October 2023
Welcome to the latest FWP news update.

Thanks for supporting the news updates, and welcome to our October edition. We hope you find it helpful and informative. Please get in touch if you have anything you think would be good to share in future editions.

Fighting With Pride Updates

Update from Craig Jones MBE (Executive Chair) and Caroline Paige (Chief Executive)

A warm welcome and hello to all our October Newsletter readers. Over the past two months we have seen sign-up to our newsletter grow to over 700 veterans and allies, with many hundreds more accessing it through social media.

Over the last 4 weeks, we have been continuing our conversations with the UK Government, Parliament, the devolved administrations, the Cabinet Office, the MOD, the Armed Forces, Armed Forces Benevolent Funds, and other stakeholders and partner organisations. We’ve also taken part in the Wales Armed Forces Expert Group and the Armed Forces Covenant’s One is Too Many Conferences, the latter summarising multiple strands of work on suicide prevention and Intervention, and we’ve spoken to a variety of employer network groups including the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, National Audit Office, Department for Levelling Up and companies such as AtkinsRéalis’ Equilibrium.

Following the summer recess and party conferences, the Government’s response to the Independent Review Report’s reparations recommendations, announced publicly on 19th July, will naturally have been at the front of many minds, and we have been working closely with our allies to make sure it stays front of the Government’s too. The party conferences, return to Parliament and tragic world events have of course taken primacy in politics recently, but we are still high on the agenda and in response to questions asked in the Commons on our behalf, we are confident a response will come in November.

Our restructured Reference Group met again on 26th September. The Group's Chair is dismissed RAF veteran Prof Andrew Hartle and it includes the campaign and policy leads or CEOs of stakeholder organisation’s including RBL, Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, WRAC Association, Cobseo, the Centre for Military Justice, LGBT Foundation and Age UK. Discussions openly focussed upon Lord Etherton’s 49 recommendations and community viewpoints collected from FWP’s Reparations Survey answers and comments, returned by 300 of you in August. Your feedback helped us make sure that we are enabled to guide the Government towards the right outcomes. Together you have helped us reach agreement on next-steps, milestones and actions, shaping our campaign plan and further empowering our discussions with Government, Parliament and MOD. Our key focus at the moment is upon the £50M cap recommendation and the Reference Groups Members will work together to ensure that this is lifted and that payments are life enhancing for all those who feel the enduring impact of the ban.

We are advising MOD on their continuous development of the reparations ‘front door’. The MOD’s reparations implementation team have developed their front door website to an advanced stage now, helped by feedback from stakeholders including LGBT+ Veterans and FWP. More on this will follow in a future Town Hall. Credit where credit is due, MOD is working at pace to get the mechanics of the delivery of reparations in place.

Earlier in October FWP won the Defence Inclusivity Award at the Soldiering on Awards. This has been our first award as an organisation and there was an audible cheer in the room from representatives of hundreds of military charities. It was a welcome reminder of how far we have come and how much support we have from our friends in the veterans sector. There is much work to do, but with the help of friends and with the support of this brilliant community of LGBT+ Veterans families and serving personnel we will win through.

FWP was also the Charity Partner for the inaugural Defence LGBTQ+ Awards held in London. Army Veteran David Tovey gave a moving speech about his experiences of the ban and helped us raise over £15,000 to support FWPs work. Last week, FWP also received its Silver Employee Recognition Service Award certificate at an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme event in the RAF Club, presented by Major General Marc Overton TD DL VR, the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Reserves and Cadets. More information on both these events is included later in the newsletter, but the recognition of Fighting With Pride’s work is recognition of all those we support and further signposts the need for doing what needs to be done. These events always present a great opportunity to network with influencers and organisations who are champions of change and can help us in supporting a better future for LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and families. We also attended the National Service for Seafarers at St Pauls in London.

Our whole team met in Birmingham for 2 days earlier in October for a series of training events and to enable our service development. We meet 3 times per year in different cities across the UK as part of our process of service development. They have been as busy as ever and you can read some of their own achievements in their regional reports later in the Newsletter. Watch out for news of an exciting FWP LGBT+ veterans break coming up in December in the South-West of England too, currently being planned by our VCWs in the south, George and Anthony. The event is part of our partnership with the South-West Veterans People, Places and Pathways (VPPP) portfolio led by Invictus Games and supported by VPPP partners. Keep an eye on our bulletins though for the formal announcement and details. If you are accessing this newsletter via social media, but haven’t signed up to our Newsletter, please note that sign-up is the best way of making sure you receive any of our bulletins too.

As we approach November, we are really looking forward to meeting over 40 LGBT+ Veterans for the National Remembrance Weekend ceremonies and everyone attending FWPs Reception following the Cenotaph marchpast. Registered participants should already have received the Admin Instruction by email from Alex, as FWP’s Event Lead. Please get in touch if you haven’t received it. We’ll provide an update at the October Town Hall, and include details of other locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales, where FWP or representatives are laying wreaths at other ceremonies.

We very much look forward to seeing you at our next Town Hall, Monday 30th October, see details below, and over the Remembrance Weekend for anyone joining us there.

Best wishes,

Craig and Caroline

FWP Next Town Hall - 30th October 2023

Our next FWP evening update Zoom briefing will take place at 18:30 on Monday 30th October 2023.

The Town Hall will include an update from Craig and Caroline, a briefing update on participation in National Day of Remembrance ceremonies and the Age UK-FWP collaboration Op STERLING, helping LGBT+ Veterans access financial support and other services that Age UK can provide.

Veteran feedback from our last Townhall...“The Town Hall was relaxed, a comfortable environment….good to listen to other people and it was informative.”

You can register for the event HERE.

