August 2023
Welcome to the latest FWP news update.
Thanks for supporting the news updates, and welcome to our August edition. We hope you find it helpful and informative. If you have anything you think would be good to share in future editions, please get in touch.
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Fighting With Pride Updates
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Update from Craig Jones MBE (Executive Chair) and Caroline Paige (Chief Executive)
Welcome to our August Newsletter, we hope you have managed to find some summer sun and have enjoyed a relaxing August. Although our campaign work might seem to have gone quiet, please rest assured we have been working hard on the next steps in the delivery of reparations and support and look forward to updating this at our next Town Hall. Our original July Town Hall, updating on reparations, unfortunately, suffered from IT capacity gremlins and we apologise to anyone not able to join us for the event on 24th July, we ran a second event on 31st July and hope you were able to join us then. We were delighted to see 236 of you over both events, not including repeat joins. See below for details on our September Town Hall that will focus on our reparations survey, more on which shortly.
Our VCWs have also been busy and you can read some of their accounts in the regional updates below, but they have also been responding to a steady increase in requests for information, advice or support from LGBT+ Veterans and families who have recently become aware of Lord Etherton’s Final Report and recommendations. To support that increase we have undertaken some internal restructuring and are looking forward to welcoming some new team members in the coming weeks. Our advertisement for short-term VCWs in the South West and North West of England closed on 21st August, and we will soon be calling candidates forward to interview.
We have also enjoyed meeting many of you at a variety of Prides, though sadly Brighton was impacted by the train cancellations and Newcastle was rained out, we still enjoyed several other Prides and you can also read about some of those in our regional sections below. Our final marching Pride of the year is in Manchester on Saturday 26th August, and it’s not too late to put your name forward if you’d like to join us for that, we’ll be joining up with RBL and are looking forward to seeing as many familiar faces as we hope to see new ones.
Yesterday, we launched a short survey for LGBT+ Veterans, or representatives of, asking for thoughts and comments on some of the non-financial reparations included in Lord Etherton’s Final Report. Details are included later in this newsletter, but please do take the time to complete this survey. It is your opportunity once more to help influence the outcomes of those reparations to ensure they are meaningful and appropriate. We will incorporate any questions on financial reparations at a later date when there is enough development to ensure clarity and fact.
Over time we have developed in many ways as a charity, as we have grown and got to know you, as we have learned, not just from those we support, but from our team, our partners, other organisations we work with, and importantly our funders too. And we aren’t alone in this, information gathering is a realisation of understanding that has become a bigger focus for many charity and support organisations in recent times, for many different reasons, generally driving a genuine desire to provide the best possible service. Even the 2021 National Census finally included questions for the first time on military service status, sexual orientation and gender identity, intended to help identify population statistics that will enable better understanding, outreach and service provision in so many different ways.
At the beginning of our work when someone got in touch with FWP, we didn’t ask all the questions that we know now we should have eg geographical location, age group, service etc. Questions help us to understand who we are reaching, and importantly who we aren’t. Answers given, helped us build a better picture of an isolated diverse community and its needs, that no one had noticed previously. They have collectively empowered awareness, understanding and action, which inspired research to further evidence individual and community needs and necessary outcomes. That drove our campaign, that led to the Independent Review and the Call for Evidence, that led to the 49 different reparations recommended in Lord Etherton’s Final Report. We focus our questions better now to feed more complex tasks, but for all those who joined us before we did, we hope to step back soon and invite you to complete missing details to help build an even better picture.
To help us in this, we are now in a better place to develop our ‘Customer Relationship Management’ (CRM) measures, to use information to manage, organise and track all contacts to FWP and follow-up on connections etc, so that no-one gets missed on a busy day, so that we know who to reach out to for specific activities, for instance relaying details for a future event for LGBT+ RN veterans only, or for female veterans only, or a call out for volunteers to participate in service or region-specific activities or media, so that we can organise events more efficiently too, reducing costs so that we get more out of little, helping ensure the widest possible inclusion at community events. Our new approach will soon be reflected in a fresh new layout for our Contact Us Form. The better information management we have the better we can signpost something of importance or of interest to you, as an individual or a group. There is naturally a limit to the information we can, need or want to hold, and how. GDPR of course is a factor, but also, it’s a balance of asking just enough of the right questions of you, to deliver the best possible relationship and results. Surveys and Questionnaires are of course an important part of this.
