Category: News

Veterans, their partners and spouses, and children will be offered specialist support as part of plans to lead economic recovery in the M3 region by growing a skilled population in digital enterprises (including medical technology and gaming), sustainable construction and low carbon, and space and satellite industries.

This help comes as part of an exciting new initiative created by Enterprise M3 Initiative (EM3) and funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) with the European Social Fund.

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity is the chosen delivery partner for the exciting new project with the Local Enterprise Partnership. It will provide support in areas that correspond to the route of the M3 motorway, which includes nine Military Bases, predominantly army, and an estimated 26,370 military and civilian personal working at those bases. The main areas covered include Aldershot, Winchester, Salisbury, Andover, Pirbright and Sandhurst.

A combination of practical employment support, accredited training, corporate mentoring, and work experience is offered to participants to provide the best possible routes to accessing sustainable employment in emerging technologies and peripheral sectors.

To deliver the programme to offer the best opportunities and outcomes for participants, RFEA will work with a range of partners. These include Building Heroes, TechVets, University of Winchester and X-Forces.

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of RFEA says, “The skills needed for a career in the Armed Forces make ex-Servicemen and women an incredible addition to the civilian workforce, but veterans, as well as their families, can face a unique set of challenges that can sometimes make it difficult to fully make the most of their potential. We fully understand that at RFEA, which is why we are committed to supporting ex-Forces, and their loved ones, to find long-term, meaningful jobs outside of the military. We have an outstanding track record of providing excellent 1-1 support to our clients, to ensure they have everything they need to showcase the value and relevance of their experience to civilian employers. By doing so, we bring about life-changing transformations for thousands of veterans, and their families, every year. We are extremely excited to have been selected as the delivery partner for the EM3 project and grateful to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) with the European Social Fund for their generous funding. We are looking forward to working with some fantastic partners to make a big impact with this next phase of our work.”

Karen Jefford, Chief Operation Officer from Building Heroes adds, “We provide Military veterans and their families with a unique opportunity to rapidly train and gain recognised qualifications for a new career in construction. With our dedicated support, we ensure our beneficiaries have a much higher chance of success leading to positive outcomes and progression in employment, self-employment, or further training. By working with RFEA on the EM3 project, we are really looking forward to driving sustainable construction and low carbon to pave the way for future generations.”

James Murphy, Director of TechVets, comments, “As a veteran who made the move into a digital career myself, I know just how fulfilling the industry can be. I am delighted to be working on this new initiative to help other ex-Servicemen and women, as well as their loved ones, realise their potential in this area.”

Stella McKnight, Dean of Apprenticeships and Director for Help to Grow Management from the University of Winchester, says “An ability to learn and be trained are essential components of a Military career, so we are thrilled to be joining this project with RFEA to support the continued learning of veterans and their families as they embark on the next stage of their career journey. The University of Winchester is widely recognised for its commitment to being an Armed Forces-friendly employer, and our support of the wider forces community and of the families of military personnel, so this is a fantastic opportunity to share our expertise.”

Martin Wing, executive Chairman for X-Forces Enterprise concludes, “The Military community has so much to offer to the commercial world of work and careers are often multifaceted. We can’t wait to get started to help those individuals understand the self-employment landscape and the opportunities they can take advantage of to shine!”

For more information about EM3 visit: rfea.org.uk/our-programmes-partnerships/em3/

Two of the UK’s largest and most respected military charities intend to combine their employment-related work, beginning an exciting new chapter in their history.

The Officers’ Association (OA) and RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity (RFEA) are working together to create a single charity to provide exceptional career support to all Service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their families throughout the UK, whatever their circumstances, rank, length of service, or reasons for leaving.

The new organisation will be called Forces Employment Charity, reflecting the purpose and heritage of the two constituent organisations. Founded in 1920 and 1885 respectively, the OA and RFEA both enjoy royal patronage, and provide support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and veterans, as well as their families, acting as a bridge between the military and the civilian world of work. Between them, the charities helped over 25,000 ex-military personnel in 2021.

