Veterans WORLDGOES DIGITAL

Issue 36Veterans WORLD

TIMELYmore frequent issues and information available to advisors and customers as soon as possible

REACHincrease the reach of the publication, by readers sharing digitally

Social Media platforms can be integrated with the publication

publication can be accessed via multiple platforms and devices

lower production and ongoing publishing costs

SOCIAL

MULTIACCESS

COSTEFFECTIVE

At Veterans UK we want to make sure that as many Serving Personnel, Veterans and their families are aware of the many kinds of support andadvice available to them, when they need it, and that it is up to date.

Veterans WORLD is now a fully digital publication, available as a PDF and via ISSUU, and will no longer be produced and distributed as a paper version. This and future digital versions can be accessed via GOV.UK . There are many benefits to a digital magazine and these are set out below. Additionally, instead of four issues a year, Veterans World will be now be issued six times a year, so we can publish more information about veterans services as quickly as possible.

If you previously received a paper copy, and we had your e-mail address on record, you will be sent a link to each new issue. If not, and you would like to receive a link, please send an e-mail to Veterans-UK-veteransworld@mod.uk to tell us if you are a Veteran or an Advisor and any organisation you are linked with, and we will add you to our distribution list.

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Veterans WORLDNovember 2015

4 News

6 Ride to the Wall event

8 DIY SOS transformderelict street into homesfor Veterans

11 Explore the Universe ofForces Charities

11 An Independent Voice

13 Have you served in theArmed Forces since 1975?

14 MOD’s JCCC launchesnew app and briefing films

16 Forward Assist

ContentS

While the publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, they can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions.No liability is accepted for omission or failure from any cause. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Veterans World.Professional advice should be sought before making any commitment to business transactions detailed within Veterans World. All advertisements are accepted only on thegrounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as anendorsement of the advertiser or the product by the publishers, their employees or agents. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readersand advertisers. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.

Veterans World is distributed to those who work in anadvisory role.To contact the Editor:Email: Veterans-UK-VeteransWorld@mod.uk

Want to make an editorial contribution?

Contributions are most welcome.To raise awareness of an initiative, scheme ororganisation that offers help, advice or support toveterans, contact the Editorial Team by email: Veterans-UK-VeteransWorld@mod.uk or by calling: 01253 338816.

For distribution enquiries:Email: Veterans-UK-VeteransWorld@mod.ukor call: 01253 338811.

For information relating to War Pension/AFCSclaims please call the Veterans UK Helpline: 0808 1914 2 18.

For advertising opportunities please Email: Veterans-UK-VeteransWorld@mod.uk.

© Crown copyright 2015The contents of this product may subject to Crown copyright. If you wish to reproduce any elements, either text or images, you must first contact DBS Design andProduction Services to establish if reproduction ispermissible and what terms of use may be available. Please note this may include the charging of fees.

The content of Veterans WORLD isprovided to raise awareness of help,advice and support available to theveterans community.

Publication of articles on servicesprovided or developments affectingthe veterans community does notmean that they are endorsed byVeterans WORLD or the Ministry ofDefence.

Armed Forces Charities

Editors:Janine BurnettKaren AwereSharon SeymourNatalie WildJoanne Lowe

Design/Layout:Kris Blacowfor Design & Production Services

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Pat Barraclough

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ride to the wall

“Forward Assist has beenwonderful, compassionateand full of empathy”11

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NEWSEntrepreneurs in the X-Forces network will now be ableto access free legal advice and expert guidance fromHarrison Clark Rickerbys via their legal advice helplinewithout charge.

The top 100 UK law firm, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, isbuilding on its role as a Corporate Member of X-Forces by extending support available to the X-Forces businesscommunity.

X-Forces business owners who are interested inaccessing this provision should email: info@x-forces.com for more details.

Dorset HealthCare has cometogether with representatives fromthe Armed Forces to sign aCorporate Covenant Pledge torecognise its commitment toenhancing the care available toveterans. The ex-Service communityliving in Dorset is estimated to bearound 89,000; therefore, the Pledgewill go a long way towardsproviding awareness to thoseveterans and their families of theservices available to them.

Andy Gritt, locality manager formental health at Dorset HealthCare,and trust lead for the Armed ForcesCommunity, said: “We have createda Transition Toolkit as returning tocivilian life presents uniquechallenges and many can find thisdifficult once the discipline androutine of the military is removed”.He went on to say: “We recognisethe huge value and contribution ofserving personnel, both Regular andReservists, veterans and militaryfamilies within our community.Every individual deserves to receivecare that will support andrehabilitate veterans and theirfamilies and this pledge marks ourmission to reach this goal.”

