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In this September issue at a glance:
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Support in the wake of events in Afghanistan – local and national support reaching out
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NHS Op Courage – receives additional funding to assist those struggling or needing mental health support
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Activities to support Dementia – two fantastic local initiatives for veterans and their carers
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Suicide Prevention Campaign – our local suicide prevention team call for involvement in World Suicide Prevention Day campaign
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Barclays Military Talent Day - for service personnel, veterans and military spouses interested in Financial Services
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HGV training – the haulage and logistic sector very keen for service leavers and veterans to come forward for training or conversion
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Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre – gives a smart phone to amazing Nonagenarian veteran
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Instagram – for the Instas out there, search herefordarmedforcescovenant
Support in the wake of events in Afghanistan
It is more than understandable that events in Afghanistan over the past weeks have triggered a range of emotions in our armed forces community. We sent out a release to the media on Friday 20th August to reassure those effected that support is available from local and national organisations – many are on standby ready to listen and assist. Tim Howson, Chairman from SSAFA Herefordshire and mental health topic lead for Herefordshire's Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, said:
“Many of us will have very close-hand experience of the Afghanistan conflict, be it personal, via close friends and family or perhaps knowing someone affected in our local community. SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, is here in the county for those serving, veterans and their families affected, as we are for the whole of the Armed Forces community, whenever they need us and for as long as they need us.”
Our media message signposted to local and national support – read the full article here
As well as local charities out of hours helplines are available:
- The Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080
- Veterans Gateway: 0808 802 1212
- SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6767
- Op Courage, the NHS military mental health helpline: 0800 323 4444
Activities to support Dementia for veterans and their carers
Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire
Following the success of the pilot Hereford Veterans Dementia Wellbeing Group last year, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire have recently launched their new Hereford Veterans Meeting Centre based at Drybridge House in Hereford. The sessions offer veteran-specific specialist days working within a Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy framework, which is proven to enhance wellbeing and maintain cognitive ability. Members will be able to get involved with a variety of activities, including things like: gardening, chocolate making, discussions and much more. Members will also be able to enjoy a hot cooked meal together and form new friendships. The new meeting centre also provides respite for carers.
Sessions take place at Drybridge House, St Martins St, Hereford, HR2 7SG every Monday 10:30 – 3pm. They will be offering initial free taster sessions, prices thereafter will then be £45 per person, per session. If you would like to attend or find out more contact please contact Caroline Savage, Social Inclusion & Wellbeing Manager at csavage@ageukhw.org.uk
Café Muse at the Courtyard, Hereford
Orchestra of the Swan’s Café Muse, at The Courtyard, Hereford, is an opportunity for Armed Forces veterans affected by dementia (including carers and/or family members) to meet weekly. It is intended to be fun, relaxed and friendly, with interactive music workshops. Led and delivered by fully trained professional musicians, some who are veterans themselves, music will come from many different genres and cultures, with music for everyone to enjoy.
They meet every Wednesday from 11am – 3pm. Enabled by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust funding, Orchestra of the Swan are able to offer the sessions free to attend until January 2022. Find out more about Café Muse or call 01789 267567
 Suicide Prevention Campaign
A new suicide prevention campaign is due to launch on World Suicide Prevention Day (10th Sept 2021): "Now We’re Talking – Acting Together to Prevent Suicide” .
Part of the campaign will showcase local community projects and activities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire that create and promote wellbeing opportunities for those struggling with their emotional health. This is open to any relevant project (not just those dealing with crises), and the team is especially keen to hear from initiatives that support men.
The campaign will use local voices to bring the community content to life. If you’d like your initiative to be part of this then email SuicidePreventionProgramme@worcestershire.gov.uk for more details.
Find out more about the campaign Now Were Talking Together To Prevent Suicide | Healthy Minds (whct.nhs.uk)
#PreventSucideTogether
Barclays Military Talent Day - Wednesday 20th October 2021, from 1400 – 1530
The Barclays Military Talent Day provides an opportunity for service personnel, veterans and military spouses and partners interested in Financial Services to get an insight into the sector. This online event commences with an overview of Barclays and the diverse business units and functions across the business. You will have the opportunity to hear from a range of Barclay’s colleagues, as well members of the Barclays Military Network, who will share their experiences of transitioning from the military into civilian employment and highlight the transferrable skills that service personnel can bring to the business.
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HGV / logistics training opportunities
It has been widely reported in the media that the UK has a significant shortfall of HGV drivers and its set to get worse. Many logistic and haulage firms are encouraging Service leavers and the veteran community to re-train or join the sector. There are a number of training providers offering courses for leavers and veterans. Individuals can also access a number of incentive grants and or apprenticeship packages. To find out more visit approved forces-friendly training organisations:
Pertemps Driver Training Academy
Veterans into Logistics
Transport Training Academy
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Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre proving that you are never too old to enjoy some new tech
Sean Gane, the Centre manager had the greatest of pleasure in handing over a new smart phone to an amazing veteran and gentleman whose only form of communication was through a very old and dysfunctional mobile phone. Tom, a veteran in his 90s was struggling to make calls or send texts. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of GRC Ltd who had recently donated a number of smart phones to the Centre, the new phone has helped to change Tom's life. With a little support from Sean, he has completely embraced the new tech with gusto. We gather he contacts Sean quite regularly (obviously through his smart phone), to discuss desk top icons and apps. Plus, the first night he got the phone he was up until 3am in the morning figuring it all out!
Tom, we salute you.
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Herefordshire Armed Forces Covenant joins Instagram
For those of you on Instagram do search for us on ‘Hereford Armed Forces Covenant’. We launched a couple of months ago to accompany our Twitter and Facebook pages. As a photo and video platform Instagram offers an additional and more creative means to reach out to the Armed Forces community and likeminded organisations. Instagram is being used widely by many Government departments, the military, public bodies and the military charity sector.
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