Historically, the OA has existed to help officers, and the RFEA has supported veterans and Service leavers of all ranks. Whilst having a different focus, both organisations are driven by a desire to achieve the best outcomes for their beneficiaries. This objective will underpin the new charity’s direction, building on the individual successes of the OA and RFEA, and turbocharging the two organisations’ work to continue transforming the lives of military personnel for the next century and beyond.

Forces Employment Charity will be headquartered in Mountbarrow House, London, and led by Alistair Halliday, current Chief Executive of RFEA, and the new Board of Trustees will be comprised of trustees from both charities. Ben Farrell MBE, a current trustee of the OA, will be appointed the new Chairman of Trustees. The OA Presidents and RFEA Vice Patrons will also lend their considerable experience.

The OA’s CEO, Lee Holloway, will continue to run the OA’s grants and welfare services to officers and their dependents.

Ben Farrell (Chairman designate of Forces Employment Charity) said “The rationale of combining the employment capabilities of both existing charities is clear, and will lead to an improved offering to all beneficiaries who can look forward to an unprecedented level of support from Forces Employment Charity. We are completely committed to continuing the OA and RFEA’s current programmes, retaining the advantages of having a bespoke service for the Officer Corps, and delivering all existing contracts to the highest standards. The charities’ staff will also be given the opportunity to play their part in this new strategy, with all employment and directly relevant support staff carrying over into the new organisation.  Lee Holloway’s contribution to the OA over the last eight years has been immense, and we all wish him the very best for the future.”

Alistair Halliday (Chief Executive designate of Forces Employment Charity) said “The creation of this new charity is motivated by a desire to maximise outcomes for beneficiaries, who will enjoy unrivalled access to employment services of the highest quality. We believe that veterans and Service personnel of all ranks have a range of skills that make them well placed to thrive in the public or private sector. It is our responsibility to help them realise their potential. This is an exciting new chapter for everyone connected with the OA and RFEA, and I am confident that Forces Employment Charity will build on the excellent work of both charities, and has a bright future ahead.”

Lee Holloway (Chief Executive Officer of the OA) said “This combination is a partnership of equals, and will benefit military personnel of all ranks, including officers, who will see their support enhanced through access to a wider range of programmes, such as Military Women and Partners programmes, Project Nova and Ex Forces Employment. Having been the CEO of the OA for the past eight years, I have every confidence that future generations of officers needing employment support will be better served than ever before.”

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity will now be able to offer even more employment support to Military spouses and partners (including separated, divorced, widowed and overseas) looking to take the next step in their career, thanks to a new expansion of its services.

The Families Programme has already enrolled almost 700 partners and spouses through its existing careers support provision. Delivered by a team of specialist Families Employment Advisors, the service currently offers career diagnostics, help with job searches, CV reviews, interview preparation and technique, mentoring, confidence and self-esteem building opportunities, and wider needs advice including signposting to welfare and wellbeing support. From March 2022 the programme will be extending its services to provide help to those interested in pursuing careers in tech and cyber through RFEA’s TechVets programme, as well as offering new coaching sessions that will be available to book for free.

The announcement comes as the charity’s unique Families programme celebrates its three-year anniversary and will be marked with a one-off Families special of its regular Careers Sitrep event.

The free event will be live-streamed on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook on 4^th Feb 2022 (which also coincides with RFEA’s 137^th birthday) from 1430-1530.

It will focus on the unique challenges that military spouses and partners face, as well as include a discussion around where those looking for employment can go for tailored support. The panel will include:

• Lee Johnston, RFEA Families Employment Advisor
• Jenna Richardson, Employment and Training Specialist and Forces Families Jobs Lead at Army Families Federation (AFF)
• Former RFEA Families Programme client, Jenny Monaghan, Marketing and Events Coordinator at HEROPRENEURS
• Host, RFEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Alistair Halliday

Research has shown that Military spouses say ‘the effect on their career’ is the aspect of Service life that they feel most negatively about.[1]

Lee Johnston, RFEA Families Employment Advisor and Military spouse comments, “The Families Programme Advisors are all partners of Serving personnel, so we each have a first-hand understanding of the issues our clients face. For instance, frequent moves to often isolated locations, as well as a lack of social support and existing employment networks available to tap into, can all be challenges that hit Military spouses and partners particularly hard. The pandemic has also added an additional level of complexity, as many of the roles that offered the flexibility that is so important to our clients, such as those in hospitality or retail, have all been hugely disrupted. The good news is that there is help and other options available, and RFEA is there to support people with finding an opportunity that is right for them. Everyone has skills and the key is recognising what they are and how they can be transferred to a role.”