We do live in a survey top heavy world, but your participation means the difference between us telling people what we think you need, and you empowering us with compelling details to illustrate exactly what you need and why. So please continue doing what you have been doing so incredibly well, our work is far from done and we need your support to keep knocking on the doors, with the best information, the right questions, and the right asks, to get the right answers. Together we can do this.
We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at any remaining Pride events or on our next Town Hall Zoom.
Best Wishes
Craig and Caroline
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Fighting With Pride wants to know what you want to see in the delivery of the non-financial recommendations of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review
We would be extremely grateful if you could take 15 minutes or so to complete the questionnaire (see Link to Survey below). We want both your opinions and also your ideas. For some of the recommendations, we have had a lot of feedback, so we have targeted the questionnaire to get your opinion where your views may not be known.
This work is not just about finding the consensus. FWP is committed to encouraging a wide range of reparations that can reflect the wishes of individuals and the whole community where that is possible, so please tell us what is right for you. We also ask that where something might not be right to you, but may be right for someone else, that you keep options open in the answers you give. Only say no to something if you feel its 'not right’ in principle.
Thank you for supporting this important community call, we really want to see hundreds of responses. Please encourage each others to respond.
FWPs work needs to be led by your views and this is your chance to tell us………..
Thank you
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FWP Town Hall - 18th September 2023 18:30 (BST)
Our next Fighting With Pride (FWP) evening Zoom update briefing will be taking place on Monday 18th September 2023 at 18:30.
All LGBT+ Veterans and Allies are welcome to join the Zoom briefing hosted by Craig and Caroline. They will update you on details of the recent FWP Reparations Survey and the latest on any Review Recommendations progress, the work of FWP and our latest news.
You can register for the Zoom event HERE
You will receive an email with a direct link to join the event once your registration is confiroed. You should get an email confirmation within 48 hours of registering. Please check your spam/junk mail folder if you don't see this. Any issues, please email events@fightingwithpride.org.uk
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Spread over two FWP Town Hall meetings, over 200 veterans and supporters heard about the latest on the Independent Review, Reparations and the way forward
It was amazing to see so many veterans and supporters join us for our last Town Hall which focused on the latest from the Independent Review, Reparations and the way forward.
If you didn't manage to join us or want to listen again you can listen to the Town Hall audio HERE
You can also keep updated on the FWP Reparations webpage HERE
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Telephone Friendship Group for RAF LGBT Veterans
FWP is delighted to announce a new opportunity for LGBT+ RAF Veterans to take part in a telephone friendship group, created and supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The group(s) would be formed of up to 6 people who have served in the RAF/WRAF. The RAFBF already runs successful telephone groups for RAF Veterans and their partners, but the FWP groups will be specifically for LGBT+ participants and partners. Participating individuals would be matched with a group of hopefully like-minded people with an option to try a different group if for any reason they weren’t happy with the matching. The groups centre on just casual everyday conversations and are facilitated by a trained volunteer who is on every call to make sure all runs smoothly.
Groups are safe and confidential and set up weekly at an agreed day and time, so participants would get to know fellow group members quite well over the weeks. The system makes all the calls and connections so there is no worry about dialling in issues or phone bills.
If you are interested in joining a telephone friendship group, please let us know via info@fightingwithpride.org.uk, and please put ‘Telephone Friendship Group’ in the subject line. Further details will then be provided by the RAF Benevolent Fund team.
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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 19th 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 19th July 2023.
LGBT Independent Review: information for stakeholders and veterans
[Final Report cover artwork by David Tovey]
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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 is delivering 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 them 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.
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.