Jon Beake, regional employerengagement director for WessexReserve Forces’ and Cadets’Association added: “DorsetHealthCare’s public adoption andsigning of the Corporate Covenantdemonstrates their high levels ofemployer support towards defencepersonnel and their families.” Jonadded: “We value any employers’commitment, but Dorset Healthcarehas developed some far reachingpledges and we are keen to workwith them, and other Dorsetorganisations, to build furthersupport for mutual benefit.”

The Veterans’ Employment TransitionSupport (VETS) Programme is to belaunched in November. VETS is acoalition of partners including theMOD/Career Transition Partnership,Service charities and companies,such as Barclays, that have cometogether to share employmenttransition best practice. Manyemployers recognise the importanceof helping veterans find the right jobthat optimises their potential andenables them to transfer their uniqueskill sets into the commercialworkplace. The purpose of the VETSProgramme is to join up the efforts ofthe Government, the Military Charitysector and a number of specificemployers to improve the wideremployment outcome for veterans;therefore benefitting the individual,employers, the economy and societyas a whole. For further information go to:www.gov.uk

Employ-Able in Scotland

Poppyscotland’s‘Employ-Able’programmeoffers support topeople who are

living with mental health conditionsand need assistance to find or sustainemployment. People that are livingwith depression, anxiety and othermental health conditions can benefitgreatly from participating involunteering or moving into a workplacement or employment. ‘Employ-Able’ is available throughout Scotlandand offers one-to-one and groupsupport to develop a tailored pathwayto employment. SAMH (ScottishAssociation for Mental Health)Employment Advisors are aware ofhow health can impact the lives ofveterans and their families and canassist them to achieve their hopes andaspirations.

To find out more about ‘Employ-Able’call 0131 550 1568 or email:d.pringle@poppyscotland.org.uk

Dorset VeteransCommunityInitiative

Free Legal Advice for X-Forces Businesses

Employment Support pilot to belaunched

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NEWS

In the last edition of Veterans WORLDwe reported on the awarding of theCareer Transition Partnership contractto Right Management Ltd. Thiscontract commenced on 1 October2015 and will now provide a singleintegrated service. This means that allService leavers regardless of length ofService or reason for leaving will beentitled to resettlement support fromthe CTP.

A number of independentprogrammes will be brought togetherunder the new CTP contract whichwill be a great advantage to Serviceleavers by providing seamlesssupport through one point of contactrather than through a number ofdifferent organisations. The differentprogrammes that CTP will offer aspart of its new integrated provisionwill be:

Core Resettlement Programme –available to those who have servedmore than six years and all medicaldischarges (regardless of timeserved);

Employment Support Programme –available to those who have served

between four and six years;

Early Service Leaver Programme –available to those who leave beforethe four-year point or those who loseentitlement to other programmesbecause of a compulsory discharge.This support is delivered under thebrand of CTP Future Horizons;Specialist Support Programme – aspecialised career service to supportthe wounded, injured and sick toachieve a sustainable and fulfillingcareer, regardless of time served. Thisis known as CTP Assist.

The new contract also providesadditional elements which willinitially run as two-year trials:

Spouse Employment Support Trial– designed to offer employmentsupport for eligible Service partners;

Reservists Employment SupportTrial – eligible Reservists will beentitled to some job-finding support,regardless of whether they are incivilian employment or not.

For further information visit the CTPwebsite: www.ctp.org.uk

An inspiring new RemembranceCentre is to be constructed at theNational Memorial Arboretum inStaffordshire. The new centre is beingdeveloped as a result of theArboretum’s rapid growth inpopularity, its increased nationalsignificance and a desire to attractnew visitors. Dame Penelope Keith, amember of the Arboretum’sfundraising Appeal Council, assisted

by Sea Cadet Beth Molyneux, brokethe ground for the new constructionrecently in order for the project to becompleted by late 2016. The Centrewill inspire, inform and educate up to500,000 visitors per year, including upto 25,000 schoolchildren onorganised visits.

Visit www.thenma.org.uk for moreinformation.

