Managed and Facilitated by

A Project developed by Expect Ltd, Sefton CVS and Sefton Council. Project operated from The Bowersdale Resource

Centre, Seaforth. L21 4LJ.

Year 1 Progress Report2015

Steve McDermott – CEO, Expect LtdLaura O`Hare - Business Developments Manager, Expect Ltd

Dave Smith - Project Manager, Sefton Veterans ProjectSteve Calderbank - Volunteer Coordinator, Sefton Veterans Project

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Contents

Mission Statement…………………………………………………. 3

Background Information…………………………………………… 4

Some Facts and Figures: The Need for the Veterans Project….. 5

Sefton Veterans Project Referral and support Process ………… 8

Chase PCP Introduction……………………………………………. 9

Areas of Support ……………………………………………………10

Breakdown of Volunteering Outputs…………………………….. 15

Referrals in Summary………………………………………………16

Partnerships and Organisations we Work Alongside ……...…..18

Awards, Presentations and Events……………………………….19

New and Upcoming projects and events…………………………21

Future Plans and Aspirations…………………………………..…22

Case Studies………………………………………………………..24

Gallery Extracts.……………………………………………………29

The Sefton Veterans Project is managed and facilitated by Expect Ltd.

Reg. Charity No 701331.Company Limited by Guarantee, No: 2357285.

Registered in England, U.K. Registered Office:

151 Stanley Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 3DL.

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The Sefton Veteran’s Project Mission Statement

The Sefton Veteran’s Project will promote the welfare of serving, and non-serving, members of the Armed Forces Community (Army, Royal Navy and RAF) resident in Sefton.

Project Aims & Objectives:

To provide a central point of information, advice and guidance to members of the Armed Forces Community, (including veterans and their families), resident in Sefton, and to relevant local service providers.

To provide clear and relevant referral routes to a range of reputable service providers providing:

- Mental health support- Employment support- Housing support- Services reducing social isolation- Debt and finance advice and guidance- Substance misuse support- General wellbeing support

To provide seven-day drop-in provision, for mental health support, which will reduce social isolation and provide support with ongoing issues and social care needs.

To increase social interaction between the Sefton Armed Forces Community and the wider Sefton community, by integrating with the local community leading to projects that will raise self-esteem and benefit local communities.

To support information gathering / related research, in order to improve understanding of the nature, and needs, of the Sefton Armed Forces Community.

Background information3 | P a g e

The Project is Managed and facilitated by Expect Ltd and based at the Bowersdale Centre in Seaforth. Expect Ltd is a registered charity, no701331, Expect Ltd support people with mental health issues and learning difficulties. The veteran’s project is funded by South Sefton and Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups through the Sefton Council for Voluntary Services’ administered Voluntary and Community Fund and endorsed by Sefton Council.

Sefton Veteran’s Project has been established to help ex-service personnel and their families as well as the families of serving personnel. Support is offered in relation to issues such as well-being, mental health problems and social isolation; drug and alcohol dependency as well as housing and financial issues. The project offers advice and guidance in relation to employment opportunities.

The project can also offer volunteering opportunities allowing members of the community to give their time and get involved and help. As a Volunteer people can learn new skills and/or refresh old ones in addition to making a positive contribution to the lives of others. One specific volunteering opportunity is to train as a “mentor”. This will allow people to work with ex-service personnel, providing support to both the individual concerned and their families.

The Sefton Veterans Project is an Initiative between Expect Ltd, Sefton Council & Sefton CCG who helped to develop the Veterans Strategy for Sefton; together we have been working to establish a unique intensive support programme and one stop facility for our ex-service personnel reservists and their families.

The Project Manager, Volunteer Coordinator and the volunteer mentors from The Sefton Veterans Project are themselves ex service personnel and have a vision for developing a fully holistic cohesive support service programme and facilities for our veterans and their families.

Sefton, part of Merseyside is one of the largest reserve Garrisons in the country , Sefton provides a high percentage of recruits to all Armed Forces and as a borough we have over 25,000 veterans (with 12,500 over the age of 65years) living in Sefton with possibly thousands more armed forces personnel and their families returning to Sefton due to government cut backs and redundancies with in our Armed Forces with the next 5 years

Our project helps by:- Providing a single point of contact, Co-ordinating services, and resources and bridging gaps in services and provision. We also provide support to veterans throughout their time accessing various services and beyond.