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Veterans' ID Cards
We have recently been contacted by the team at the MoD who is conducting early testing and development of the registration process for the upcoming Veterans ID Cards:
Help improve our service for Veterans
We’re building an application process to support the roll out of HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards later this year. We want to hear your views on this. If you are a veteran who served in HM Armed Forces, please complete this short survey to help the team: https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/423265?lang=en. This will only take a few minutes and your responses will help us build an application process that is suitable for all veterans.
We are recruiting for volunteers to test the Veteran Card application process and provide feedback on their experience. These sessions take 60-90 minutes and are run by a member of the research team, either in-person or online. We test often, with as many users as possible to help us build a service that works for all. Volunteers will be contacted by the research team with more details about what the research sessions involved, and how it could work best for them.
This research is led by Defence Business Services, Armed Forces and Veterans Service. Please direct any questions to dbs-hm-armedforces-veterancard@mod.gov.uk, where one of the team will get back to you soon.
Thank you for your valuable contribution to Veterans research.
Whilst we would encourage you to complete the survey, please be aware that putting your name forward does not guarantee you will be contacted by Dylan and his team at the MoD for further research. It is an extremely small team, and so contact will be made as and when they have capacity. Meetings will usually be held online via Teams or Zoom, and other comms via email.
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FWP Launches Jobs Board for Pride in Veterans Standard Organisations
Looking for a job with an employer that is committed to being LGBT+ Veteran inclusive?
Check out the FWP Jobs Board, where Pride in Veterans Standard Organisaitons are able to post their latest job vacancies. As a PiVS organisation, you can be assured of their commitment to being LGBT+ inclusive and supportive of our veterans.
Check out the Jobs Board HERE
You can learn more about PiVS and the commitments organisations make HERE
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National Updates, Events and Activities
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Government Inquiry into Service Accommodation
The UK Government Defence Committee has recently set up a Sub-Committee inquiry to look into Service Accommodation. They wish to hear from veterans about their transition into civilian housing and whether they received adequate support.
Even if you left the Forces some time ago, the inquiry would still be interested in your lived experience.
Please follow this link for more details and how to contribute
https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3195/
Deadline for submissions is Friday 1 September 2023
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Stonewall Message on LGBT+ Hate Crime and Launch of New Reporting App
We have been appalled to hear that on Sunday two men were hospitalised after an apparent homophobic attack outside a 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 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 build a better understanding of LGBTQ+ hate crime that we can use to advocate for effective policy.
You can download Zoteria HERE
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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.
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NORTH EAST + YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE
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Update from Kate, North East FWP VCW
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We were at 3 Prides this year Durham (and Durham LGBT+ Armed Forces Day), Newcastle and Leeds.
Sadly Newcastle was a complete wash out, and a mud bath, but the Durham weekend and Leeds were amazing. Next year we are hoping to build our presence at all of them so watch this space over the coming year.
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FWP LGBT+ Social Group North East
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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 likeminded place where we can socialise, have a chat and a general 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 to have 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 23rd Sep 11am-1pm,
Saturday 28th Oct 11am-1pm
then roughly monthly after that (avoiding NUFC home matches)
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 are on your own as there was 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 are aware 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.
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Remembrance Services/Parades
We are currently looking at the remembrance services and parades across the NE, York & Humber to increase our involvement on this important day. Last year a wreath was laid at the Newcastle ceremony but we are looking at other options for November so please watch out for more information.
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SCOTLAND and NORTHERN IRELAND
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Update from Dougie, FWP Operations Manager - Scotland and Northern Ireland
Scotland
I am not too sure where July has gone, as we are now in August with September looming.
I have been very busy engaging with veterans and attending national and local events.
If you need a helping hand to navigate support services, please give me a shout!
I had my first meeting with the Muslim LGBTQ+ community leader at Glasgow University which went very well and I look forward to working alongside their community. Thank you for your kind invitation.