John Wittingdale, the Secretary ofState for Culture, Media and Sport, hasopened the public ballot for tickets toattend the Battle of the Sommecentenary commemorative event inThiepval, France, next year. The ballotis open until 18 November 2015, theday the battle ended in 1916. Theevent will take place on 1 July 2016 atthe Commonwealth War GravesCommission Thiepval Memorial inNorthern France and will also betelevised in neighbouring towns andthroughout the UK. Given the level ofinterest in attending, this will be aticketed event. Applicants, who mustbe residents of the UK or Ireland, canenter online through the Somme 2016Ballot website at:www.Somme2016.org

Tickets are free, and will be distributedin pairs to successful applicants in2016. Unwanted tickets can bereturned once the ballot closes on 18November. Facilities will be in place forattendees with disabilities.

In order to enter the ballot it isimportant to remember the followingkey points:

• You must be a resident of the UK or Ireland,

• You must hold a valid passport and provide proof to the Organisers on request,

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or over, as of 1 July 2016,

• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult in order to enter the event.

The event will be led by theDepartment for Culture, Media andSport, on behalf of the UKGovernment, and the French Missiondu Centenaire de la Premiere Guerremondiale, on behalf of the FrenchGovernment, in partnership with theCommonwealth War GravesCommission and The Royal BritishLegion.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)Contract Commences

Ballot open forSomme CentenaryCommemorations

Ground broken at National Memorial Arboretum

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The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’syear-round centre of Remembrance; a spirituallyuplifting place which honours the fallen,recognising their service and sacrifice. It is abeautiful and lasting tribute to those who servetheir country, die in conflict or have a specialreason for being remembered.

‘Ride To The Wall’ is a unique motorcycling fundraisingride with a dedicated service of remembrance. Theevent provides an opportunity for all motorcyclists toride as an organised group to the National MemorialArboretum in Staffordshire to pay their respects andrecognise the sacrifice made by the Servicemen andwomen whose names are engraved on The Wall of theArmed Forces Memorial. It has raised over £320,000since the first ride in 2008.

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), who are part ofVeterans UK, had a stand in the Veterans Village withTeresa Kokiet and Derek Hughes from theKidderminster office on hand to offer advice toveterans and their families.

Teresa and Derek explain: “The event was extremelywell attended and the Arboretum was filled with the

sound of thousands ofbikes as they rode tothe wall. The event wasvery colourful with themany flags displayedfrom bikers. Wemanaged to hear a littlebit of the service whichwas emotional andmoving and broughtthe crowd to standstill.

“After the service, thecrowd spilled out to theVeterans Village wherethe VWS stand waslocated. Lots of peoplecame over to ourdisplay, some simplytook away leaflets andinformation, othersstayed and shared theirstories with us.

“One young man, whohad experienced thetrauma of war, sharedwith us his very movingjourney since he leftthe Armed Forces. He

had become homeless and lost everything dear tohim. He is now in a better place, and wanted to saythanks, and seek reassurance and positivity from theVWS staff on the stand. He mentioned the wonderfulservice he received from his Welfare Manger, Anne DaRocha, and praised the work that the VWS does tosupport veterans. We heard similar moving storiesfrom other veterans we had helped.

“Visitors to the stand who hadn’t heard about thework of Veterans UK and the VWS have gone awaywith information on how we can help them. “

Ride to the Wall3 October saw an estimated 20,000 motorcyclists converge at the NationalMemorial Arboretum for this year’s Ride to the Wall event.

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“The crowd was addressed by the Chaplin, and all fellsilent for the last post. Thousands of poppies weredropped from a Tiger Moth plane which was a beautifuland moving colourful display. This was a poignantmoment when all fell silent. The end of the service wasmarked by the stirring sound of the Dire Straits song,“Brothers In Arms” , bringing a sense of comradeship andunity.

“An amazing display from the Royal Signals WhiteHelmets took place in the morning.

We were blessed with good weather, and the mood ofthe crowd was light and friendly; people gathered on thelawns and shared picnics with friends and family. Thewhole of the Veterans Village was a busy place and attimes we had quite a crowd round us! The event was aninvaluable opportunity to publicise to veterans,including Service Personnel attendees, of the work we atVWS do. It was a special day, held in a movingenvironment, and people came from all corners of the UKto share and remember those that had gone before andpay their respects.”

“A spiritually uplifting placewhich honours the fallen”

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The BBC television programme, DIY SOS, took ontheir largest project yet in September this year. Theteam, in partnership with Manchester City Council,local housing groups and charities Walking with theWounded and Haig Housing, have transformed apartially derelict street in East Manchester into newhomes for Veterans.

