterans, and provide dedicated policy work on veterans. In October last year, the Government launched a consultation to gather views from veterans and intends to publish the first ever draft Veterans Bill outlining how we could legislate to ensure that the progress made in recent years to transform veterans’ care in this country is secured. With the Veterans’ Strategy at its core, this will maintain the momentum on our ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.

Chris Recchia, partner at Deloitte, lead for the firm’s Military Transition and Talent Programme and founder of the VeteransWork Employment Campaign, said:

At Deloitte, we’ve helped influence over 7,000 veterans’ transition journeys in the last 12 years, whilst helping to evolve the veteran narrative and make the UK the best place to be a veteran.

There are tangible benefits of having veterans in an organisation and making it a business imperative to do so, as they possess relevant transferrable skills, a positive attitude, resilience and an ability to make culture enhancing contributions not only here at Deloitte, but in the finance and professional services sector and the wider UK workforce.

James Cameron, CEO of Mission Community, said: “We are delighted to have been announced by the Prime Minister as one of the grant-awarded organisations for Op PROSPER leading on the delivery of sector initiatives. Building on the success of the Armed Forces engagement initiatives in Automotive and in Renewables, we welcome government reinforcement of our strategic work with trade bodies and leading companies making the commercial and social value case for Armed Forces community engagement. Since 2019, this top-down approach empowers industry as champions for this cause, helping us create a community of communities, supporting our veterans and their families by positively influencing the kinds of cultures and behaviours they will find within sectors.”

Alistair Halliday, Chief Exec, Forces Employment Charity, said: “We are excited that Op PROSPER supports us in developing and extending our specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment and work in partnership with hundreds of employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served and their families.”

Veterans and their families will be able to come to the Forces Employment Charity and receive free 121 support from our specialist career advisors to explore new job opportunities that will enhance success and prosperity for themselves and their families, regardless of their background or where they are based in the UK.

More information

If you are interested in developing an Armed Forces Engagement Strategy, or are an industry or professional body, please contact
If you are an employer who would like to learn more about Op PROSPER, please complete the Register your Interest form or email with any questions.
If you are a veteran or member of the military community and would like to learn more about Op PROSPER please register with Forces Employment Charity or call their Veteran Support Team on 0121 262 3058 (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

10 Apr 24. ‘Best Job Ever’: Embry‑Riddle’s SkillBridge Program Steers Military Vets Toward New Careers in Aviation Maintenance After serving nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Juan Teodoro Paredes was ready to embark on a new career, and he credits the AMT SkillBridge program at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University for helping him land his dream job.

Paredes, who in 2022 completed the SkillBridge program hosted by Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus, currently works for Air Methods Corporation as an aviation maintenance technician servicing Rady Children’s Hospital.

“Things couldn’t have worked out better,” said Paredes, who lives with his wife and four young children in Temecula, California. “This is the best job ever. It has allowed me the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my family and have a stable paycheck working within the aviation and medical community.”

The AMT SkillBridge program at Embry‑Riddle is a nine-week, full-time program designed to train and place students in aviation maintenance technician careers. Graduates earn an Aviation Maintenance Certificate (B-737). Students eligible for the program include military service members who are within six months of separation or retirement, plus recently transitioned veterans with an honorable discharge and military spouses.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Pardes had worked as a helicopter mechanic for most of his time in the Marines. After moving to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, he supported the Huey and Cobra helicopter programs, steadily progressing in his unit.

“I realized to get a well-paying job, you need your Airframe and Powerplant Certificate through the FAA,” he said. “My SkillBridge program instructor Dwayne Lewis motivated me and gave me the framework to go on to get my Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant certification.”

Lewis, who died in October 2023, was an Eagle for more than 20 years and was well-liked throughout the university, said Dr. Nicole Bier, assistant professor in the College of Aviation at Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus.

Paredes said Lewis took students on field trips to local aviation facilities and generously offered advice.

“I completed the process of obtaining my Airframe and Powerplant Certificate in under three weeks because of his encouragement,” said Paredes. “He definitely was a big motivating factor and took me under his wing to help me through the process.”

Looking back, Paredes said SkillBridge helped him find a new career path after the military.

“Embry‑Riddle provided me with the environment to pursue my goals to continue within aviation,” said Paredes.

Paredes’ story is not unique. For Renee Peaper, who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, the SkillBridge program was also crucial to transitioning into civilian life.

“I like the physical aspect of aviation maintenance, getting my hands dirty,” said Peaper, who worked in aircraft structural maintenance in the military.

She was also pursuing an Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance at Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus when she enrolled in Skillbridge. “It was a no-brainer.”

With a 17-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, she said she was even more excited when she realized she could do the program completely online from her home in Camden, South Carolina. She completed the program in March 2023. Next, she’s hoping to find an AMT job in Greenville, South Carolina.

Media Contact:

Melanie Stawicki Azam, Senior Communications Officer, News & Media Relations, Embry-Riddle, (386) 323.5092/

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Reporters worldwide contact Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for content experts in all aspects of aviation, aviation business, aerospace, engineering and STEM-related fields. Our faculty experts specialize in unmanned and autonomous systems, security and intelligence, air traffic and airport management, astronomy, human factors psychology, meteorology, spaceflight operations, urban air mobility and much more. Visit the Embry-Riddle Newsroom for story ideas.

————————————————————————-

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

April 5, 2024 by

Sponsored by SSAFA

https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————-

04 Apr 24. Inaugural SSAFA Cheltenham Raceday on Thursday 18 April 2024 is our inaugural Race Day at the fabulous Cheltenham Racecourse, with all proceeds going to support SSAFA’s work on behalf of the Armed Forces community in South West England.

Join us for lunch in the National Hunt Room and dine in the presence of the world-famous Gold Cup. Perfect for race goers who want a good meal, a great day of racing and to support our Armed Forces.

To book your seat at the table, click here: https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/april-meeting/tickets/#filteredby=ga&tab=day2

Or pay just £15 for parking and entry into the racecourse.

Enter the Promo Code ‘SSAFA2024’ when checking out, and the racecourse will donate £5 to SSAFA. Entry tickets available here.

————————————————————————-

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us

————————————————————————

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

VETERANS UPDATE

Protek Selected By Dutch Armed Forces

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE