HM Armed Forces
Latest News
Veteran Data
- Census 2021 data on UK veterans (3 February 2023) -For the first time, Census 2021 captured information about UK armed forces veterans in England and Wales. Detailed information has been published about veteran characteristics in the article, Characteristics of UK armed forces veterans, England and Wales: Census 2021. The article includes data on population age, where people were born, religion, ethnic group, legal partnership status and general health. It provides insight that can be used to deliver promises made through the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Veterans’ Data Dashboard (10 February 2023) - A new dashboard showing information about the veteran community is now publicly available. The veterans data dashboard, from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, has statistics in areas such as population, housing, mental health and employment. It will provide a snapshot to the public, veterans and service providers so they can learn about the community, as well as the services offered by the government to support veterans.
Veteran Health
- Views sought on new NHS service to improve care and support for veterans in the criminal justice system will launch 1 April 2023. NHS England are working to provide a new service that will support veterans at risk of arrest, who have been arrested and who are getting ready to leave prison This service will seek to stop offending and offer holistic support to help individuals thrive in society which in turn will help prevent reoffending. In preparation for the launch of this service, they are seeking views on what the service should be called. Those interested in contributing are asked to please fill in the survey by 6 March.
- The Veterans Trauma Network (VTN) held its annual conference on Wednesday 11 January, in London. Following on from the VTN’s success at the HSJ Awards, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer addressed the conference, highlighting the need for a single veteran physical care pathway across the NHS. The minister also paid tribute to Kate Davies, our National Director for Health and Justice, Sexual Assault Services and Armed Forces for her relentless commitment to veteran healthcare. The minister’s full speech can be found on the gov.uk website.
- £5million funding awarded for cutting edge veteran healthcare projects (24 February 2023) – Projects across the nation have won a share of more than £5million in funding to save and enhance lives for veterans. The 22 innovative healthcare schemes will bring advancements in technologies, interventions and treatments to better meet veterans’ physical and mental health needs. Financial support has been achieved from the Veterans’ Health Innovation Fund through a competition run by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA). Read more about the projects on Veterans Today blog.
Government strategy documents published
- UK women, peace and security national action plan 2023 to 2027 (23 February 2023)– This plan sets out the UK government’s commitment to reduce the impact of conflict on women and girls and promote their inclusion to prevent and resolve conflict. The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda exists to respond to the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and supports the crucial role women play in conflict prevention through to resolution.
- The MOD science and technology collaboration and engagement strategy published (13 February 2023) – The MOD has published a strategy which outlines the steps the MOD will take to build on the relationships they have with small and medium-sized enterprises and academia, recognising their important contributions to defence.
Funding
- Funding scheme opens in support of nuclear test veterans (17 February 2023) – The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has made £200,000 available to organisations to bid for in support of nuclear test veterans. Organisations will be able to bid for up to £70,000 each to run community-led programmes that help to recognise and support nuclear test veterans and their families. The cohort of veterans known as nuclear test veterans are ex-service personnel who contributed to Britain’s nuclear testing programme, including serving in Australia and the south Pacific between 1952 and 1967. Read more here and applications are here.
As part of this commitment, Three Rivers District Council has an Armed Forces Champion - Cllr Jon Tankard
Full details for Cllr Tankard can be found by clicking on the link
https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/councillor/jon-tankard
Hertfordshire Heroes - Access to the County Armed forces page can be found here.
Dates for the calendar
21 June – Reserves Day
24 June – Armed Forces Day – please register any events on the Armed Forces Day website here.