DIY SOS rely mainly on volunteers, both skilled in tradesand those willing to help out generally, to give theirtime and services, free of charge, to make the projectsthey take forward a success.

As this particular project was for Veterans, particularlythose who have been injured, physically and mentally,as a result of their service in the Armed Forces, staff atVeterans UK were eager to get involved.

Over 30 staff from Veterans UK, who as part of DefenceBusiness Services (DBS) administer the Armed ForcesCompensation Scheme, the War Pension Scheme andthe Armed Forces Pension scheme, gave their time andwere set to work gardening, clearing rubble, shiftingbricks and sweeping up the site. Others helped bykeeping the various trades people, who had alsovolunteered, supplied with endless cups of tea,

sandwiches and moral support, as they worked into thenight to try to finish the project on time.

Members of the Armed Forces also volunteered.Sapper Anthony Gaunt, a reserve soldier in the RoyalEngineers, said: “I came down with the aim of doing abit each day but I’m now sleeping at the local TerritorialArmy (TA) centre so I can get as many hours in aspossible – this project will have a massive effect on theVeterans who get these homes and I’m more thanhappy to help.”

The vast majority of Service personnel leave service andgo on to succeed on their return to civilian life, andaround 84 per cent of those who look for work are infull-time employment within six months of leaving theArmed Forces. But there are a small number whostruggle, which is why the Government has a widerange of support schemes in place. Under the ArmedForces Covenant, councils give preference to veteranswith urgent housing needs, and give seriously injuredveterans high priority for social housing.

The DIY SOS initiative complements this work andincludes homes that have been specially renovated andadapted for veterans who have lost limbs. One of the

DIY SOS

veterans who will be moving into one of the homes withhis family is Lamin Mennah, who lost both his legs andone of his arms in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving withthe Irish Guards. He said, “I’m really excited about thisproject and very grateful for all who have got involved –it’s a dream come true for me and this house will give methe opportunity to take a more active role in my familylife and with my children”.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Cambridge andPrince Harry gave the project the royal seal of approvalwhen they visited the site and met the volunteers. Theygot involved, lending a hand with painting, layingpaving and chatting to the volunteers and the veterans.

Bobb Newman, works as a Compensation SchemeCaseworker at Veterans UK, volunteered on site for anumber of days. He summed up the feelings of many ofthose who worked on the project when he said;“Giving my time and effort to this was the least I could doto show my respect and gratitude to the men andwomen of the Armed Forces, whose dedication andcourage keep us safe and secure”.

“Giving my time and effort tothis was the least I could do toshow my respect and gratitudeto the men and women of theArmed Forces, whosededication and courage keepus safe and secure”.- Bobb Newman, Veterans UK

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Have you seen Veterans UK on GoV.UK?You can find us at:

www.gov.uk/veterans-uk

Veterans UK Helpline 0808 1914 2 18.

We welcome your feedbackPlease email: veterans-uk@mod.uk

or visit us at: www.gov.uk/veterans-uk

Whether you want information about how to apply for a medal, or need more urgent assistance as a veteran in a crisis,

the Veterans UK webpages have information to help you.

What do you think?

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Do you know what Fishing for Heroes does? Howabout Surf Action? These are just two of the 2,200Armed Forces Charities out there which are set up tohelp serving and ex-Service personnel and theirfamilies. This new project, from the Directory ofSocial Change, helps you to navigate the ArmedForces charity sector through an online searchfacility comprising of information fromthousands of Armed Forces charities.

With so many charities out there, it can behard to know where to start. If you’re aveteran or still serving in the Forces,knowing what provisions exist and how toapply for support can be a daunting task.Equally, for charities and organisations,trying to find other charities to work withcan be very difficult. Fortunately, all thehard work has now been done for you andall the information you need is availableonline for free.

This new website is an independent anddedicated Armed Forces charity resource,providing clarity and direction throughthe sector. If you are a past or presentserving member of the UK Armed Forces, afamily member or dependant, or if yourepresent an organisation working withthe UK Armed Forces, then this newproject is tailored for you. It’s also there tohelp other people interested in the sector

such as policy makers and journalists. Individuals can use the web resource to search forArmed Forces charities that provide welfare support andgeneral advice. Organisations can use the web resourceto search for specific charities that could potentiallyprovide grants or complementary services to yourorganisation. You can also use it to understand the typeof charity provision in your area or to make contact withother charities that share your vision.

