Veterans Affairs - UK

20/07/2024

Remember Johnny Mercer and his dire hearing test?

AFCS turned him down 🤯

These guys helped him. You should use them as well. And a recent ruling has changed the terms to go back to 1987 - they could help you too. More info here: https://bit.ly/MILITARYDEAFNESSCLAIM

17/07/2024

It's about time a certain sector of the Veteran and wider community educate themselves on Charities and how they are run.

Literally, non-stop posts banging on about salaries that are paid to CEO's and other staff at large and established charities.

1st thing to know, those salaries are not paid from the money made from your donations. They are paid for by grants from Government and other awarding bodies and from funds made from the sale of merchandise in certain circumstances.

2nd thing to know, managing Multi million £ funds is not for amateurs. CEO's are paid for their experience, connections and track record of managing large budgets and making them work. If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys just like in business. Accountants need paying to account for those funds. Any other professional services like, therapists need paying, they don't and shouldn't work for free. Legal need paying, facilities, IT, pretty much everything you have with a business needs paying for.

Yes, smaller charities work hard and do a good job. And yes it is unfair that they don't have the same access to funds. You need to remember, the RBL didn't just appear. They have got to where they are over 100 years. The smaller charities should be less eager to bad mouth these larger charities and place themselves to work more closely.

Currently there are nearly 1900 registered charities in the UK allegedly helping Veterans. As stated, the majority try their best and do help those that they come across. Sadly, many of them are not run to any set standard and in some cases they are down right dangerous. That is down to the mindset that they know best, they don't pay any qualified staff to take care of much. And many of them are run as businesses with little accountability.

Research the charities you donate or want to donate to. Check them out.

fans

08/07/2024

As the smoke clears on the events of this week, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported me over the last ten years.

Becoming a public figure has never been natural for me. I had a cause that wouldn’t release its grip, that burnt itself deep into my soul as a young man. I had to become somebody in order to fight politically for those of my generation who desperately needed it after a war in Afghanistan which casts shadows to this day.

I am proud of what we have done. We have dragged veterans affairs in the United Kingdom from a sympathy driven, charity led, well intended but often fatally competitive and disorganised effort, into a more professional, collaborative, veteran focussed Government supported system, which I know – because I have the letters – saves and changes the lives of those special souls who have sacrificed for the Nation, precisely who I came into public life to help.

To those who feel I didn’t do enough, yes – I focussed on some areas more than others. Veterans’ rights, mental healthcare, rough sleeping, prosthetics and of course protecting Northern Ireland veterans. I was unsuccessful in some areas too – some issues remained outside my control, like Vets UK and compensation. I wear all the criticism. I did my best and often felt broken myself in the process. I am comfortable I could not have done more in the time and political space that I had. The opportunity for others to step up is always there.

I felt enormous imposter syndrome daily, but always thought I owed it to those who never made it back from those Afghanistan years, and those for whom life had become a daily struggle, to press ahead - whatever the cost. Those of us who survived unscarred are lucky – nothing more; I thought that every day I went to work.

I do want veterans to remember that we are not victims. We are privileged – we enjoy that “flavour of life because we have fought for it, that the protected shall never know”. It is a privilege to try and emulate our predecessors from battlefields past, but it ultimately is not an entitlement, and veterans must not become too hard to help.

You will note already that, despite his explicit personal promises in the election campaign, Keir Starmer has not appointed a veterans minister to his Cabinet. If you understand what Veterans need from their Government, this matters very much. The step change in programmes like Op FORTITUDE, Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, Op NOVA, Op PROSPER and all the others, were because I had that cross-Government capability and position – outside of the MoD. Those now in power, paraded around by Starmer for their various military experiences, must mark themselves on how they too now actually change the lives of those who need them in the serving and veteran community.

I have fought hard for Plymouth, a City that has shaped me since I was a teenager and will always be my ‘home port’. I thank everybody who came out to vote for me last week, sincerely and deeply. I know in the current climate how hard that was. I am so proud of my office team, and my campaign team for their unstinting loyalty and commitment to Plymouth.

Finally I must thank my wife, Felicity. She is the rock upon which I am built. Both during my time in the military, and subsequently in public life, she has sought to protect me always, and has the scars to prove it. As the saying goes, we are of course “bloodied, but unbowed”.