Some facts and figures: The Need for the Veterans Project4 | P a g e

Figure 1: Forecast welfare needs of Veterans in Merseyside aged 16-64 years, projectedNumber 2005-2020:

Table 1: Estimated numbers of Veterans by age band and PCT in Merseysideand Cheshire (2013):

Age 16 -24 25 -34 35-44 45-54 55-64 <65Central & Eastern Cheshire 733 1500 3635 3676 4175 43718Halton & St Helens 566 1082 2262 2346 2613 8870Knowsley 323 527 1190 1214 1080 4334Liverpool 1151 1901 3058 3275 3074 12460Sefton 816 1997 2596 2282 6400 10725Warrington 349 709 1639 1568 1644 5909Wirral 572 966 2231 2468 2765 9003Source: NHS Wirral performance and public health intelligence team, October 2013.

General

The table (1) above does not include Veterans who are older than 65 years old, due to the specific time constraints of this health needs assessment. The size of the veteran population depends on both the number of deaths in the existing veteran population, and numbers of people leaving the Forces. The numbers of people in the armed Forces has changed over time, and reflects the UK involvement in conflicts, as well as Government policy. The majority of Veterans in the UK are WWII Servicemen but this will change dramatically over the coming years as these Servicemen die and younger people return from more recent conflicts and tours. For both World War II and National Service, armed Forces personnel were from a wide socio-economic and geographic base, so the veteran population is likely to reflect the wider population. There is likely to be greater variation of the socio-economic backgrounds of younger Veterans.

The majority of personnel currently serving in the armed Forces in the UK are men, while 9.6% are women. There is a lack of data relating to ethnic background of Veterans, but the Royal British Legion estimate that 99% of Veterans are white, and less than 1% are from ethnic minority groups.

As a proportion of serving personnel, 2.4% of commissioned officers and 7.6% of other ranks are from ethnic minority groups. In total approximately 10.2 million people are in the wider ex-Service community.

Source: Ministry of Defence United Kingdom Defence Statistics 2011 September (Table 1)Taken from - The Royal British Legion Profile of the Ex-Service Community in the UK November 2012 (Revised copy)Dependency and mental health issues5 | P a g e

The Royal British Legion survey (RBL 2006) found that younger Veterans (16-64 years) were significantly more likely to report long term health problems than their peers in the general population. The RBL also projected the future needs of those surveyed and found that for younger Veterans, long term illness or disability and mental health issues will remain the most prevalent health concerns in 2020.

There is limited research on the lifestyle behaviour of military Veterans. Alcohol consumption is considered an important part of military culture and can be used as a bonding tool for people in stressful situations, particularly after being in combat zones or an intensive period of training (Fear et al. 2007). Although research is limited, available research shows that alcohol misuse is a problem in UK Armed Forces personnel and Veterans and it is more frequent than problems in the general population with people of the same gender and age (Greenberg 2011). A study investigating alcohol consumption among Veterans of the Gulf and Bosnia conflicts found that heavy drinking was most common with younger personnel. Heavy drinking was also correlated with smoking and poorer subjective mental and physical health. However, those still serving were more likely to be heavy drinkers than Veterans (Iverson 2007).

King’s College London (KCL) is conducting a large-scale, ongoing investigation of the physical and psychological health and well-being of UK Armed Forces personnel. The study initially looked at the health of those who had been deployed to Iraq, but has since been expanded to also look at those who had been deployed to Afghanistan. It includes both Regular personnel and Reservists from all three Services, those that have left Service since the study began and those who are still serving. The study found no major differences between deployed and non-deployed Regulars. Regulars reported more alcohol misuse on their return home. Most personnel did not return from deployment with a mental health problem, and, those who do are more likely to suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression, or alcohol misuse, rather than PTSD, which is more common in the US. KCL also found that those who were deployed in combat roles, or in locations such as in FOBs, PBs, CPs, come back with higher levels of stress related symptoms. They found that if personnel ‘broke Harmony’ (were deployed for more than 13 months in 3 years), or ended up being deployed for longer than they had been told, they reported more stress related problems. For those who seek help in Service, there is a high quality and effective mental health Service available. However, many people experiencing mental health problems often don’t ask for help, as they don’t want to admit they have a problem.

The armed forces are attempting to address this issue, by carrying out research and by bringing in systems like TRIM Trauma Risk Management.

Families and Children

Some problems appear to peak amongst families (including lone parents). Almost one in five of those with dependent children report employment difficulties and half report material deprivation of some kind. One in four of all dependent spouses have a caring responsibility (excluding caring for their own children) and 45% of those with children said that they would like help from a Legion service, including welfare (43%), practical advice (24%) and employment (16%).