The Directory of Social Change is an independentcharity with a vision of an independent voluntarysector at the heart of social change. Our Armed ForcesCharities project continues to provide the clarity andguidance for Armed Forces charities to deliver socialchange for UK veterans.

ContactDirectory of Social ChangePhone 0151 7020164Web: www.armedforcescharities.org.ukTwitter: @forcescharities

Explore the Universe of Forces Charities

The website offers a fully-searchabledatabase with details of over 2,200 ArmedForces Charities in the UK.

This ongoing research project is beingcarried out by the Director of SocialChange (DSC), and is funded by the Forcesin Mind Trust (FIMT).

The universe of the Armed Forces Charitiesin the UK comprises a wide range oforganisations with different charitableobjects, activities, operating models andbeneficiary groups.

New Website detailing 2,200 Armed Forces Charities is now available

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Formerly known as the War Pensions Committees, theVA&PCs advise and liaise with veterans, their familiesand relevant organisations on their needs, issues andconcerns. They assist, raise awareness, act asadvocates and champion the rights of veterans. Thereare 13 VA&PC regions across the UK. Each regionalVA&PC is made up of a Chairman and between 12 and20 unpaid volunteer members, drawn from a cross-section of the local community with a genuineinterest in furthering the support available toveterans and their families.

Here is a brief outline of their responsibilities:

• Assisting veterans within each region to move into civilian life, ensuring independence and integrity.

• Advising the Minister of State for Defence Personnel and Veterans and reviewing government initiatives about the veterans’ community.

• Communicating veterans’ welfare concerns and issues to MPs, the Veterans Welfare Service, local authorities and the health sector, the Media, The Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO) and various other organisations.

• Developing relationships with local and national charities to support and enhance the assistance they provide.

• Working with, supporting and advising various sectors and organisations with implementing the principles of

the Armed Forces Covenant and Community Covenantto ensure best practice.

• Liaising closely with Veterans UK to offer and assist individuals with independent pensions and compensation advice and representation.

The VA&PCs work closely with Veterans UK and twice ayear they host a Chairman’s conference that is attendedby the Head of Veterans UK, Jon Parkin. The Conferenceis a chance for the VA&PC Chairs to get together anddiscuss any current or emerging issues that may affectthe Veterans communities in their respective areas, andto share best practice.

This year the conference was opened and attended bythe Minister of State for Defence Personnel and Veterans,Mark Lancaster, who said, “The VA&PC’s make anenormous contribution and are a really good example ofa more collaborative approach between volunteerorganisations and the public sector”.

Veterans can get contact details for their localCommittee by calling the Veterans UK Helpline on 08081914 2 18 or by visiting:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-advisory-and-pensions-committees-x13/about

An Independent VoiceThe Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VA&PCs) are an independent voice here tohelp and support ex-Servicemen and women, whenever or wherever they served.

An Independent VoiceIf so, it’s possible that you have an unclaimedpreserved pension, that is payable at age 60 or 65. If you think you may be entitled to a preservedpension, the following information may help you tounderstand if you may qualify.

The two Armed Forces Pension Schemes that you mayqualify under are AFPS 75 and AFPS 05.

• AFPS 75 pension benefits are based on rank and length of Service. This scheme was in place for individuals who joined between 6 April 1975 and 5 April 2005. Pensions are payable at age 60 for service prior to 6 Apr 2006 and at age 65 for service after this date under this scheme. Benefits payable at age 65 under this scheme can be paid at age 60, with a deduction made for early payment.

• AFPS 05 pension benefits are based on length of Service and the best 365 days of Final Pensionable Earnings in the last three years of service. This scheme was in place for those who joined on or after 6 April 2005. However, personnel who were in service on this date who were members of AFPS 75, were given the option to transfer to AFPS 05. Pensions are normally paid at age 65 under this scheme unless an application is made to have them paid early at an actuarially reduced rate.

There are some differences between the schemes thatcover both retired benefits and dependents benefits. To find out more about the benefits please visit GOV.UKand search for Armed Forces and Reserve Forces pensionschemes guidance booklets.