See you soon.

Johnny.

01/07/2024

Now we are just past Armed Forces Day 2024. Let us not forget that the work must go on. Serving and Veterans mental and physical health has never been more important. And the first steps lies with you. If you are struggling, speak to someone, anyone but speak up and speak out. The old stigmas are long gone. There are many organisations out there setup and ready to help.
Taking that first step can be hard. Like passing basic training or a course that you need to pass. The strength is within you, and opening up is the first step on the road to recovery.
Once you have made that brave decision, please make sure you follow it up with Professional help. It is great that we may have like minded people to start the conversation with. It is vital to make sure that is followed up. The NHS are geared up to assist both serving and Veterans. So get on google and find out more. It may just be the best thing you ever do.

27/06/2024

24/06/2024

Take a minute to watch this from Scotty's Little Soldiers ..

Scotty’s Little Soldiers has revealed the true picture of how many bereaved military children there are every year – and are appealing for your support and donations. New figures now show that each year approximately 2,100 children experience the death of a parent who served in the British Armed...

23/06/2024

For those interested in the fate of the Portsmouth based charity, Forgotten Veterans UK. See below for an update.

17/06/2024

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13532345/labour-troubles-legal-johnny-mercer.html

02/06/2024

Please share everywhere you can. Donate if you can as well.

Thanks.

Hi, I'm Jacob, a 24-year-old in the British Army. Last July, I was diagnosed with Leukaemia, which p… Jacob Hall needs your support for Please Help Jacob Hall

26/05/2024

Thoughts on the announcement that a new version of National Service will return?

16/05/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Colin Smith, Nancy Sosrl

07/05/2024

AT E@SE is the Armed Forces T-Shirt Day summer music and camping festival, taking place in the heart of the stunning Worcestershire countryside on Saturday 31st August to Sunday 1st September.

Our host site this year is the Spilsbury & Jones Brewing Company at Orleton Court Farm Campsite, a beautiful venue set amongst orchards and hop fields, bordering the river Teme and with its own fishing lake. Fishing, wild swimming and canoe launches are all on offer. If you're staying on the farm, then wild camping spots for tents and campervans are available amongst the orchards, around the lakes, or next to the river.

Find out more below:

https://www.armedforcestshirtday.org/at-ease-festival/

07/05/2024

The details of serving Army, RAF and Navy personnel are involved, the BBC understands.

06/05/2024

Please check out the video below. Ex-Royal Marine that has CPTSD and has been struggling for the last 3 years. Please share, donate. Spread the word.

Johnny Mercer Office for Veterans' Affairs Veterans United Against Su***de Veterans Network Veterans' Gateway VETERANS WITH DOGS Veterans Next Step Veterans In Communities Veterans & Supporters United UK

https://gofund.me/58b780e6

5820 likes, 661 comments. “ ゚viral .hhvuk.org .D1967🇬🇧 Jones”

05/05/2024

Great news that England is finally getting a Veterans Commissioner. Who will be in the running though. Two trains of thought here. It could be someone with ties to the RBL or any of the big named Veteran Charities? Or it could be someone from a smaller organisation or not connected at all. I think the Veteran Community should have a say either way. A public vote perhaps. What do you think??? One thing I do know, the new Commissioner should not come from some old boys club. It should be someone who understands the Veteran Community.

fans Johnny Mercer Office for Veterans' Affairs Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs Veterans & Supporters United UK Veterans Next Step Veterans United Against Su***de Veterans Lifeline Veterans Outreach Support VETERANS WITH DOGS Veterans In Sefton - CIO Veterans' Gateway Veterans Network QRF Veterans Against Cyber Abuse Veterans Network Veterans Awards Veteran's Army Veterans In Communities Veteran Owned UK Veterans In Action Veterans News UK Veterans in Cornwall Veterans Raffle Veterans' Foundation

The Office for Veterans' Affairs is now recruiting for the new role.

02/05/2024

I am sorry about this.

The legislation on acceptable forms of ID came out before the veterans ID cards started coming out in January this year. I will do all I can to change it before the next one.