“I am so proud of every spouse and partner that has signed up for the Families Programme to achieve their goals, whether they be big or small, short term or long term, to do with finding that big job or helping improve their confidence and getting the guidance they need to make a change. This doesn’t feel like a job for me because I am so passionate about providing the guidance and support that our clients deserve. We will continue to offer our support but also increase our reach, so we can access every spouse and partner that needs our help.”

Jenna Richardson, Employment and Training Specialist and Forces Families Jobs Lead at Army Families Federation (AFF) adds, “Life as a Military partner or spouse can bring many challenges, but with those challenges comes a range of excellent skills, such as resilience, adaptability and problem-solving. These skills are highly sought after by employers, so we build that bridge between job seekers and employers, to help put those great skills to good use through fulfilling jobs or training opportunities. The RFEA Families Programme provides such an important source of support for Military partners, and we receive great feedback from the service users who engage with us after using it. I’m not exaggerating when I say that for many members of this community, the support offered by the team is life-changing.”

Military spouse Jenny Monaghan sought support from RFEA’s Families Programme and has since secured the role of Marketing and Events Coordinator at Heropreneurs. She says,

“My biggest challenge was the lack of confidence I had on returning to work after being on maternity leave and out of employment for two years. My CV was out of date, and I was struggling to find a job that would fit in around our military lifestyle/family. I was so anxious about returning to work but my advisor, Lee, gave me the confidence to pursue the career I have always wanted.

“She completely understood my concerns, given her military background, and empathised with my situation. She really listened (which was so refreshing), helped give me the tools to give my CV an overhaul and adapt to the job I was applying for. Not only was she my personal cheerleader when I was feeling nervous for my interview, but she gave me everything I needed to prepare for it.’

“Not only did I get a job that I’m so passionate about, but my mental health has significantly improved. This is something I never thought would be possible, but my confidence is going from strength to strength. I’m so excited for what our future holds.”

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[1] Ministry of Defence: UK Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey Results 2021 (July 2021)

New research by RFEA shows veterans lack confidence in the skills their military experience can bring to the civilian workforce.

Around 15,000 people leave the UK Armed Forces every year,[1] having developed highly specialist and sought-after skills during their Forces career. Yet, after serving their country, many find it hard to recognise what could attract them to an employer now they are a civilian.

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, has carried out new research[2] which shows veterans are often too critical of themselves – lacking confidence in the skills their military experience has equipped them with and underestimating their potential as a result.

“This can lead to some individuals instantly disqualifying themselves from employment opportunities in which they could well have thrived.”

The findings showed:

• 1 in 3 veterans (33%) struggle to identify their relevant skills and articulate them during an interview
• 2 in 5 veterans (40%) would like guidance on how to better recognise the transferable skills they have
• 1 in 3 veterans (33%) say they’d like help improving confidence levels around what they can ‘bring to the table’
• 1 in 3 veterans (33%) say they would like help with funding for training and other career development opportunities
• 1 in 3 veterans stated that they faced a lack of understanding amongst employers/ colleagues about how veterans’ skills from active duty and/ or Military qualifications translate into a business environment

Meanwhile, a third (33%) of those involved in making hiring decisions said that they would value additional information regarding the transferable skills and attributes that veterans can bring to the non-military workforce. Promisingly, 1 in 4 (25%) also stated that they would like more information on how hiring veterans can make good business sense and improve diversity in the workforce.

