Sponsored by SSAFA
https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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30 Jan 24. Sensor solutions specialist HENSOLDT UK, announced its ongoing commitment to supporting the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club (VIVSC), contributing to an extraordinary skiing experience for visually impaired veterans in Canazei, Italy every January. Funding events like the VIVSC ski trip is no small feat, and the support from HENSOLDT UK has been instrumental. Having provided £2,000 last year, the company donated £4,000 this year, sponsoring the attendance of four veterans. This contribution aligns with HENSOLDT UK’s dedication to the community and armed forces, earning them the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award. The annual ski trip, spanning over 45 years, has been transformative for blind and visually impaired veterans, offering confidence and freedom on the snow under the guidance of experienced volunteers. The visually impaired veterans have varying degrees of blindness, making the experience both challenging and rewarding. Guides, all ex-military unpaid volunteers, accompany blind skiers of all age groups, ensuring a safe and life-changing adventure.
Marc Condon, Head of Internationalisation at HENSOLDT Optronics, was honoured to join the trip, gaining firsthand insights, and beginning training as a potential guide for the blind skiers. Sharing his experience, Marc stated, “Guiding was the true highlight of my week. Each veteran has a guide assigned to them, there are also guides at the back acting as blockers to ensure no one gets too close. Those that are totally blind ski in front of the guide under direction using headsets and those with some visibility will follow. The trust here is absolute. And trust is the only thing that gets these amazing men and women from top to bottom in one piece.”
Arthur Bloomfield of the VIVSC added “Marc Condon seamlessly joined our trip, demonstrating outstanding empathy and a caring attitude. His ability to identify opportunities to assist and make the day easier for the blind veteran was second to none. As a club we are grateful for the help HENSOLDT has given us over the last two years and hopefully for years to come.”
Peter Dillon, Managing Director of HENSOLDT UK concluded “We are pleased to continue supporting the armed forces, veterans, and their families. This sponsorship reflects our dedication to corporate social responsibility and showcases our commitment to initiatives that positively impact individuals facing challenges.”
29 Jan 24. Veterans card rolled out to streamline access to services.
Thousands of Armed Forces veterans can now apply for their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card following the launch of the service.
- Veteran Cards application service opens today
- Thousands who left the forces before December 2018 eligible to apply
- Cards confirm veteran status and simplify access to support services
After months of testing, veterans who left the Armed Forces before December 2018 can verify their veteran status online with a new digital application service to receive a Veteran Card through the post. A paper-based application process is also available as an alternative to the digital system.
With around two million veterans in the UK, Defence Minister Andrew Murrison has welcomed the rollout of Veterans Cards, and the benefit it will have for the veterans community.
Minister for Defence People and Service Families, Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison, said:
It is essential that every veteran can quickly verify their status and easily receive the support they need and deserve.
These Veteran Cards illustrate our gratitude and appreciation for those who have proudly served this country, and the incredible sacrifices they have made.
The Veteran Card will provide veterans with a clear recognition of service, a tangible link to the Armed Forces, and allow them to easily verify their veteran status to access support and services from government, charities, and local authorities.
The Veteran Card service is being delivered by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), together with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, as part of the work to improve the support available for veterans. The Ministry of Defence OD has worked with the Government Digital Service One Login team to engage with thousands of veterans to build the systems needed to process large volumes of card applications accurately and securely.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, said:
I am committed to improving the support available to our former service personnel who we owe a huge debt of gratitude.
Today is a huge step forward in helping veterans to prove their service, enabling them to access support services more easily.
I would urge all veterans to apply for their Veteran Card, and use it to access the services, such as Veteran Railcards and specialist healthcare, they are entitled to.
The Veteran Card has already been provided to all service leavers as part of the discharge process with effect from 18 February 2019, and retrospectively to those who left on or after 17 December 2018.
To apply for a Veteran Card visit www.gov.uk/veteran-card
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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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
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