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I attended Glasgow Mardi Gla and was supported by Community Veterans Support https://www.communityveteranssupport.org Combat Stress hlepline@combatstress.org.uk Victoria Craig from SACRO www.sacro.org.uk and Veterans Housing Scotland support@vhscot.org.uk
We joined forces with the amazing Jo Mundie from the Army LGBT Forum Scotland and members of our Regular and Reserve Forces. What a great day was had by all and we were even joined by a new veteran who recognised FWPs flag and marched with us.
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Fighting With Pride and some of our LGBT+ Veterans met with the Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton discussing a number of topics, including the enormous challenges that the LGBT+ veterans community had to face during their military service. The Veterans spoke about improvements to available support and the more specific changes in attitude that they now experience, whilst recognising that much still remains to be done. Many thanks to these great supporters of Fighting With Pride in Scotland.
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Fighting With Pride held its 2nd Drop In in Cowdenbeath Fife in the Forty Twa Café which is owned by a veteran who served in the Black Watch Regiment. We had 9 veterans attend this session and it was great that they can catch up in a safe space and have a bit of banter and scoff. We are all here to support each other and it is great that they are able to speak openly about their issues and challenges. A fine band of brothers who support me and my journey.
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On Course Foundation
I had the honour to be invited to the inaugural On Course Foundation vs the Army in Scotland Golf golf match, held at Blairgowrie Golf Course. Explore what the On Course Foundation (OCF) is and what makes them an asset to wounded and sick service personnel and veterans. Their strong relationships with Defence Recovery Capability and the Personnel Recovery Units (PRUs) around the UK allow them to reach more people who haven't yet heard of them and don't know how they can help.
OCF are committed to helping veterans as well, who suffer from physical and mental injuries. No matter when an injury took place, everyone is welcome to attend one of their events. They introduce Service personnel to what they do through their introductory Golf events held at golf clubs close to each PRU. These aim to introduce potential new members to golf and encourage them to attend their Golf Skills and Employment Events. Their Golf Skills and Employment events allow their attendees to fully explore how golf can help them on the road to recovery, and how the industry can provide employment.
Members receive not only comprehensive golf tuition from their training professionals but career advice and guidance from industry professionals in golf course management, green keeping and marketing to name but a few.
They are committed to finding roles to fit their skills and knowledge and helping you to pursue a meaningful career in the golf industry. Employment is key to what they do, building self-esteem and confidence in their members and supporting your goals of getting back on course.
You can register with this great charity and get back onto the road of recovery HERE.
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Fighting With Pride were hosted in Belfast by Michael at Inspire in July, to brief our fellow VPPP partners. Craig, Caroline and Dave presented at a very informative session, updating our partners on FWP's current work, the Independent Review's Final Report and its recommendations, and the Pride in Veterans Standard. I spoke about creating relationships with the local LGBT+ community within NI, and we were supported once again by Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office (NIVSO) who continue their brilliant work to help Fighting With Pride and partner organisations to connect and support LGBT+ Veterans in NI. https://nivso.org.uk
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Belfast Pride
Fighting With Pride attended Belfast Pride supported by Community Veterans Support and once again we were not disappointed by the tremendous support we received. This was the first time ever that a military LGBT+ charity had marched in Belfast Pride and what a parade it was (apart from the rain lol) but it never dampened our spirit.
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Veterans Awards Northern Ireland and ROI
I had a great meeting with Jason Gillard (Veteran) who runs the Veterans Awards in Northern Ireland and is now making progress on the Republic of Ireland as well. These veterans’ awards will ensure that veterans in business, fitness, sport and the wider community are recognised. In Northern Ireland, we have a huge number of highly successful Armed Forces veterans that have made the transition from the Military to civilian life and the Veterans Awards want to reward these veterans who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields. They will act as role models for future service leavers. https://www.veteransawardsireland.com
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Oban Pride - 1st to 3rd September 2023
Please let me know if you are going to be marching with Fighting Pride at Oban Pride on Saturday 2nd September. dougiemorgan@fightingwithpride.org.uk
The March will be congregating at Oban's Station Square from 11:45 ready to depart at 12:30 and arrive at The Corran Halls venue for the day.