Please note that you will receive an email that provides you with a direct link to join the event once your registration is confirmed. You should get confirmation within 48 hours of registering. If you don't see the email, please check your spam/junk mail folder. Any issues, please email events @fightingwithpride.org.uk

NHS OP Services

There are several Op services available to veterans and serving personnel now, as well as Op names now commonly being used by Veterans organisations for local projects and national projects such as Age UK-FWP's Op STERLING (see separate information below). To help understand what NHS England services are available under the Op banner, we have grouped them below with a brief description of what each entails and how they can be accessed. Op COURAGE permits self-referrals, but FWP can support you with this should you wish.

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Op COURAGE provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families. The mental health or wellbeing concern does not need to be attributable to the person's time in service.

Individuals can self-refer to their local service or ask a healthcare professional, charity, family member or friend to do this for them.

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service

Op RESTORE provides care and treatment to those with ongoing, Service-attributable physical injuries and associated problems. Located in 13 major trauma centres (Plymouth, Oxford, London (three centres), Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Cambridge, Brighton and Middlesbrough), with links to four NHS trusts, the network works closely with Defence Medical Services, national centres of clinical expertise, Op COURAGE and military charities, to provide holistic care.

Access to Op RESTORE requires a GP referral by emailing imperial.oprestore@nhs.net.

Op NOVA: Supporting Veterans in the Justice System

Op NOVA provides one-to-one non-clinical support to veterans who are at risk of being arrested or already have been, are due to leave prison or have been released from prison. Veterans accessing the service have access to a range of practical and emotional help, along with being supported by an expert case worker.

Forces Employment Charity has been commissioned to provide this service by NHS England. More information can be found at www.forcesemploymentcharity.org.uk/opnova

Op COMMUNITY: Armed Forces Community Support

Op COMMUNITY is an NHS England-funded pilot being delivered by seven NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). Op COMMUNITY is providing care navigation and signposting to the wider Armed Forces community with a specific focus on Serving families. NHS England is supporting ICBs to communicate their referral pathways locally at this time.

Independent Review Report - Government Resources

Trigger Warning: Please note that the Final Report and the Analysis Report include distressing accounts of veterans’ experiences and the consequences of their treatment during service under the Ban and in the years that followed, which may be a trigger to anyone impacted by the ban or their experiences since, regardless of circumstances.

There is always somebody you can talk to for help. For urgent help please dial 999, otherwise 24-hour support or advice is available by calling the Samaritans 116 123, less urgent advice on mental health and well-being is available by calling the NHS on 111, or by making an urgent appointment to see your GP. You can reach out to FWP for support and advice through our Contact Us, or through our Community Team.

Resources

Independent Review Final Report:
The full 270-page Independent Review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served prior to 2000:

LGBT Veterans Independent Review - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

LGBT Veterans Independent Review Recommendations

Independent Review Analysis Report. A report that summarises the collected testimony gained as part of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review. It is a companion piece to the Review’s Final Report by Lord Etherton and does not replace or amend the findings of
that document:

14.299_CO_LGBT Veterans Analysis Report (publishing.service.gov.uk)

LGBT Veterans: Support and Next Steps. Includes information on support services and some of the restorative measures already accessible. This page will be updated as and when more information or additional restorative measures become available:

LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

LGBT Independent Review: Information for
stakeholders and veterans. Published by the Office for Veterans Affairs / Ministry of Defence, this document includes their 19^th July Press Notice and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s apology on behalf of the British state, a section on Frequently Asked Questions, and the complete narrative of the statement given by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, in The House of Commons on Wednesday 19^th July 2023.

LGBT Independent Review: information for stakeholders and veterans

[Final Report cover artwork by David Tovey]

Partnering with FWP, Age UK has launched a new support programme for older LGBT+ Veterans to access financial support.

Working in partnership with Fighting With Pride, Age UK delivers the Operation Sterling programme to help older LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families.

The Operation Sterling programme provides telephone-based support, advice and casework to older LGBT+ veterans through Age UK’s Advice Line. The existing expertise of Age UK’s Advice Line advisors and the knowledge that Fighting With Pride has about how best to support the well-being of LGBT+ veterans means that Operation Sterling can support older LGBT+ veterans in many different ways.

There’s a focus on helping older LGBT+ veterans access financial support – from working out what support they might be eligible for to help get started on the claims process. But Age UK’s advisors can also provide further support, like advising older LGBT+ veterans on housing options and social care.

The team have really enjoyed chatting to veterans and the service has already identified ~£4000 worth of unclaimed financial entitlements!

If you are an LGBT+ Veteran aged 50+ and would like to access the specialised support offered through Age UK-Op Sterling don’t hesitate to get in touch with FWP through our Op Sterling contact form and one of our support team will make contact with you and start the referral process for you.

The Defence Committee Has Issued A Call For Written Evidence On Women In The Armed Forces.

The Defence Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces published a report in July 2021 putting forward a series of recommendations in order to improve the experiences of Servicewomen and female veterans. The Government response, published in December 2021, agreed with a large number of the recommendations.

The Committee held a follow-up session with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) last November regarding the progress made on matters raised in the report.

On 14 November 2023, the Committee intends to hold a second follow-up session hearing from the MOD. Ahead of this, the Committee is calling for written evidence on whether enough change has been seen in the two years since the report was published.

“Today, we are issuing a new call for evidence ahead of our session in November. We are pleased that the MOD has lifted restrictions on serving personnel contributing to this inquiry. We welcome contributions from everyone, especially serving personnel and veterans. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the issues this inquiry covers, confidentiality and anonymity are options for those who want to submit evidence.

Chair of the Sub-Committee on Women in the Armed Forces, Sarah Atherton MP, said:

“Improving the experiences of women in the Armed Forces – whether they are currently serving or veterans – remains a priority for the Defence Committee.