The charity asked employers and veterans to name the skills/ attributes that ex-Servicemen and women bring to the civilian workforce and found significant differences in what the two groups had to say:

• 47% of civilians said veterans bring teamwork skills compared to only 31% of veterans
• 50% of civilians thought veterans offer self-discipline to the workforce vs only 34% of veterans
• 47% of civilians regarded veterans as being reliable, whereas only 33% of veterans suggested ex-Forces had this attribute
• 43% of civilians regarded veterans as resilient, compared to only 28% of veterans

RFEA’s Chief Executive, Alistair Halliday, says: “A career in the Military develops so many important skills, such as resilience, accountability, teamwork and an ability to be trained. Whilst most veterans make the transition to ‘civvy’ street with relative ease, utilising the excellent support that is available through CTP, these results prove that veterans sometimes fail to appreciate the value they can bring to a civilian jobs market. So many organisations are crying out for these skills but might not immediately think to look at the veteran community to fill the many roles on offer. Clearly, there is some more work to be done so that all veterans and employers can recognise and make best use of the excellent attributes our Ex-Forces have to offer.”

He adds, “At RFEA we understand that the skills needed for a career in the Military make ex-Servicemen and women a superb addition to the civilian workforce, which is why our teams are so committed to supporting ex-Forces, and their loved ones, to find meaningful and fulfilling jobs. We provide an invaluable, 1-1 support service to make sure our clients have everything they need to showcase the value and relevance of their experience to civilian employers. By doing so, we bring about life-changing transformations for thousands of veterans, and their families, every year.”

[1] ^{Ministry of Defence: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-index}

[2] ^{Research carried out by OnePoll from 21.10.2021 – 28.10.21. It surveyed 1000 UK employed adults who have input into hiring decisions in their organisation, plus 200 UK veterans who are either employed or seeking employment.}

Image: Crown Copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Photographer: LA(Phot) Dave Hillhouse

Former Army Nurse Annette Berry, originally from Glasgow and now based in West Somerset, has been shortlisted for the Champion of Women award at the prestigious British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers. Annette is nominated in recognition of her work supporting ex-Military women find fulfilling civilian careers.

Annette spent 13 years serving in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps before undertaking a career in recruitment and development roles across the public, commercial and third sectors. She now holds the role of Military Women Employment Advisor at RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, offering support such as CV development, interview technique, career coaching and counselling to help ex-Servicewomen with their careers. Since undertaking her role in January 2020, Annette is proud to have helped over 200 ex-Servicewomen with their journey to securing meaningful employment.

Annette Berry says: “Having metaphorically walked in the boots and heels of my clients, I understand the issues facing military women who are returning to careers or changing direction and I support, enable and empower them in finding the perfect job. It is a complete surprise to have been nominated for this award and a real honour. After all, I’m just doing my job!”

Claire Gratton served for 22 years in the RAF and received Annette’s support in helping find secure employment. She says:

“Annette has helped me rediscover my worth again professionally. I felt at ease immediately and our first contact phone call lasted for over an hour. By the end of the call, I was in no doubt I had made the right choice by enquiring about the Military Women Programme.  Annette has the ability to connect with you in a way no pure civvy advisor ever could, part big sister, part friend, part comrade, she will help you see your value and give you the mentorship to realise your skill set. I thoroughly recommend RFEA to any ex-Servicewoman and hope this programme grows and continues to help out the female veteran.”

The Awards programme is a powerful vehicle for increasing visibility of both role models and career opportunities for service leavers. This year’s UK shortlist exhibits the second-career achievements of over 180 veterans and reservists, whittled down from a record-breaking 600 nominations. The sheer breadth of opportunities available to veterans are displayed through the large variety of sectors represented on the shortlist.

The winners of this year’s British Ex-Forces in Business Awards will be announced and celebrated at a glittering ceremony on 2 December, taking place in the InterContinental London – The O2. In attendance will be over 1,000 business and military leaders, expected to represent over 400 UK employers. Jacqui Oatley MBE will host the ceremony, as well as introducing a programme of live entertainment and special guest speakers including the double Olympic rowing champion Major Heather Stanning OBE.

Alistair Currie, Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays, Headline Sponsor of the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, said: “As a leading employer of military veterans in the UK and admirer of their skills and talents, Barclays are extremely proud to be headline sponsor of the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards for the second year running, and we congratulate all of the finalists for being incredible role models to service leavers.

“Having recruited over 600 veterans and supported thousands more through both our AFTER and VETS programmes, we are fully aware of how beneficial military-gained skills and values are and Barclays is a better business because of our veteran colleagues.