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Drop-In sessions.
The following dates have been confirmed with Veterans First Point Lothian for FWPs drop-in sessions to be held at Vets1stPoint 468 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7SA
Monday 21st August 1400 – 1600hrs
Monday 2nd October 1400 – 1600hrs
Monday 27th November 1400 – 1600hrs
Please let me know if you will be attending any of these sessions as I am required to inform Vets1stPoint.
There is no written agenda for these sessions however if you wish to have a 1-on-1 please let me know as I will book a private space.
Please pass this onto any other veterans who you may think could benefit these sessions.
Looking Forward
Northern Ireland visits 12th,13th and 14th of September 2023
Chaplaincy Event 04th October 2023
Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance Wreath Laying 23rd October 2023
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Update from Ruth, FWP Operations Manager Cymru/Wales
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Shwmae/Hello
Wales Online
Wales online contacted me for an interview after receiving ‘Inspiration of the Year’ award at the Welsh Veterans Awards.
The link for this interview is below:
'We fell in love in the Army but had to split as same-sex couples were banned' - Wales Online
Radio Wales
After the PM’s apology to the LGBT+ Veterans I was contacted by BBC Radio Wales to give a short interview on their ‘Drive Time Show’.
Radio 5 Live
Later that evening I was asked to give about a twenty-minute interview to Radio 5 Wales Live at 10pm. The link is below.
Colin Murray - With Qasa Alom - BBC Sounds
Radio 4
On 28th July I was honoured to be asked to be a guest on Radio 4s ‘Saturday Live’ programme. Interesting that they introduced me as a ‘bomb disposal expert’!
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I was a guest with Peggy Seeger and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.
Both inspirational ladies were presented with a copy of our 2020 book 'Fighting With Pride'.
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The link is below.
BBC Radio 4 - Saturday Live
(a quote from my brother – “you have the face for radio”)
HMP & YOI Parc Pride Event.
On 25th July Caroline Paige and I went to HMP & YOI Parc to take part in their ‘Parc Pride’ event. We were met by Christopher Roberts the E&D Manager and entered the prison to the multi faith centre that was decorated everywhere with rainbow covers, flags, and pop ups. There were about 40 prisoners present and they listened intently to Caroline as she talked about her life, interweaved with her RAF career and Fighting With Pride. A donation was made by G4S who operate the prison and we were touched to hear that the prisoners had donated too from their own accounts.
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Chris Roberts EDI Manager HMP & YOI Parc with Ruth and Caroline.
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On 7th August I went to a Veterans’ group at HMP Usk where I was the guest speaker. The Veterans talked about how they had seen their friends being marched away and they were “never seen again”.They were attentive throughout my talk and wanted me to return to update them on the progress of the LGBT Veterans' Independent Review.
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Pride in the Port – Newport 2nd September 2023.
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Fighting With Pride have a stall at the event and will also be taking part in the parade. Come and join us. Events are https://www.facebook.com/PrideinthePort/events
The Parade will leave John Frost Square at 11am, so assemble from 10:30am and arrive at the event site at 12pm. I will be sent a map of the parade route in the next two weeks, so please contact me to let me know if you are marching on the parade so that I can send you the route map. Ruth.birch@fightingwithpride.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you at the event come and find us and say ‘hello’ our stall will be at the Riverside Museum.
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Brecon Pride - 2nd September 2023
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Events.
There is a ‘Your Skills Your Future’ – 2-day workshop at HMS Cambria, Cardiff Docks 6th-7th September.
Please see below for details.
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Woodys Lodge.
All Wales Armed Forces Veteran & Family Art Exhibition
“Expressions of bravery” and “Your life after leaving service”
Woody’s Lodge (V4P Partner) are organising this event.
For details please email fundraising@woodyslodge.org
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Welsh Ombudsman.