“In May, the Committee published whistleblower evidence from MOD medics revealing unacceptable behaviour towards female servicewomen and poor handling of complaints. In our report, we called for cases of sexual assault and rape to be removed from the military courts and Service Justice System and for the Service Complaints system to be reformed. Although progress has been made, it is clear that the issues raised in our report persist.

“We hope to hear about any changes, both positive and negative, that have occurred since the publication of our report. We want to know what steps need to be taken next in order to ensure that women in the Armed Forces are treated with the parity and respect they deserve.”

The Committee welcomes written evidence on the following questions:

How much change has there been in the past two years when it comes to improving the experiences of female Service personnel and/or female veterans?
What specific changes are you aware of against the Committee’s initial recommendations?
Are there areas where you hope to see more change?
Do you see ‘easy wins’ for the Services/MOD?
What has helped or hindered change?

The deadline for submissions is 25th October 2023. You can find full details HERE.

Inaugural LGBTQ+ Defence Awards 2023

FWP was delighted to be the Charity Partner for the inaugural Defence LGBTQ+ Awards in London on 17th October 2023, with thanks to organisers Disruptive Media and headline sponsor BAE Systems, supported by MBDA and BFBS. The Awards set out to establish a positive, inspiring platform to showcase LGBTQ+ contributions to defence, recognising ED&I trailblazers and LGBTQ+ achievers who, simply through feeling able to be themselves at work, have maximised their value to UK Defence. Attracting over 250 nominations from all corners of the industry, it was the first time the broad spectrum of UK Defence came together to celebrate, showcase and promote the power and vital importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The event was hosted by BBC News Anchor Jane Hill and speakers included Julian Cracknell and Caitlin Hayden from BAE Systems plc, our very own Craig and Caroline from Fighting With Pride, Colonel Dame Kelly Holmes, and Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Military Families.

Dame Kelly spoke of the days she never thought she would see, where LGBT+ veterans, serving personnel and families were publicly recognised for their service, and what this meant to so many. Minister Murrison spoke of the courage of LGBT+ Veterans in a year of change, recognising the shameful hurt of the past and the work of veterans, supporters, allies and advocates in helping to create a better future. He also spoke of the value of the awards and the individuals and organisations nominated who had inspired leadership, courage and change, promoting the value of LGBTQ+ inclusion across defence.

FWP was delighted to receive a fundraising cheque for £4000 from veteran and currently serving reservist Jason Perry, too. As a member of The Inner Temple, Jason has been raising funds over the year, by running the London Marathon and organising fundraising events for charities including SSAFA, Heads UP, and Fighting With Pride.

We also arranged for veteran David Tovey to attend and speak after dinner, and he silenced the room with his account of his own experiences as an LGBT+ Veteran, and the incredible artwork he is recognised for now, including his cover art on the LGBT Veterans Independent Review's Final Report. David proudly wore a super hero costume as he reflected on 'all LGBT+ Veterans being super heroes'.

The event raised nearly £15,000 for FWP through a percentage of ticket sales, a silent auction and including an extremely generous donation from Dame Kelly.

We were pleased for our own Dougie Morgan, Operations Manager and Veteran Community Worker for Scotland and Northern Ireland, to be a finalist at the awards too, having been nominated as LGBTQ+ Trailblazer Of The Year, and we congratulate all finalists and the winners of each category. You can't be what you can't see. More information can be found at 2023 Winners - LGBTQ+ Defence Awards (thelgbtawards.com)

Fighting With Pride Receive Their Silver Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Service Certificate

The Employer Recognition Service Awards are organised by the Defence Relationship Management (DRM) organisation and recognise the contribution made by companies and charities to support the Armed Forces, serving members, veterans, and their families. It was a superb evening, held at the Royal Air Force Club in London, and a great honour for Fighting With Pride to receive our certificate from Major General Marc Overton TD DL VR, the Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Reserves and Cadets.

Fighting With Pride was one of 33 recipients achieving the Silver Award 2023, on the evening. Other organisations include, Google, John Lewis Partnership, Expedia, TalkTalk, as well as SSAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund, the latter two of which are both members of the FWP Pride in Veterans Standard (PiVS).

Speeches were given by Major General Overton, Mr Rich Davies the UK Country Managing Partner of NetCompany and Lieutenant General (retd) Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB, DL, Chief Executive of SSAFA, and Patron of Fighting With Pride.

Receiving the award from Major General Overton are Craig Jones, FWP’s Executive Chair, Caroline Paige, FWP’s Chief Executive, and Anthony Knight, the FWP Armed Forces Covenant Project Lead. We would like to thank Maria Kaya as our DRM National Account Manager, for her outstanding guidance and support to achieve this amazing recognition, and Anthony for his attention to detail that helped FWP to go from Bronze to Silver within 5 months.

You can find out more about the Employers Recognition Scheme here: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

National Updates, Events and Activities

Stonewall Message on LGBT+ Hate Crime and Launch of New Reporting App

We have been appalled to hear that on Sunday (13th August), two men were hospitalised after an apparent homophobic attack outside an LGBTQ+ venue in Clapham. Our thoughts go out to the victims, who we wish a speedy recovery.

There is a climate of growing hatred and violence towards our community. UK Government statistics show that hate crime based on sexual orientation has more than doubled in the last five years.

Despite the string of violent, and in some unfortunate cases deadly, attacks, the UK Government has sat idle. There has been no hate crime strategy in place in England for over three years.

Our community deserves safety and protection. We are working to ensure the UK Government sets out an effective action plan to deal with rising homophobic and transphobic violence.

In partnership with the Vodafone Foundation and Galop, we have developed the Zoteria app. With Zoteria, you can flag anti- LGBTQ+ hate incidents that happen to you or others with optional anonymity.