Several studies have found that children in military families face certain emotional challenges. For example, a RAND Corporation study (2009) examined the wellbeing of 1,500 children from military families across the UK. The study concluded that children in military families may suffer from more emotional and behavioural difficulties when compared to other youths. Older children and girls were found to suffer the most when a parent is deployed overseas. The study also found that having a parent deployed for a longer period of time and having a non-deployed parent who has

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struggled with emotional problems were important factors associated with whether military children would struggle themselves; ‘the more time parents are away, the more likely it is that children will experience problems’. The RAND research found that, across all age groups, children from military families reported significantly higher levels of emotional difficulties than children in the general population. Also, about one-third of the military children surveyed reported symptoms of anxiety, somewhat higher than the percentage reported in other studies of children. In terms of school, older youths were found to have more difficulties with school and more problem behaviours, such as fighting. Girls were found to have fewer problems in school and with friends, but reported more anxiety than boys (Flake et al, 2009; Lester, et al., 2010).

Studies found that parental deployment is directly associated with more academic problems, a higher likelihood of child maltreatment, and increased family functioning problems (Barker & Berry, 2009; Engel, Gallagher, & Lyle, 2010; Mmari, Roche, Sudhinaraset, & Blum, 2009).

The age of children also had an impact – there is some evidence that younger children with deployed parents exhibited more emotional or behavioural problems than children whose parents were not deployed (Chantrand et al, 2008), while older children were more likely to experience academic problems than younger children (Chandra et al, 2010).

Sefton Veterans Project Referral and Support flowchart7 | P a g e

An introduction to the CHASE- Expects Person Centred Planning System8 | P a g e

Referral to the projectSelf or from GP/agency

Initial Assessment

Is a needs assessment required?

No Yes

Complete Action plan

Complete CHASE Needs

Assessment

No Yes

No Yes

Have any further issues/needs been raised through the action plan?

Does the person have a Mental Health Diagnosis and/or is there a need to refer to another organisation Ie IAPT?

Refer to BRC Complete CHASE Risk Assessments & Action Plans. Document in PCP.

Implement plans & support. Work towards goal

Yes No

Does the person need or desire continued

involvement with the project?

Create PCP

Action Plan successful at achieving outcome?

No Yes

Exit from project. Complete

Feedback & exit questionnaire

Continue project engagement &

signpost to BRC or volunteer services

BRC Other

Refer to external project.

The CHASE is a bespoke person centred planning model used by Expect Ltd. The start point in the CHASE is to carry out an assessment in informal surroundings of person’s individual needs. The Veterans project manager undertakes this at a location and time suitable to both parties. This could be done, for instance, in the Veterans Project or in the persons own home, or even when out hiking with the walking group.

As veterans and service families have specific issues and respond better with the right questioning, discussion and personality of the assessor, Expect has modified its Needs Assessment Documentation to fit the specific needs of a veteran. The Veterans Service does not complete the full CHASE programme with each person who walks through our door. We take a pragmatic approach and only implement the CHASE package where a need exists or when a veteran or their family member has specific mental health requirements. Where a person has mental health issues the Veterans service will refer to the Bowersdale for tailored support or to the most appropriate agency or body as fits that persons requirements.

CHASE is a Person Centred Planning System compliant with the Care Act 2014. It also builds in elements of Prevention Level Assessments in order to ensure people who use the service have maximum opportunity to retain, regain and develop essential life skills and abilities. This enables individuals to live as independently as possible for as long as possible and regain independence as quickly as possible. It is a way to plan and develop truly person centred care plans and then visually measure their effectiveness. The CHASE acronym stands for Community Engagement, Health, Achievement & Enjoyment, Safety and Economic Wellbeing. It focuses on targeting Expects support outputs in each of these areas of a person’s life to develop skills, minimise mental health issues and achieve positive and sustainable outcomes for the person.

Areas of Support9 | P a g e

Needs Assessment

Risk Assessment

Action Plans

PCP Created

CHASE Assessment

MH Support Provision

Output & Outcome Measurement

(Monthly Report)

Bowersdale Resource Centre

The Veterans Project works alongside a number of external agencies/ bodies. Support is offered in relation to issues such as: well-being, mental health problems, social isolation; drug and alcohol dependency as well as housing and financial problems. The project also offers advice and guidance in relation to employment opportunities.

Primarily the project will signpost veterans towards external agencies/ bodies, however we will support them through this process.

NB Details of numbered outcomes and outputs will be posted in the next section of this report

Housing Support

The project has been very successful with housing needs. Formal partnerships have been made with Sovini Group One Vision Housing and Riverside Housing Association.

One Vision Housing have now adapted the Property Pool policies to give veterans who are leaving the Armed Forces band B status, six months prior to leaving and up to six months following their Forces release date. One Vision Housing has signed the Sefton Armed Forces Covenant and Riverside has signed up to the Community Covenant. Both associations are fully compliant with all aspects of the covenant policies.