Public Services Ombudsman For Wales are setting up a directory of advice and advocacy bodies to publish on their website. This is so that their complainants can have a resource to turn to if they need extra support while on their complaint journey. I have already submitted ‘Fighting With Pride’ information.
Reengage.
This is a service specifically for LGBT+ people aged 75+ who would like to speak to someone who’s also LGBT+. Calls last for half an hour or so and you can chat about anything that interests you. What's great is that the same volunteer phones you every time, so you can get to know each other and share stories and laughter – for as long as you both want.
Please see the link below, further information is also available in the leaflet posted earlier in this Newsletter.
Find a rainbow call companion: LGBT+ phone befriending (reengage.org.uk)
Veterans Foundation Tactical Fitness.
‘Raw Performance’ have linked up with ‘Snap Fitness’ Bridgend and will be using their great facilities to deliver Fitness sessions for Veterans and their families.
Starting the 8th of August, every Tuesday 5-6pm.
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Hywl am y tro / Bye for now.
Ruth
Operations Manager Cymru / Wales.
ruth.birch@fightingwithpride.org.uk
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Update from Gemma, Midlands FWP VCW
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Much of the last few weeks has been spent meeting and talking to veterans , many who are new to FWP. As always, it’s been an absolute pleasure and please do get in contact if there’s anything I can support with from accessing the new Age UK Op Sterling service to local activities!
I encourage anyone who is unsure whether they’re claiming everything they’re entitled to, to access the Op Sterling service or get in contact if you have any questions. It’s estimated that there is staggering £19 billion of benefits that goes unclaimed every year. You can access the service here: https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/get-support/ageuk-veteran-support/
I attended the National LGBT+ Police Conference where every Force in the UK was represented. This was a great opportunity to discuss our work and support. RAF Veteran Matt Lindley gave a brilliant talk about the impact ‘the ban’ had on his career.
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I had meetings with Nottingham NHS Trust LGBT+ Network, Op Courage, the Defence Medical Welfare Service and the Worcestershire Armed Forces Operation Group to discuss how we can strengthen support for LGBT+ veterans across the Midlands.
I also attended a great meeting with Staffordshire Council about the tremendous employment support they offer to the Armed Forces community including thousands of upcoming employment opportunities at the new Midlands Interchange project. You can find out more here: https://www.staffsjobscareers.com/ I work alongside many people able to support with finding meaningful employment or volunteering opportunities across the Midlands, so please get in touch if you’d like more info!
Upcoming
(Get in contact if you’d like support to attend, I’m always happy to meet people at regional drop-ins!).
I will be attending the Shropshire Armed Forces Outreach on the 21st of August at 10:00 – 12:15. Palmers Café, Shrewsbury. SY1 1QG. It’s a great, relaxed atmosphere with tea & coffee on tap so please drop in and say hello if you’re able!
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Tri Service & Veterans Support Centre – Staffordshire
Women Only Wellness Bushcraft. Wednesdays 5pm onwards.
Veterans Bushcraft Thursday 12pm onwards.
@ The Veterans Retreat, Sands Road, Stoke on Trent. ST7 4LA.
More events here: https://www.veteransupportcentre.org.uk/
Mission Motorsport
September Events https://www.missionmotorsport.org/whats-on
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Update from Alex, London Area FWP VCW
What a month it has been! We have seen so many wonderful new faces across FWP, and London has been no exception. Whilst Prides across the country are still in full swing, London calms down slightly in late summer, which has given me a chance to catch up with you all and, of course, start getting sorted for Remembrance in November!
This Month, Royal Hospital Chelsea hosted a Veteran’s Picnic and I was lucky enough to be joined by a lovely group of you. We had a fantastic afternoon, were fed extremely well and enjoyed lawn games, demonstrations by the Pensioners and even a sing song. It was really well attended, was a great opportunity to have a look around the grounds of the historic Royal hospital. We were even lucky enough to have a full afternoon of sunshine…!