“These Awards play a crucial role in promoting the huge value that ex-forces personnel add in their second careers, both to their individual employers and to the economy as a whole. It is wonderful to see the veterans community come together in force and I have no doubt this outstanding talent pool will play a vital role in the UK’s economic rebound.”

A group of veterans have come together to create over 100 poppies made from matchsticks, which will be laid at the gravestones of war heroes as a way of paying their respects to the fallen.

The veterans are all based at HMP Holme House which operates a Veterans Activity Hub, run by justice services provider Ingeus in partnership with Project Nova (a unique programme led by RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity and Walking With The Wounded), where ex-military prisoners undertake innovative activities to build inclusion and aid their rehabilitation. The Activity Hubs provide a safe space for offenders to receive support for re-integration into society and to develop a wealth of professional skills that will help them secure ongoing employment.

As well as creating the matchstick poppies, the ex-Servicemen have also worked together to transform an area of a lawn at Holme House to create a remembrance area consisting of a poppy made of red gravel, plus a vegetable garden which will be used to supply local food banks.

The matchstick poppies will be passed to members of community-based CFO Activity Hubs and will be laid, largely by veterans, on Commonwealth War Graves across Durham, Darlington and Middlesbrough on Thursday 11 November.

The CFO Activity Hubs are funded via the HM Prison & Probation Service Co-Financing Organisation (HMPPS CFO) and European Social Fund. As well as the CFO Veterans Hub based at HMP Holme House, Ingeus also delivers three community-based CFO Activity Hubs for ex-offenders across the North East.

Chris O’Connor, Head of Delivery at Ingeus’s Justice division, said: “The CFO Veterans Hub is a community within a community at HMP Holme House. We’re committed to supporting the veterans, and participants on probation working with our Community CFO Activity Hubs, to strengthen the positive steps being taken towards their rehabilitation.”

Colin Back, Project Nova’s National Manager adds, “Remembrance continues to unite people of all backgrounds and generations, coming together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. For most veterans, the transition to civilian life is usually successful. Sadly, for some, the transition can be less smooth and can lead some veterans into offending. Project Nova coordinators really understand the experiences of ex-servicemen and women both during and after their military careers. It is this empathy which gives veterans the strength they need to make changes to their lives and access support through health and specialist services. The activity the veterans have undertaken to pay their respects in a meaningful way is a great example of this. We are delighted that through the poppy making in Holme House and the researching and visiting war graves by those using our Community CFO Activity Hubs, people are able to feel connected with the fallen. It also offers the opportunity to give something back in a practical way, to ensure the memory of these veterans will never be forgotten.”

New research has found that UK veterans face challenges finding longer-term civilian careers that enable them to reach their full potential.

The Longer-term Employment Outcomes of Ex-Service Personnel report from QinetiQ, in partnership with Warwick Institute for Employment Research and RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, and commissioned by Forces in Mind Trust, is one of the first UK studies to explore the longer-term employment outcomes for veterans, beyond the first two years of resettlement.

The research found that while the majority of ex-Service personnel maintain employment over time, it can often involve numerous jobs and periods of unemployment. Not all ex-Service personnel reported being satisfied with their civilian job or career; less than half (44.5%) felt that they found the ‘right job’ for them in the longer-term and which maximises their potential (42.5%) or provides them with opportunities to progress (42.4%).

The research recommends several initiatives to better prepare Service leavers for the civilian labour market and to ensure that employers can take advantage of this skilled cohort. They include:

• Access to civilian work placements, building knowledge for transition and innovation within the Armed Forces, for all Service personnel.
• Mandatory transition support for all Service leavers.
• Training on commercial, marketing, and financial skills as part of the Resettlement package for all personnel.
• Improved data collection on the employment outcomes of ex-Service personnel and their families to ensure government and support services can effectively identify challenges and respond effectively.

Some groups face greater challenges when leaving the Armed Forces, making them more likely to experience unsuccessful employment in the longer-term. This includes women, ethnic minorities, those who are wounded, injured and sick, and older Service leavers. In addition to demographic factors, unrealistic expectations of the civilian job market, a lack of transferrable skills and an inability to adapt to civilian environments were all found to persist over the longer-term and reduce the chances of a successful transition out of the Armed Forces.