Before 6 April 1975 there was no provision for thepayment of preserved pensions and Service personnelwho left the Armed Forces had to have either:

• completed 16 years service from age 21 if they were an Officer or;

• completed 22 years service from age 18 if they were Other ranks.

before they qualified for pension benefits, unless theyleft the Services on invaliding terms, for which separaterules apply. Those who left before that date withoutcompleting the above criteria lost all pensionentitlement.

From 6 April 1975 pensions could be preserved forpayment at age 60 for all those who left the service andat the time were over the age of 26 with a minimum offive years service.

On 31 March 1978 the age criteria was removed and on 6April 1988, the qualifying period was reduced from fiveto two years.

Preserved pensions have to be claimed at age 60 (or atage 65 for service after 6 April 2006). However, you canclaim your preserved pension sooner if you becomepermanently incapable of any form of full timeemployment before reaching your preserved pensionage.

If you think you are entitled to an Armed Forces Pensionthat you have not yet claimed, you can do so bycompleting and returning a paper copy of form AFPS 8which can be found by visiting GOV.UK and searching forAFPS Preserved Pension Claim form. Details of where toreturn it to are included on the form.

Have you served in the Armed Forces since 1975?

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The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty andCompassionate Centre (JCCC) has launched a mobileapp and two briefing films to help Service personneland their families access their services.

The JCCC provide a focal point for casualtyadministration and notification and requests forcompassionate travel (for those personnel servingoverseas) in respect of members of the British ArmedForces. The JCCC, part of Defence Business Services (DBS),is based in Gloucestershire and is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In order to help Service personnel and their familiesaccess accurate information quickly in an emergency, theMOD ICE app has been developed and two short filmsproduced – one for Service personnel and one forfamilies – to explain more about the JCCC services.

Once downloaded to a mobile phone or device, the MODICE app provides a very simplistic ‘click and call’ facilitythat will direct the user to the most appropriateorganisation that can help them if or when they are facedwith a family emergency.

When emergencies occur, the JCCC is there 24/7, 365days a year to take immediate action for the Serviceperson and their families. The app, which will runalongside the JPA P001 card, guides the user to thecorrect point of contact, even if the emergency is to bemanaged outside of JCCC’s remit, for example by Servicewelfare or a charity partner.

The MOD ICE app is now available to download byService and MOD personnel visiting the ‘DefenceGateway’ website. Service personnel can login using theirdetails. The user will need to visit ‘Defence Gateway’ onthe mobile device that they wish to host the app. Theycan then repeat the action with the relevant devices offamily members and the app can be downloadedmultiple times from the same ‘Defence Gateway’ account.

Once it has been downloaded, the Service person’sname, rank and service number, together with the mostrelevant welfare officer’s details are entered into the app.It can be used by both the Service person and their widerfamily at any time of day or night – whenever it isneeded.

Alongside the new app, DBS has produced two shortfilms to highlight JCCC’s work, the types of supportprovided and to explain some key actions personnelshould take now to update Joint PersonnelAdministration (JPA) system and make a Will. Both filmsare introduced by the Chief of Defence Staff, General SirNicholas Houghton, who encourages all personnel andtheir families to watch them and take the actionsrecommended. One film is aimed directly at Servicepersonnel with the other more relevant to their families.

The Service Personnel film is presented by popular BBCpresenter Ellie Harrison and explains the role of JCCC andthe services provided. It details what happens if a Serviceperson becomes a casualty, or a fatality, the role of aCasualty Notifying Officer and Visiting Officer,information about the Dangerously Ill Forwarding ofRelatives (DILFOR) process and the support JCCC

MOD’s JCCC launches new app and briefing films

“The role that the JCCC undertakes in Defenceis a key part of the Military Covenant. ServicePersonnel must be confident that there is adedicated organisation providing immediatesupport, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toall in uniform and their loved ones, should anincident occur.

To ensure everyone who is involved in anemergency are given the care and attentionneeded, it is important you know what youmust do: keep your Emergency Contact andNext of Kin details on JPA up to date and makeand maintain a current Will.

I encourage the Armed Forces community towatch the JCCC Briefing Films and downloadthe ‘MOD ICE’ App.”

- Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach

provides during a family emergency. The film explainsthe important difference between an EmergencyContact – which is a personal choice - and Next of Kin,which is a spouse or blood relative. The film alsohighlights how it is essential to make a Will and ensureall these details are accurately recorded on JPA.

The families’ film is presented by adventurer andbroadcaster Ben Fogle. It highlights similar issues to theService personnel film but focuses on informationspecifically relevant to families, including encouragingfamilies to make sure theservice person hasupdated JPA and madea Will.