This month I found myself able to get back to my usual round of Drop-ins, which is always really lovely as it’s an opportunity to chat to Veterans and other supportive organisations. I found myself in Waterloo at the Guys and St Thomas’ Drop In, Kings Cross for the St Pancras Drop In and even down to Bromley for their brand new Drop In there, which I highly recommend. I have also been chatting to lots of other organisations about what they offer and how they can benefit our community, speaking to various NHS Trusts about their staff and patients, and plans are already in place for next year’s Pride in London! It’s been a really busy few months at FWP, and as ever it’s really lovely to see just how keen everyone is to support and help us in connecting our community as best we can.
As ever, below are upcoming events, which I will endeavour to attend! If any of them take your fancy, please do pop me an email and I can provide you more details and confirm with you whether I will be able to make it this month.
Enjoy the rest of this slightly damper than usual summer, and please do get in touch if there is anything I can do!
Alex
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Royal Hospital Chelsea Veterans’ Games Afternoon - Tuesday 5th September, 1345-1630
This month, the RHC are hosting a games afternoon for all Service Veterans of State Pension age! They did this event a few months ago, and there were a group of us that sat and played dominoes, ate cake and then got extremely competitive in a mass quiz. It was a huge amount of fun, everyone is so welcoming and it’s a great place to meet other Veterans or connect with other organisations that may be beneficial to you. I will be there, so if you have any questions you can email me via alex.meyrick@fightingwithpride.org.uk, but you will need to RSVP to veteransoutreach@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk if you’d like to come along. We’d love to see you! Delicious food and drink is provided!
Chelsea Gate
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
SW3 4SR
Closest Tube: Sloane Square (10 min walk)
Parking Available
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GSTT Armed Forces Drop-In - Tuesday 15th August/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. I will be at this one - but if the newsletter misses this one, please check with me to confirm attendance if you do plan on going along to the next and are wanting to come along with me!
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Evelina House London
216 Lambeth Road
London
SE1 7JY
Closest Tube: Waterloo
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St Pancras Hospital Drop-In - Thursday 31th August/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 have a great LGBT+ lead who you are always welcome to reach out to contact 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)
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Bromley FC Veterans’ Community Hub - Friday 25th August / 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
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Pride @ RAF Benson - Thursday 12th October, timings TBC
This year, the first ever Pride on a Military Camp is happening at RAF Benson! There will be a small Pride March, stalls, and evening entertainment and we would love to have a group of FWP Veterans there! This is open to Veterans and families from across the Services, and hopefully will be really well attended. Anyone who is planning on attending will need to fill out the form linked below so that passes can be issued, but it promises to be a great day. If you have any questions, please do email me via alex.meyrick@fightingwithpride.org.uk, but further detail will follow in the coming weeks. If you do register, please ensure that you let me know so I have a better idea of who will be there!
Registration link: https://forms.gle/iFU8XeN2PgTswseo7
RAF Benson
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 6AA
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Update from Anthony, South East and South West FWP FCW
South East
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VOS: Anthony, FWP Veteran Community Worker, will set up a stall at the VOS monthly drop-in afternoon Wednesday 6th September. 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 1400 to 1700 in the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth, where free coffee and tea are provided.
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AGE UK: Anthony will also attend the Veteran's Breakfast Club at Age UK's Cafe on Friday's 8th and 29th September 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 10am - 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.
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Improving Lives Plymouth: The Veteran and Families Hub at Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA are organising a number of events throughout September including; drop-in centre, brew and banter and veteran carers support group. Details can be found here: Veterans and Family Hub - Improving Lives Plymouth or call: 01752 201766
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Come Out Fighting: Nick Bamford's theatre production of 'Come out Fighting' will be touring the South West in September and October. Inspired by Merimée/Bizet’s Carmen, this is a love story exploring the testosterone-driven links between sex and violence. Two squaddies, both damaged by childhood abuse, embark on a desperate affair, fuelled by jealousy, anger and betrayal, where fighting and sex become inseparable. See poster for tour dates and venues. Full details can be found here: Come Out Fighting - WHAT NOW PRODUCTIONS
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Useful Links and Resources
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Useful Links And Resources
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