Your flagging helps us better understand LGBTQ+ hate crimes that we can use to advocate for effective policy.

You can download Zoteria HERE.

Regional Updates, Events and Activities

The following events are provided by regional partners and are funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) unless indicated otherwise. Enquiries should be made to the event organisers directly where possible, but FWP will also help connect should you wish.

NORTH EAST + YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE

Update from Kate, North East FWP VCW

FWP LGBT+ Social Group North East

Calling all LGBT+ Veterans and serving personnel in the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

WHAT: We have started our monthly social meet-up group to bring together all LGBT+ Veterans in a safe, supportive and like-minded place where we can socialise, chat and get-together. Sandwiches will be provided (you will need to purchase your own drinks).

WHY: It’s hard to find an inclusive gathering that fits all our needs in one place but is also understanding and accepting of our experiences, so having a monthly meet-up will do just that.

WHERE:  BOBBYS BAR, 78 Scotswood Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7JH
   (Handy for parking, buses and Metro & Trains at Central Station)
                 Bobby’s Newcastle - Gay Friendly, Pub, Newcastle (bobbysnewcastle.com)

NEXT EVENTs:
Saturday 28th Oct 11am-1pm
Saturday 25th Nov 11am-1pm
Xmas Social - TBC

Feedback from our Events: Everyone feels it was such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, relaxed and chilled, and just allowed people to talk, get to know each other and have a bit of banter and a laugh. The attendees said the venue was ideal as it is a safe, welcoming space; at that time of the day, it was quiet (which made it easier if you were on your own as there were only us there), and the sandwiches were a hit….. all said they would come again.   So, if you are interested, please come along; we are a friendly bunch.
We know that people are spread far and wide, but we need to start this somewhere and eventually hope to replicate this in other places over time.

CONTACT: Kate Husband      kate.husband@fightingwithpride.org.uk    to register your attendance or to ask for more details.

FWP LGBT+ Social Group Yorkshire & Humberside

Calling all LGBT+ Veterans and serving personnel in Yorkshire/Humberside and surrounding areas.

WHAT: We will be trialling a quarterly social group/drop-in to bring together all LGBT+ Veterans in a safe, supportive and like-minded place where we can socialise, chat and get-together. This will be organised and run by Kate Husband, the VCW for this region.  We have been running one in Newcastle for a few months, and it is proving very popular.

WHY: It’s hard to find an inclusive gathering that fits all our needs in one place but is also understanding and accepting of our experiences, so having a monthly meet-up will do just that.

WHERE:  Leeds:  Initially, you can choose between an individual meet-up with Kate Husband or joining the group social /meet-up.

VENUE:  This will be confirmed nearer the time, but it will be in the city centre.

DATES: Monday 23 October – Tuesday 24^th October

Individual Meet-up:  Kate will be available to book a 1:1 meet-up during the day on Monday, 23^rd Oct (afternoon only), and Tuesday, 24^thOct (Morning and afternoon).  I can also arrange an evening 1:1 either the Mon or Tues, but this will depend on which night the group social will be once it has been confirmed.

Group Social – Either Monday 23^rd Oct or Tuesday 24^th, Evening 6-8 pm (free to drop in when you can)

Feedback from our NE Group meet-ups: We are a small but growing gathering, and we can actually be there for 2+ hours as we don’t seem to stop talking. Everyone felt it was such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, relaxed and chilled, and just allowed people to talk, get to know each other and have a bit of banter and a laugh. The attendees said the venue was ideal as it is a safe, welcoming space.

CONTACT: If you are interested in joining us either in the group social or you would like a 1:1 meet up, please contact Kate Husband:

kate.husband@fightingwithpride.org.uk

SCOTLAND and NORTHERN IRELAND

Update from Dougie, FWP Operations Manager - Scotland and Northern Ireland

I have been very busy supporting all veterans, their families and serving personnel since our last update. I have been presenting to various groups and organisations who support FWP and I have also visited veterans who are unable to travel. I have been looking at setting up a drop-in session in Inverness and Aberdeen over the next few months, which will hopefully capture the veterans living in these areas. I had a great and successful 3-day visit to Northern Ireland recently and I am hoping to get back over before Christmas to forge links with the great charities and organisations who support Fighting With Pride.

Veterans Scotland AGM

Veterans Scotland Chair Jim Wilson invited me to their AGM with a short 15-minute presentation about what FwP can do to support veterans organisations but, more importantly, what these organisations can do to support FwP and the LGBT+ Veterans that we support. Jim Wilson stated that the update was comprehensive and that it was good to get our perspective on what other member organisations can do to ensure they are more welcoming to diverse communities.

Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland Presentation

I presented to the Chaplains from Scotland in St Johns Kirk Perth, which was attended by the Chaplain General, The Revd M Parker KHC CF. and 25 Chaplains from the Regular, Reserve and Cadet Forces. The presentation was appreciated with some very interesting questions from the audience, who represented all faiths and had a common goal of providing a proactive service to provide pastoral care to veterans and their families promoting hope, healing and acceptance. If you want to contact this great service, please follow the links below:

info@wpcscotland.co.uk

I met up with the CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong, to discuss how FwP can collaborate with the Legion to support Veterans in the LGBT+ space. Claire was very interested in getting us to present to the AGM of Legion Scotland and she will be meeting with Craig and Caroline later this month. Fighting With Pride will be for the first time laying a wreath at the opening of Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance on the 23^rd of October and then again at Remembrance Sunday at the City Chambers of Edinburgh on the 11^th of November.

Combat Stress Networking Drop-In Event

Fighting With Pride was one of many organisations that were invited to Erskine House to promote the work that we are doing in Scotland.