Mike Ellicock, Chief Executive, Forces in Mind Trust, says: “This important report highlights the ongoing challenges experienced by ex-Service personnel as they move from the Armed Forces into civilian employment. Successful employment is not just about finding a job; we must look beyond the traditional two-year point, and beyond an approach that saw being employed as success, full stop. It is far more nuanced and must encapsulate the experiences of this heterogeneous group. The report helpfully sets out a measure for successful employment which I would encourage government and others to use going forward.

“We will continue to work with the Armed Forces and business communities to communicate the value Service leavers have, and to empower them to take control of their transition through the provision of tailored support.”

Natalie Fisher, Senior Occupational Psychologist and Research Lead at QinetiQ, says: “This study has highlighted that transition to civilian life is not time-related and differs according to the individual and complexity of their situation; taking some personnel far longer to adjust. Whilst many ex-Service personnel maintain employment longer-term it is clear that not all find the ‘right job’ for them or feel successful. The findings of this report suggest that moving beyond a simplistic measure of employment success is key to understanding the challenges faced by ex-Service personnel longer-term and that it is too simplistic to divide ex-Service personnel into two groups: those who are successful and those who are not successful. Of course, these extremes exist, but for many the truth lies someone in the middle.”

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, says “This report breaks new ground by exploring what long-term employment looks like for Service leavers, beyond their first two years post-discharge. These findings show that whilst many ex-Forces find employment with relative ease in those early years of transition, some may face other barriers later on in their civilian careers.

“The research reveals that whilst veterans regard the Military as having provided them with highly sought-after ‘soft skills’, such as leadership and teamwork, there appears to be a gap in transferable skills to ready them for the business world, including commercial and marketing skills and financial awareness. It is important that we learn from these important new findings and act on this new data to ensure veterans receive the support they need to reach their full potential and feel successful in their civilian careers.”

Read the report here

Image: Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Throughout all the recent events in Afghanistan, the world has seen the finest qualities of the UK Armed Forces community. From those deployed in Kabul to veterans in the UK, they have all gone above and beyond.

OP PITTING

When the UK Armed Forces deployed in Kabul, they could not imagine it would involve evacuating British nationals and eligible Afghan nationals to the backdrop of a Taliban takeover. More than 1,000 military personnel, including soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, worked tirelessly and under extremely challenging conditions to complete their mission.

As part of Op Pitting, 15,000 people were evacuated, including 5,000 British nationals and 8,000 Afghans vulnerable to persecution by the Taliban. The youngest evacuee was just one day-old, and approximately 2,200 evacuees were children. With more than 100 flights, this was the largest British evacuation since the Second World War.

The security threat increased as the deadline approached, making a difficult job even harder for the UK Armed Forces. This included the suicide bombing by ISIL-KP on the outskirts of Kabul airport on the 26th August. Although there were no British military casualties, 182 people died, including 13 US military personnel. In addition, flights were suspended.

The last British evacuation flight was on the 28th August. Despite the extraordinary efforts of the Army and RAF, they were unable to evacuate everyone and 100-150 British nationals remained.

Military leaders, politicians and the UK Government were unanimous in their praise of all Military Personnel involved with Op Pitting. They also recognised the contributions made by everyone who has ever served in Afghanistan.

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said: “I want to thank everyone involved and the thousands of those who served over the last two decades. You can be proud of what you have achieved.”

DUTY AND HONOUR

You might leave the Armed Forces but you never lose your sense of duty. With over 150,000 UK military personnel having served in Afghanistan, many have deep personal connections with the country and its people. In particular, they remember the courage of Afghans who risked their lives to help them, especially local interpreters and guides. Now that those Afghans and their families are at risk from Taliban reprisals, many people from the Armed Forces community are working hard to help them leave the country and find safe refuge elsewhere.

The Sandhurst Sisterhood is one informal organisation helping. The group has over 2,500 female veterans and they are using their networks to evacuate those people and their families at risk. They keep in contact with people in Afghanistan mostly via WhatsApp, but now the UK’s evacuation is over it has become even tougher to provide the support they need.

The Home Office has announced several resettlement schemes for Afghans. 5,000 Afghan nationals will be able to resettle in the UK, which will be increased to 20,000 in the longer-term. Priority will be given to women and girls, and religious and other minorities. There are also two relocation schemes for people who were locally employed by the UK Government.

