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Report: Heidi Mines and Tara Kane
THE British tradition of keeping a stiff upper lip at all costs resulted in generations growing up in a dignified silence.
While their courage was admirable, 20th Century society embraced the notion that a problem shared was a problem halved and set about creating ways for its citizens to discuss their personal issues in a professional, confidential and non-judgmental environment.
The result has been a happier and healthier nation and, at a time when Service marriages feel the strain of operations, the Army Directorate of Personal Services has followed suit to offer soldiers and their families advice on everything from finance to mental health.
Based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon in Wiltshire, the dedicated team responsible for creating the Army’s big book of welfare policies gave Soldier chapter and verse on the range of help on offer to today’s Servicemen and women.
Group funds up for grabs
THE Land Forces Welfare Fund, which provides cash to groups, units and teams, is an underused asset in the Army’s welfare provision toolbox.
Maj (Retd) Rob Evans, the officer in charge of welfare fund issues, told Soldier that any bids that are of benefit to the collective welfare of a station, garrison or unit are encouraged, but urged more Service personnel to make use of
the money.
He said: “We don’t have enough bids and there is spare cash available for anyone who meets the criteria.”
The welfare fund dishes out grants for anything from new children’s playground equipment to sporting gear and even broadband internet access. The main sources of cash are the Nuffield Trust and the Army Central Fund.
Tapping into these non-public funds is as easy as contacting a unit administration officer and placing a bid.
For further information contact Maj (Retd) Rob Evans on 94331 3314 |
Helping hand
FOR some, the economic doom and gloom has compounded an already mounting debt, leading to stress and creating the biggest reason for soldiers to seek welfare support.
In the first instance, troops with money problems should visit their regimental admin officer for practical, free-of-charge advice.
Maj Jerry Redford (1 Mercian) from Personnel Support said the system is flexible enough to offer alternative backing to anyone wary of approaching their chain of command. He told Soldier: “If you’ve got a debt problem, don’t panic. Come forward and talk to someone about it.”
The Financial Services Authority has sponsored a presentation called the Work Place Programme, which offers money-saving tips and general personal finance advice for soldiers and their families.
To arrange a presentation, contact Elly London on 01980 615 955 |
 Career change
LEAVING the Army is a huge step in itself, but combine the transition with ongoing welfare issues and the move to civvy street can seem all the more stressful.
Luckily for troops preparing to hang up their Combat 95s, the Army’s Community Support team offers a network of services to any soldiers preparing to leave – regardless of their length of duty.
“The first port of call is your welfare officer,” Lt Col Chris Birkhead (AGC(SPS)) explained.
“If a problem is identified during transition, there will be a conference and a welfare support plan is drawn up. This is handed over to the appropriate veterans’ agencies who have representatives all over the country and the individual will be allocated to one of these for up to two years after they are discharged.”
Although agencies such
as the Army Benevolent Fund are there to help soldiers for the rest of their lives, the policy- makers stress that if personnel seek advice through the Army’s support teams before they leave, they will be able to access help much faster. |
 Food for thought
SOLDIERS in the UK, Germany or on operations will be pleased to hear that monitoring the cost of food is a key item on the menu of the welfare policy-makers.
Lt Col Simon Davies (RE), who heads up Catering, Retail and Leisure, explained that in response to complaints about increased shopping bills, Germany’s unit supermarkets have reduced their prices by up to a quarter on a range of everyday British products including bread, tea, eggs, milk, baked beans and magazines.
Lt Col Davies said that Naafi and Efi bosses are dedicated to assisting Service personnel with their shopping. He added: “We are now set on recycling profits into introducing lower prices to benefit the soldiers spending their money in the shops.”
Lt Col Davies can be contactedon 94344 5559 |
Trusting times
IT is estimated that more than 3,000 soldiers go AWOL every year as a result of unresolved welfare problems and issues.
Maj Belinda Forsythe (AGC (RMP)), responsible for Personnel Support at HQ Land Forces, said: “Some soldiers are worried about coming forward to get welfare support. They think that because they are in the Army, everyone will know their business.”
In fact, welfare staff are bound by a strict code of confidentiality just like social workers in civilian life. The unit welfare officer, the Army Welfare Service, SSAFA Forces Help and volunteers who work for the Service’s Confidential Support Line all operate under the same set of rules.
Maj Forsythe emphasised that the welfare system is based on trust and urged soldiers to come forward to have a chat and seek assistance if they require it.
She added: “Our advice to soldiers is to speak to someone early.
“Don’t let welfare problems get out of proportion.” |
 Family ties
OREIGN and commonwealth soldiers account for ten per cent of the British Army and welfare personnel have devoted a great deal of time and effort to securing fair and equal packages for these troops and their families.
“All soldiers, regardless of nationality, are on the same pay, the same pensions and the same allowances,” said Maj Rodney Harwood (2 RRF). “However, life is complicated for foreign and Commonwealth citizens if they are subject to immigration control.”
The policy team is currently putting the finishing touches to an Army Briefing Note about immigration issues. In the meantime, the amended rules can be found on the UK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. Further information can be found online at www.army.mod.uk |
FAST FACTS
Confidential Support Line Numbers From UK and Bosnia/Kosovo:
0800 731 4880
From Germany:
0800 1827 395
From Cyprus:
0800 91065
Lines are open seven days a week from 1030hrs to 2230hrs (UK time)
More than £1 million was given away last year from Welfare Funds
Efi has reduced the price of thousands of products by a quarter – some now priced lower than on the UK High Street
PAYD has now been rolled out across 67 per cent of the British Army |
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