Some of the other organisations that attended were:

www.readingforce.org.uk
www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland
www.htscotland.org.uk
www.sacro.org.uk
www.thistle.org.uk

Scottish Veterans Residences Appoint New Chair - John Tweedle

Jonathan Tweedie has been appointed the new Chair of Scotland’s oldest military charity, Scottish Veterans’ Residences (SVR), succeeding George Lowder, who steps down after seven years in the role.
Jonathan has been vice-chairman of SVR since 2019 and is honoured to become the 11th Chair of the charity since it was established in 1910.
He said: “It is a huge honour to take over as Chairperson of Scottish Veterans’ Residences at such a pivotal moment in our history. We are finding that the housing and support needs of vulnerable veterans are becoming more complex. Consequently, we will have to decide how to adjust our focus, service provision, and infrastructure to meet the requirements and expectations of former service personnel in the 21st century.”

For enquiries and further information, please contact Colin Leslie, Head of External Relations, SVR, at colin@svronline.org or 07715 523 012

Veterans First Point Lothian Drop-In 7th November 1400-1500hrs

The Veterans drop in at Veterans First Point Lothian keeps on being an active session with new veterans joining us each session.

I recommend coming along to this well-established Drop-In if you have a specific query that you’d like an answer to or support with, such as housing, a DWP/ finance query, or a question regarding mental or physical health support. It’s a drop-in run by Fighting With Pride in partnership with Vets First Point Lothian.

WALES

Update from Ruth, FWP Operations Manager Cymru/Wales

Shwmae/Hello

It has continued to be a busy time with new Veterans coming forward into the FWP Family. I have attended and sent reports to numerous Armed Forces Covenant Meetings in Carmarthen, Anglesey, Denbighshire, Ceredigion and Swansea, updating them regarding the IR and encouraging them to join PiVS (Pride in Veterans Standard), which has resulted in new networking opportunities. The ‘V4P’ Collaboration Day’ was held at the ‘VC Gallery’ in Pembroke Dock, where there were talks, including the new SSAFA referral process and a ‘Your North Wellbeing Workshop’.

I gave a presentation to FHSA (First Choice Housing Association), which was well received.

I have also met with ‘Re-live’, an award-winning Life Story Arts organisation based in Wales looking to create a comic following from their first edition that concentrated on four stories of Veterans' mental health. This time, the comic will be four LGBT+ veteran stories, so look out for further updates.
www.re-live.org.uk

Explore Your Map Retreat

A few weeks ago, I attended an ‘Explore Your Map Retreat’ at the ‘Hafren Forest Hideaway’ in the wonderful area of Llanbrynmair Powys. This was an event by ‘Your North’ that was funded by the ‘Blue Light Foundation’. We walked, talked, paddle-boarded and discussed our well-being and mental health. I have made some wonderful friends and ate some awesome meals.

www.yournorth.co.uk
www.hafrenforesthideaway.com

Military Conference hosted by Hugh James in Cardiff

I was honoured to be invited to be one of the guest speakers at the Hugh James Military Conference. The speakers included Sian Woodland, Deputy CEO at ‘Woody’s Lodge’, Julianne Williams, Regional Employment Consultant Wales and Overseas from ‘Forces Employment Charity’, Dr Joanne Hopkins and Natalie Blakeborough from Public Health Wales and the ACE Hub Wales, Lisa Rawlings (AFLO) ‘Female Veterans Alliance’, Stephen Malcolm OBE ‘Normanton Chambers’ RN and Liz McConaghy ‘Chinook Crew Chick’.

Homelessness Legislation in Wales

The Expert Review Panel reviewing homelessness legislation in Wales has published its report today - Wales Expert Review Panel (crisis.org.uk), which includes recommendations specific to the Armed Forces community. Section 8 refers to Veterans (pages 24, 25, 80 refer).

Please see the link below regarding the Welsh Government Consultation on the White Paper on Ending Homelessness in Wales. This includes specific recommendations regarding the Armed Forces community (paragraphs 386-395). Responses are required by the 16th of January 2024.

Datganiad I’r wasg: https://www.llyw.cymru/cymrun-symud-gam-yn-nes-ddod-digartrefedd-i-ben
Press release: https://www.gov.wales/wales-moves-step-closer-ending-homelessness

Cymraeg: https://www.llyw.cymru/rhoi-diwedd-ar-ddigartrefedd-papur-gwyn
English: https://www.gov.wales/ending-homelessness-white-paper

Research - Gambling Addiction

‘Change Step’ is working alongside Swansea University on a 3-year study investigating gambling addiction and the harms produced by that addiction. They are interested in Veteran’s experiences for this voluntary study.

All details of individuals who wish to take part will be anonymous, and those who take part can if they so wish, pull out at any time in line with the BPS code of ethics; please see the link below.

https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/report-guideline/bpsrep.2021.inf94#:~:text=The%20code%20focuses%20on%20four,BPS%20expects%20of%20its%20members.

Contact details for the project ask@change-step.co.uk

Swansea LGBTQI+ Community. – Swanscene.

Come and meet organisations from across Swansea’s LGBTIQ+ community in a relaxed, social informal setting.
Where - HQ Urban Kitchen, Llys Glas, The Old Police Station, 37 Orchard Street, Swansea. SA1 5AJ
When - Monday 6 November, 7pm-9pm
E: swanscenequeer@gmail.com

Health & Wellbeing Workshop.

Rhondda Hub For Veterans has joined forces with Forces Fitness to host a ‘Health & Wellbeing workshop, exclusively for Veterans. This will be taking place on 25^th October from 1pm to 3pm at The Court Home Tonypandy.
For further information and to register for your place, please contact
info@rhonddahub.org.uk
01443303100
I will be attending this event and it would be great to see you there if you can make it.

