Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £70,000 to five fantastic projects designed to mitigate the challenges posed by long or frequent involuntary separation on families, spouses, and serving personnel. The Apart Not Alone programme was developed as part of the Trust’s three-year framework, shaped by insights gathered during the Trust’s public consultation in summer 2023. This evidenced based approach ensures targeted support for those requiring special consideration while addressing diverse needs through effective, tailored solutions. Collaboration with beneficiaries played a pivotal role in the programmes design. Consultation with those directly impacted provided invaluable insights, enabling a shared understanding of challenges and ensuring that the project aligns with evidenced needs. These new awards aim to address the emotional and practical impacts of separation, loneliness, and isolation experienced by serving families, including Reservists. By enhancing access to support pathways, the initiatives focus on improving the quality of life for those most affected by long-term or frequent separation. https://lnkd.in/gXJsnr6Z #armedforcescommunity

New research has successfully tested the safety of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted psychotherapy with five UK veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trial supported that the treatment could be feasible, safe, and potentially effective for use in the UK, and supports that further research is warranted into the treatment. In the phase II trial, Supporting Wounded Veterans worked in conjunction with King's College London (KCL), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and NHS England in a project part-funded by Forces in Mind Trust. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder caused by traumatic events, such as those experienced during conflict, accidents and abuse. Existing treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy can be less than 30% effective for ex-Service personnel experiencing PTSD1. MDMA-assisted therapy has shown promising results in other countries for those with PTSD that is treatment-resistant but has not been tested in the UK before. The trial’s small size allowed for careful testing of the treatment where the participants could be monitored overnight in hospital for adverse events and assessed in follow-up to their MDMA therapy. https://lnkd.in/gFREKfcD #armedforcescommunity

While Christmas is a joyous occasion for many, it can be an especially tough time of year for Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. Families may have lost loved ones or have near and dear deployed on service; feelings of isolation may worsen for veterans; and serving personnel may feel the distance more intensely when deployed away from home over the holidays. That is why Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH), a partnership between SSAFA the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council, is preparing Christmas gift bags for veterans across the city, who may otherwise go without a present this year. https://lnkd.in/g9A8ae7W #armedforcescommunity

SSAFA the Armed Forces charity’s Personal Support and Social Work Service (PS&SWS) based at RAF Waddington, alongside their RAF Personal Support and Chaplaincy colleagues, won the “Outstanding Team Achievement Award” at this year’s RAF Waddington Awards. Since 1990, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has provided assistance to the RAF community through providing dedicated team members at RAF stations across the UK. SSAFA’s PS&SWS provides tailored welfare and wellbeing support to the whole RAF family. They help regulars or reservists; parents or partners; those living on the base or off it. Ahead of this year’s RAF Waddington Awards, three teams were nominated for the Outstanding Team Achievement Award. But due to the exceptional work of Chaplaincy, RAF Personal Support and SSAFA PS&SWS colleagues, the Welfare Team took the accolade on the night. https://lnkd.in/gVJ7x_eh #armedforcescommunity

The 2025 Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre conference will be held on Tuesday 20 May 2025, in Bush House, London. The conference theme for 2025 is ‘Understanding and Supporting the Armed Forces Community in an Evolving World,’ and we are currently seeking submissions from stakeholders across the research, government, and service provision sectors for podium and poster presentations in line with this theme. Those selected for podium presentations will receive one complimentary ticket to the conference. https://lnkd.in/gVgr8KzT #armedforcescommunity

The last Fighting With Pride - LGBT+ Military Charity Townhall evening update Zoom briefing of 2024 will take place from 18:30-20:00 on Wednesday 18 December 2024. This will include an FWP look back on 2024, a memorial update and the latest plans for the 25th Anniversary of the lifting of the ban celebrations in 2025 for veterans and allies, followed by a campaign update for veterans only. https://lnkd.in/grwncn-c #armedforcescommunity

New research released by the Office of National Statistics indicates that almost a third of veterans across the UK are impacted by feelings of loneliness*, with those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions most likely to be affected**. This represents a higher proportion of adults than the general population***, highlighting an ongoing need to support our veterans, this Christmas and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gW-RW6pf #armedforcescommunity Help for Heroes

Tomorrow (Thursday 12 December 2024), a Parliamentary debate on Lord Etherton’s independent review into the treatment of LGBT veterans will take place. https://lnkd.in/eFnZktgp #armedforcescommunity SSAFA the Armed Forces charity

The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and the Perth Choral Society Choir joined forces for a “Christmas Spectacular”, putting concertgoers in the festive spirit while raising vital funds for the local Armed Forces community. A chilly Perthshire Sunday evening was warmed for the 650 concertgoers who attended a special Christmas concert at Perth Concert Hall last weekend (8 December). The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, led by Captain Ann Miller, first performed the National Anthem before getting the crowd into the festive spirit with Christmas classics including Swan Lake, Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells. The band, composed of 40 performers, was accompanied by another 60 performers from the Perth Choral Society Choir. The concert was staged in support of SSAFA the Armed Forces charity with volunteers from SSAFA’s Perth & Kinross Branch helping to plan and run the event. In addition, Sea Cadets Perth attended to do a post-show collection for SSAFA, which raised over £1,000. https://lnkd.in/eyHBkW-J #armedforcescommunity

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, joined over 280 bereaved military children and young people as they came together for a virtual Christmas party hosted by Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for bereaved families, magnifying the absence of a loved one. Scotty’s virtual Christmas party provided a space for members of the charity to feel connected, supported, and reminded that they are not alone. Prince Harry, who is Scotty’s Global Ambassador, joined the festive event held on 10 December for 30 minutes of fun and connection. The children and young people enjoyed a series of interactive games, including building towers with cushions and making snowmen out of toilet rolls. The virtual party was hosted by Sharky and George, expert party and event planners, ensuring the session was filled with laughter and joy. https://lnkd.in/eBbKShsu #armedforcescommunity