22/04/2024

Struggling to hear people with background noise over the weekend? Check if you qualify for a military hearing loss claim https://bit.ly/MILITARYDEAFNESSCLAIM

16/04/2024

Everyone
Watch the full video here https://www.youtube.com/live/GSPOncAsoHU?si=hGAwIbyRDjAoKLtT after you have watched this clip.

Here we see a well known British Army Veteran on a YouTube live. To summarise. The Veteran in the video has allegedly been trolled from a number of sources. That aside. It is comments about Veterans issues and Veterans su***de that cause the biggest issues here. Now, we know he has his own issues. But his comments here are inexcusable.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below.

Johnny Mercer Fillyourboots - FYBUK PTSD Resolution Sean Rayment MCR Kay Burley

16/04/2024

15/04/2024

Is there anyone that can assist or has any connections that might help?

13/04/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! DennisandOlive Craik, Phil Foulger, Mick Shann, Tony Morris, Anthony Richardson, James Barr, John Hay, Stevie Bollox, Zak Mckail

10/04/2024

Pensions! They might seem some way off, but they are an important part of your overall offer if you are in service. Our Director Maria is a member of the MOD Pension Board, and a Non-Exec Director of the Forces Pension Society to allow us to raise your voice – she is in London today as part of this work. Recently we have flagged the impact of the delay on issuing pension statements to those SP who are divorcing – this leaves couples in limbo in some cases.

06/04/2024

💂 RAF, Royal Navy, Army, Special Forces, More...
🙏 It's FREE to claim - no-win, no-fee*
📢 Free claims assessment
🇬🇧 UK-based team

Our expert military claims solicitors have considerable experience of winning compensation for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the armed forces.

*This means that a success fee of no more than 25% inc. VAT will be charged if your claim is successful, but nothing is charged if not.

Claim Here: https://bit.ly/MILITARYDEAFNESSCLAIM

04/04/2024

What a great post. So glad the Veteran community is doing what it does best. Lifting people up.

02/04/2024

The Ministry of Defence insists it is in line with NHS "standards and guidelines".

14/10/2020

Please share and keep an eye out if you can 👍

BEACON ALERT: FOUND

We have have now received confirmation that Neil who we launched a Beacon for has now been found and is with family.

This was a huge effort from the community assisting the family search group to help find Neil.

Thank you all for the shares and fast actions to bring about a good result

We wish Neil and his family all the best in the future.

26/09/2020

This is great to see, and more Councils around the Country need to add to this pressure. We have seen Families of victims to su***de due to PTSD being further traumatised by this simple form of recognition being turned down. The memorial statue is already in place at the National Memorial Arboretum, the names of the fallen need adding. Sadly, it really will take every Council and MP in the Country to add their voice as the MOD and Johnny Mercer don't want to admit that there is a problem with Armed Forces or Veteran Su***de, they continue to quote ONS numbers comparing the Armed Forces Community su***de rates below the National average, when we in the Veterans Community know the actual numbers. Nearly 60 su***des this year alone in both serving and Veteran Communities. This number is figured to be even higher, as this is only the ones that we are informed about. There is currently a campaign running in conjunction with this and others for the Coronors to have added to their report forms, whether a person that has commited su***de has served in the Armed Forces. A simple request and one that would make collating and researching this infomration much easier, so the fight to reduce these numbers can be more effective. Again, it is a case of Government Departments passing the buck and not wanting to take responsibility. It will get there in the end and Councillors like need to speak with their counterparts in other County's and speak with one voice on this matter.

“It is only right that we honour everyone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. Now we need to honour all those lost heroes equally.”

04/09/2020

Check the comments out on this single post. Every time someone has compared Immigrants of any nature, what Gary Lineker is doing and Homeless Veterans it receives nothing but derision and negativity. Do you see now, how the 2 issues are separate. Comparing them just doesn't work and makes the Veterans Community look weak and disjointed, not to mention right wing. All things that are making peoples genuine and hard fought efforts for change, FAIL.

TIME THE VETERAN COMMUNITY STOOD TOGETHER. THAT IS AT ALL LEVELS.

https://www.facebook.com/117611746557/posts/10158668928621558/

"Britain wouldn't be Britain without refugees"- host of TV stars join forces with an international charity to mark National Fish and Chips day.