Advice Support and Guidance - Swansea

A collaboration between the ‘Collaboration Station’, Swansea City Council and the National Waterfront Museum. 1st Monday of the month from 2 October Free drop-in 10am-1pm Open to all for advice, support and guidance. Wellbeing, Employment, Bereavement, Money, Anxiety and more. Any queries please contact: Rhys Thomas: 07977 346177 Zoe Gealy: 07810 65717
Cydweithrediad rhwng ‘Collaboration Station’, Cyngor Dinas Abertawe ac Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau. Dydd Llun cyntaf y mis 2 Hydref Am ddim, galw heibio 10am-1pm Agored i bawb i gael cyngor, cymorth ac arweiniad. Iechyd a lles, Cyflogaeth, Galar, Arian, Gorbryder ac ati ar gael i chi siarad â nhw. Os oes gennych unrhyw ymholiadau, cysylltwch â: Rhys Thomas: 07977 346177 Zoe Gealy: 07810 657170
Colofnres, Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau, Ffordd Ystumllwynarth, SA1 3RD
Colonnade, National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road SA1 3RD
Veteran Drop in Centres

‘Woody’s Lodge’ run drop in sessions every week for a chat, brew, advice, NHS referrals, form filling for benefits and pensions.
Please see link below
Veteran Drop-in Centres - Woody's Lodge (woodyslodge.org)

Ironman Wales 2024

Please find details of the IRONMAN places SSAFA have to offer fundraisers.

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea – 14 July 2024 https://youtu.be/YOfWxqjyXbw?si=gtjAeRve6-6N2cOt starting in Princes Dock, the swim is followed by a bike course through The Mumbles and along the Gower Peninsula and finally a run back into the city.

IRONMAN Wales - 22 September 2024 https://youtu.be/uvOg_-hDNXA?si=bOSCL2iaefsqN7Z8 is held in the seaside town of Tenby. Starting with a stunning sunrise swim on North Beach, the race continues with a bike course along the fabulous Pembrokeshire coast and finishes with a fan-filled town centre run.
In return for a free place in the races, we ask athletes to raise funds for SSAFA by setting up a JustGiving page. For the IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea race, we ask athletes to raise £800; IRONMAN Wales asks for £1200.
Annie Lawrie

Annie.Lawrie@ssafa.org.uk

Hwyl am y tro / Bye for now.

Ruth
Ruth.birch@fightingwithpride.org.uk

MIDLANDS

Update from Gemma, Midlands FWP VCW

It’s been another busy month, and it was great to get together with the team in Birmingham. Apologies to those who attended the Shrewsbury Hub. I missed seeing you all, but National Rail decided to let me down. I’ll see you at the next one!
I attended LGBT-SAND’s ‘Small Steps Big Difference’ conference; it was great to listen to and chat with so many organisations who have committed to improving inclusion and safe spaces for older LGBT+ people. It was a really great day of sharing best practice and learning. You can watch the highlights reel here

Supported by the Defence Medical Welfare Service, I gave a presentation about FWP’s work and the Independent Review to many organisations across the East and West Midlands, from housing, Public Health, NHS, and Local Authority to Ministry of Defence, Social Care and private industry - we were blown away by the overwhelming support and requests to work with us. These meetings have initiated lots of great conversations with veteran-supporting organisations about how they can shape their services to better support and welcome the LGBT+ armed forces community. Other meetings have included presenting to LGBT+ and Armed Forces Networks across Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, the Herefordshire Armed Forces Operations Group and Age UK.

Op STERLING: I’ve spoken to lots of you about our collaboration with Age UK and it’s been fantastic to see some brilliant outcomes, with veterans being able to claim up to thousands in support that they were previously unaware of. I urge anyone who is unsure to refer themselves through the website or give me a call if you’re uncertain about anything. The service is entirely confidential! If you’re a veteran who’s had a great outcome from the Op STERLING service and you’d like to share your story (it can be anonymous), get in touch with me!

Upcoming Events

I am attending many events from across the 12 counties in the Midlands, so if you don’t see anything in your area or you’d like support to attend a particular event, please get in touch with me directly.

Dates for the next Palmer’s Café drop-in, Shrewsbury are to be confirmed. A small group of LGBT+ veterans attend alongside a diverse group of people from the Armed Forces Community, and support organisations such as Op Courage and Veterans Welfare are often on hand. We welcome more of you to attend for a chat & a cuppa! If you’d like to attend, drop me a message and I’ll update you once the dates for November are formalised.

The Cart Shed in Herefordshire has a number of fantastic woodland and creative courses including their Blue Light worker course which is open to veterans. Designed to improve wellbeing through creativity and enjoyment of being outside in the beautiful woodlands. A hot cooked lunch made outside in the woodland kitchen. Find out more at Blue Light Workers | The Cart Shed

LONDON

Update from Alex, London Area FWP VCW

Hi everyone; I hope you’ve had a great month. I didn’t get to as many of the drop-ins this month as I would have liked to, firstly as I am a military partner and my partner is currently deployed overseas, and secondly, as I have had a complete disaster with my car breaking down not once, not twice, but three times! However, all is fixed, and I look forward to catching up with you all this month.

As you can imagine, Remembrance preparations have reached their peak, and we have some really exciting things happening across the weekend. It is always such a privilege to ensure that many of you get to come to London to join us in paying our respects to those fallen. If you have any questions regarding those events, please do get in touch via alex.meyrick@fightingwithrpride.org.uk.

Otherwise, this month has been a variety from providing more training to organisations such as the Defence Medical Welfare Service, attending national Veterans’ mental health conferences, in-person team meetings and presentations to various NHS Trusts. If you ever have questions or even suggestions of people I should be meeting, again, please do get in touch.