However, Paul “Pen” Farthing believes we should also help those animals that supported UK military personnel. Pen is the founder of the charity Nowzad Dogs, which reunites Service Personnel with animals who befriended them while in Afghanistan. The charity also built the first animal rescue centre in the country and campaigns for animal welfare.

Pen, a former Royal Marines commando, refused to leave Afghanistan until safe passage to the UK was secured for the animals and charity staff. Dubbed Operation Ark, supporters raised enough money to charter a private staff. Although Pen and the animals left Kabul on the 28th March, the Taliban forced the staff to remain, as they were Afghan nationals.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Courage takes many different forms: for many military personnel and veterans, seeing Afghanistan fall to the Taliban has triggered painful memories. Over the last few weeks, they have battled with their own mental health challenges. But they have not faced them alone. From friends and family to formal mental health services, the whole Armed Forces community has provided support.

The UK Government has given the NHS an extra £2.7 million to set-up Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. This mental health specialist service is designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families. People can contact Op COURAGE directly or be referred either by their GP or charity.

In addition, the UK Government has announced Armed Forces charities to receive £5 million to support veterans, including those who served in Afghanistan. The funding will be awarded to projects that increase capacity in mental health charities, improve veterans’ understanding of the support available and deliver enhanced social support. The Office for Veterans’ Affairs will allocate the funding over the coming months.

The message from everyone has been clear: “Don’t suffer in silence.” If you or anyone you know has been affected by recent events in Afghanistan, please do not hesitate to get support.

The future of Afghanistan is uncertain. Nevertheless, the last few weeks provide further evidence of the extraordinary resilience, professionalism and courage of the UK Armed Forces. We must now support everyone who served in Afghanistan through their future challenges, from mental health to employment. The Officers’ Association is proud to be one of many organisations that is here to help.

The 19th August is World Humanitarian Day, which celebrates all aid and health workers providing life-saving support and protection to people most in need. For decades the UK Armed Forces have been at the forefront of providing humanitarian support, both at home and overseas.

At its heart, the UK Armed Forces’ primary role is to keep people safe. They defend UK interests and support peacekeeping efforts, providing vital assistance in response to natural or human-made disasters. In these situations, people from across the military services will deploy almost immediately to tackle food and water shortages, lack of sanitation and damaged infrastructure. In recent years they have helped with floods in the UK, the Ebola outbreak in Africa and hurricanes in the Caribbean. Their professionalism has saved countless lives and helped to rebuild devastated communities.

On the international stage, the UK Armed Forces actively contribute to disaster-relief efforts, and World Humanitarian Day is the ideal opportunity to recognise their contribution. Of course, people in uniform rarely seek praise, seeing their actions instead as simply “doing a good job”. However, COVID-19 has meant the British public has seen first-hand the crucial role our Armed Forces have played in keeping the country going during the pandemic.

Operation Rescript is the biggest ever homeland military operation in peacetime, involving up to 23,000 personnel in the COVID Support Force (CSF). The NHS Nightingale Hospitals across England were built rapidly with the support of the Brigade of Gurkhas, Royal Anglian Regiment, Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers. In addition, the Royal Logistics Corps led with sourcing and delivering PPE to the NHS, and the RAF supported the East of England Ambulance Service.

In Scotland, the CSF provided similar support with the temporary hospital NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital at the SEC Centre in Glasgow. While in Wales, the CSF helped transform Cardiff’s Principality Stadium into Dragon’s Heart Hospital. Although no temporary hospitals were built in Northern Ireland, the CSF did give advice and deployed military medics to work alongside civilian healthcare staff.

The Armed Forces have been essential in providing tests through their ongoing work supporting test centres. In Liverpool, over 2,000 soldiers from 16 units were involved in a testing pilot scheme, which helped to reduce the infection rate from 680 per 100,000 people to less than 100. As a consequence, these units were awarded the Freedom of Liverpool.

Deputy Mayor Wendy Simon said: “We owe the British Army troops an incredible debt of gratitude”. She added: “We have had so many compliments about their patience, helpfulness and professionalism in supporting people through the process of having a test.”