Both films explainhow to contact theJCCC, use of the JPAP001 card and theMOD ICE app.

The films can beviewed byvisitingwww.gov.ukand searchingfor “JCCC”.

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FAMILIES BRIEF

Joint Casualty andCompassionate CentreFAMILIES BRIEF

Joint

Cas

ualty

and

Com

pass

iona

te C

entre

Joint Compassionate and Casualty Centre

Families BriefFor the families of all our Armed Forces Personnel When families experience incidents at home while loved ones are

serving overseas it is very important that everyone is aware of the

process in place that can facilitate their immediate return home.This short Families Brief is to explain the role the Joint Casualty

and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) undertakes 24 hours a day,

7 days a week, 365 days a year to help families when incidents

occur involving Service Personnel or someone at home. For further information contact:Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre

Imjin BarracksGloucesterGL3 1HWTel: 01452 519951Email: dbs-jcccgroupmailbox@mod.ukProduced by:Ministry of Defence Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre

and Defence Business Services Design and Production Services

with Mr Ben Fogle

Duration: 14:42 mins©UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2015

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The journey fromsoldier to citizen canbe difficult for some.That’s why ForwardAssist, a North Eastbased charity ishelping

ex-Servicemen and women who’ve hit rock bottom.

Forward Assist offers practical support and guidance asthey adjust physically and mentally to life as a civilian. Thecharity involves veterans in projects to benefit theindividual and the wider community.

With a team of six full-time staff, five being ex-military,Forward Assist offers vocational skills training, includingthe acquisition of accredited qualifications and life-changing opportunities.

It was founded by former Royal Marine Tony Wright, nowthe Chief Executive Officer. Tony explains: “We believethat active citizenship smooth that rocky path fromsoldier to citizen.

“We aim to give veterans the opportunity to becomecommunity champions and put their skills to use, forexample, in our community benefit projects.

“Forward Assist has been able to assist veterans and otherdisadvantaged groups engage in activities that improvethe mental and physical wellbeing of both parties. As aresult, veterans gain the respect of the civiliancommunity therefore improving their own self-esteem,confidence, social networks and future employmentprospects.”

Forward Assist also delivers projects to improve socialinclusion and future employability. The initiatives includea communication skills project with Newcastle Universitystudents who taught veterans British Parliamentarydebating skills. The ten-week course culminated in aVeterans Debate which was judged by MPs. The students and veterans toured the Palace ofWestminster and watched debates in both Houses. Theyalso attended a private select committee, hosted bysupporter Dave Anderson MP. Veterans asked RoryStewart MP and Dan Jarvis MP about their transition tocivilian life.

In 2011, Tony Wright was funded by The Winston ChurchillMemorial Trust to spend six weeks researching veteransupport services in the USA. He established a UK-USVeterans Exchange Programme with exchange visits in2013 and 2014. A third is planned later this year.

Other initiatives include a veterans angling academy;horticulture project; annual football tournament;employability project with Sunderland Football Club;

mentor training course in HMP Northumberland (thirteenveterans in custody gained an accredited qualification);listed building renovation project and specialistmountain climbing cadre with veterans of all agesworking towards a Single Pitch Award climbingqualification.

Forward Assist has also delivered several creative writingand photography courses and the ‘Cook2Give’ teamregularly cook a free, three course meal for veterans aged70 years plus.

With ‘Starbucks’, the team designed a unique project forsix unemployed veterans to train as coffee baristas. Thetwo week placement included personal tuition, CV skillsand mock interviews. Three previously homeless andunemployed veterans were offered jobs with the chainand it’s hoped to roll out the project nationally.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Tony. “We really do make adifference…in so many ways.”

www.forward-assist.com

FORWARD ASSIST

After twenty-four years in the Royal Navy, PatBarraclough struggled with the transition to civilian lifeand in 2014 was referred to Forward Assist by the NHSVeterans’ Wellbeing Group.

He says: “Forward Assist has been wonderful,compassionate and full of empathy. They have helpedme to get my fitness back through regular gymsessions, swimming and outdoor activities such asarchery, sailing, angling, climbing and hill walking.

“As a result, I have gained an accredited qualification infootball coaching, safeguarding and first aid. I’m alsotraining to become a Veteran Specific ForgivenessProject Mentor and have taken part in an exchange visitto the USA organised by the charity...outstanding! "

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