Now, fair warning, below you will see the word ‘Christmas’ used, but as you all know, I love to be prepared!

Wrap up warm, and have a very happy Halloween!

Army LGBT+ Network Christmas Carol Service - Saturday 25th November, 1800-1930

This year, the Carol Service is back! I went along with my partner in 2021, and it was a beautiful service in the amazing Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks. It’s a chance to get into the Christmas Spirit, have a military band play some Christmas favourites and also hear an LGBT+ focused church service, which is rather unusual but makes it a wonderful, welcoming evening. I will be there, and if enough people let me know they’re coming along, I’m sure I could arrange a Christmas social afterwards in London! You can turn up, but email me via alex.meyrick@fightingwithpride.org.uk if you fancy coming along.

The Royal Military Chapel (The Guards Chapel)
Wellington Barracks
Birdcage Walk
London
SW1E 6HQ
Closest Tube: St James’ Park
You can access the chapel without entering the barracks – the main entrance is on Birdcage Walk.

RAF LGBTQ+ Dining-in Night - Date TBC

The RAF LGBTQ+ Network is hosting a Dining-In night and is keen to have as many Veterans attend as possible! After Pride in London, it’s a great way to meet currently serving LGBT+ personnel and have a lovely formal evening out. I have been invited and will be going, and although they are looking for RAF Veterans, it’s open to all of our wonderful community.

I believe, at the moment, this event may be ticketed, but further information will be released soon.

At the moment, they are gauging interest for the event, so if you do want to hear more, please register your interest by following this link: https://forms.office.com/e/giLNU4GmW3

As ever, if you do fill out the form, do let me know by sending me an email!

Remembrance Events in London - Friday 10th November, 1045-1115

A couple of NHS Trusts are having events as they do every year before Remembrance weekend. If you’d like to attend, one is happening at Guys’ and St Thomas’ Hospital in Waterloo at the memorial near the entrance and a ceremony at The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust near Swiss Cottage. For more information on these, please get in touch with me directly via alex.meyrick@fightingwithpride.org.uk

Drop-In Sessions And Events

Royal Hospital Chelsea Veterans’ Outreach – Time and Date TBC (Please contact if you’re interested!

We haven’t received all the details yet regarding November’s event, but these are proving increasingly popular and are a wonderful way to meet new people, have a look around the historic iconic Royal Hospital, and meet some of the pensioners. Everyone is wonderfully welcoming and is keen to meet you all. Please email alex.meyrick@fightingwithpride.org.uk for more info if you’d like to come along.

Chelsea Gate
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
SW3 4SR
Closest Tube: Sloane Square (10 min walk)
Parking Available

GSTT Armed Forces Drop-In - Every third Tuesday of the month, 1100-1400

This drop-in is a relatively new one but is run by Guys and St Thomas’ Armed Forces Network, a fantastic network in the trust who work hard to ensure both patients and staff alike who have an Armed Forces connection are well looked after and understood. They do have food and drink on offer at this one, too! It’s a great place to meet other organisations or learn more about what the Armed Forces Networks across the NHS Trusts do. Please check with me to confirm attendance if you do plan on going along to the next and want to come along with me!

Ronald McDonald House Charities
Evelina House London
216 Lambeth Road
London
SE1 7JY
Closest Tube: Waterloo

St Pancras Hospital Drop-In - Thursday 26^th October /every last Thursday of the month, 1700-1900

I recommend coming along to this well-established Drop-In if you have a specific query that you’d like an answer to or support with, such as housing, a DWP/ finance query, or a question regarding mental or physical health support. It’s a drop-in run by the amazing London OpCourage team, but it’s open to all Veterans. The London OpCourage team are very supportive and has a great LGBT+ lead who you are always welcome to reach out to via myself if you are looking for further Mental Health support.

West Wing
St Pancras Hospital
London
NW1 0PE
Closest Tube: Kings’ Cross/Mornington Crescent (10 min walk)

Bromley FC Veterans’ Community Hub - Friday 27^th October/Last Friday of the month, 1100-1300

This drop-in is really new but very well attended and is held at Bromley FC - in their beautiful brand-new cafe. It’s a great place for a bit of a social before the weekend, they provide a really delicious breakfast and have excellent coffee on offer! There is also a wide range of organisations that attend, so if you have anything you’d like support with, this is a great way of getting more info.

Bromley Football Club
Haynes Lane
Bromley
BR2 9EF
Closest Station: Bromley South
Parking Available

As ever, if there are any questions, queries or you just fancy a chat, please get in touch!

Alex

NORTH WEST

Update from John, North West FWP FCW

Manchester Remembrance Sunday Ceremony 12th November 2023

Manchester will fall silent at 11 am on Sunday, 12 November 2023, as the city remembers the fallen during the annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Ambassador Carl Austin-Behan has secured places for LGBT+ Veterans and serving personnel to participate in the ceremony in Manchester City Centre.

Carl has requested Veterans email him directly for further details.

Carl@Austin-Behan.uk

BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day Hosted By Wates

Date: Thurs 2nd November 2023 Time: 1000 - 1530
Venue: St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green North, Manchester, M12 6FZ

BuildForce is delighted to be hosting its next Insight Day with sponsor Wates.

BuildForce supports our service leavers, veterans, reservists and spouses as they transition into long-term careers in construction and the wider built environment. Our industry, training, and mental health programmes offer a rich wraparound service to ensure you transition successfully into a long-term career.

On the day, engage directly with consultants, contractors, housebuilders, and SMEs to hear about the sectors they work in and the careers they offer, including PMO, Project Management, Site Management, Logistics, Engineering, Design, Quantity Surveyors, Health & Safety, Quality, Environmental/Sustainability, Facilities Management, Trade roles, Plant Operators, HR, IT, and Executive roles.

You will have an opportunity to spend 1-2-1 time with the industry in an informal, friendly atmosphere and to discuss your transition, CV, career advice and employment opportunities.

Agenda for the day:
1000 - 1100: Registration & Coffee
1100 - 1200: Guest Speakers
1230 - 1530: Employer Forum (working lunch)

Register at: info@buildforce.org.uk
www.buildforce.org.uk

Northwest LGBT+ Veterans Social Club Proposal

In view of the expansive rural area of the Northwest region and the distance between local veterans, our new regional VCW, John Beckett, is seeking to trial some excursions, social gatherings and day trip activities to bring local veterans closer together. The aim is to combat loneliness and isolation.

John will endeavour to source external funding and sponsorship, but some activities may have a nominal charge. Any cost will be kept to an absolute minimum.

Please could Northwest FWP Veterans who may be interested in forming a regional social group email John so he can build a picture of numbers and distances, etc.

j ohn.beckett@fightingwithpride.org.uk

SOUTH EAST

Update from Anthony, South East and South West FWP FCW

Portsmouth Armistice Remembrance

10 November 2023 - Southsea Remembrance Service 10-10:30 am

The Portsmouth Annual Ride of Remembrance will be leaving from Lakeside North Harbour at 10:00 sharp and will arrive at the Southsea Remembrance service at approximately 1030. This is a 50cc friendly ride and all forms of rides are welcome. The RNA Riders organise the event.

10 November 2023 - Portsmouth Guildhall Square Remembrance Service 10:30 am - 12 pm

The Remembrance Service will be preceded by a parade of veterans, military personnel and youth groups in the Guildhall Square at 10.30 am. At 11 am, there will be a two-minute silence followed by the service. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph will conclude the morning’s events. This event is open to all members of the public. The event will end at 12 pm noon.

Armed Forces Network Conference - 31 October 2023

Together We CAN Make A Difference Conference 2023 on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at the Amex Stadium, Brighton.

This will be an all-day multi-disciplinary conference looking at the amazing work which is being done both locally and nationally in regard to meeting the needs of the Armed Forces community, breaking down the barriers between organisations and highlighting their achievements.

The event will also celebrate the hard work of our Service Champions, and Mr Andrew Blackman Esq, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, will be presenting the Awards. This event is offered free of charge and is becoming recognised as a milestone for the work locally on behalf of the Armed Forces community. To book your place and/or book a market stall, please visit the conference page: Together We CAN Make A Difference 2023 - Armed Forces Network

Drop-in Dates Portsmouth

Veteran Outreach Support: Anthony, FWP Veteran Community Worker, will set up a stall at the VOS monthly drop-in afternoon on Wednesday, 1st November. Come and have a chat about the Etherton Report! FWP is a service delivery partner and the VOS Drop-In takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 4:30 pm in the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth.

Age UK Portsmouth: Anthony will also attend the Veteran's Breakfast Club at Age UK's Cafe on Friday, 24th November, at the Bradbury Centre, 16-18 Kingston Road, Portsmouth PO1 5RZ. The cost for a breakfast sandwich is £5 or £6 for a full English. Both include a hot drink and free top-ups. The breakfast event is from 10 am - 12 noon. Space is limited but seats can be booked by ringing 02392 862121. Come along and chat; it will be a good opportunity to learn about the FWP and Age UK partnership and OP Sterling support.

Petersfield Drop-in

Armed forces veterans and serving servicemen and women are invited to enjoy tea, coffee and cake at the Armed Forces Drop-In Centre at Winton House in Petersfield High Street. Anthony will attend Thursday, 2 November, from 4 – 8 pm.

New Drop-in Sessions "Beer and Banter" Set-up By Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust

We are pleased to announce, in collaboration with our Suicide Prevention Lead - Paul Alexander, and as part of a trust initiative, we are setting up two evening Drop-in Sessions, “Brew & Banter”, for those from the Armed Forces Community.
The aim of the drop-in sessions is to meet up and have a chat over a cuppa with like-minded people and to offer sessions in the evenings for those who may be unable to attend during the day, however, all are welcome to attend.

These will be commencing in Tongham on the 7^{th of} November 2023 – between 18:30 – 20:30, which will be held @ St Paul’s Church GU10 1DS and then will be held the 1^st Tuesday of the month until April 2024

Leatherhead will be starting on the 15^th of November 2023 - between 19:30 – 21:30, which will be held @ Leatherhead Parish Hall – KT22 8BD and then held on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month until April 2024.

SOUTH WEST

Update from George, South West Area FWP VCW

It’s been a busy first month in the South West and I am very excited to write my first newsletter update for you all.

As many of you may know, I joined Fighting With Pride just over a month ago now, and I have been very lucky to get to talk with so many of you already – albeit virtually.

As you can imagine, I’ve spent the majority of this month getting up to speed. At the start of the month, I met up with the team for training, and I also joined Anthony visiting the Army Officer Selection Board at Westbury. Here, we found how the army is changing to ensure it can get talent from every one, no matter who they are.

Anthony and I are also working closely together to arrange an event for our members in the South West, hopefully, to take place before Christmas. I will, of course, share details of this as we get them – hopefully soon!

Later in the month, I am also meeting with partner charities so I can hold regular drop-in sessions throughout the region. As before, I will share these details on the FWP website as soon as I get them.

As we wait, if ever you need to contact me, my WhatsApp is (+44)7938 762 613 and my email address is george.williams@fightingwithpride.org.uk. Please feel free to get in touch!

George.

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October 2023 Welcome to the latest FWP news update.