Expect Ltd have offered Supported housing to those with greater needs, mobility and mental health, and work closely with CMHT and other organisations, including military , to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the veterans and their families.

Mental Health Support

When the project first started we envisaged that we would predominantly sign post any veterans to mental health organisations. That is still the case and will remain in place; however, the project provides a well- being ‘safety net’ so as an individual is undergoing any treatment or counselling they will be supported throughout and following the process if they require it. The individual can also be referred into Expects Bowersdale Centre, where they have access to 7 day mental health support and can utilise the day centre drop in facilities and actively engage with other activities and individuals to combat social isolation, and gain confidence by interacting with other people in a supported environment.

Many of the veterans have also chosen to enrol as a volunteer. The volunteer role also builds self confidence and enhances individual well being.

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We have had great success with the referrals we have made for our veterans to the Military IAPT ran by Pennine Care. Although Pennine Care does not give a diagnosis, they have liaised with the veterans GP to give more informed leading to the correct treatment for that veteran’s issues. After reviewing case studies of veterans we have referred to Pennine Care, it has been said it works for us because Sefton Veterans Project and Pennine Care are both staffed by veterans or professionals who have an understanding of veterans. One veteran wrote in his case study “empathy not sympathy. Just to be understood is a step in the right direction”

Well being Support

NAAFI Breaks

Every Wednesday morning, 10.30 – 12:00 we hold a NAAFI Break at Expects Bowersdale Resource Centre. The NAAFI Break is a term all forces personnel will be familiar with. It’s a chance for veterans to get together and talk in a language they understand and can relate to. We have many issues come out with individuals within theses conversations that wouldn’t normally be raised. Once we are aware of an issue we can work with the veteran to develop a personalised plan (through the CHASE) to work towards resolving the issue.

As a group we have days out, the majority of which are requested and planned by our veterans. The trips have thus far included: The Museum of Liverpool, Pride of Sefton canal boat and the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. We have also been invited to the Bootle Town Hall to hold a special NAAFI Break for both the Wednesday NAAFI Break and the senior NAAFI Break, this will benefit approximately 30 veterans.

NAAFI Break at the Bowersdale NAAFI Break day out enjoying the sun

WW2 Medal Presentation

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One of our veterans mentioned at a NAAFI Break he had never received his WW2 campaign medals and his fathers WW1medals had been lost over time. It took nearly a year to redeem his and his father’s medals, from WW1. We then held a full medal ceremony, with honours, to celebrate this occasion.

Henry at his Medal Presentation Henry with his Guard of honour the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Peter Dowd and Kim

Weldon (Riverside Forces Champion)

Project Development

The Senior NAAFI Break atCrescent Court

Due to the overwhelming success and following media attraction of the medal ceremony we have taken on almost 20 new referrals in the more senior age group. Because of this unexpected new direction, we are now working in partnership with Riverside Housing. We have started a Senior NAAFI Break in Crescent Court, hosted by Riverside Housing Forces Champion, Kim Weldon. The NAAFI Break helps with issues like social isolation. We have already planned days out in May and June, places of which were greatly received and filled immediately. This has given us a great opportunity to start working the veteran’s families.

The next phase of the NAAFI Break is to start a new NAAFI Break at Akinside Court in Litherland, Poulton Court in Southport and Ashton Court in Ainsdale. We intend to run the NAAFI Breaks using the same model we have across our original Naafi Break and the recent addition in Crescent Court using our volunteer coordinator as a point of contact alongside having a Veterans Mentor in attendance to deal with any issues. Once these have been established we will host a “Sunday Lunch” here at the Bowersdale Resource centre on a bi monthly basis inviting all of the satellite Naafi Breaks to join us. Following talks with the Senior Managers of the Riverside sheltered housing schemes, there is certainly the option to rotate the Lunch venue as well. We have over the last 2 months researched this future possibility and there is certainly a need for this service.

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Employment Support

The project hes been very sucsessful in assisting veterans into full and part time employment, we have also been had success with voluntary work placements leading to future employment.One Vision Housing have created two posts within their orginisation after accepting two of our veterans on as voluntary work placements with continued support from the project. They have also taken on two further veterans into full time employment.

A quote from one of our veterans taken from an email upon securing employment with OVH

“Many thanks Dave for all your help in securing this job, you have been an absolute godsend, without your help I would not be in the position of being able to accept a call from my new boss, Anita, accepting a full time position.You and your organisation are absolutely brilliant and are what is needed for me, my family and other veterans in the area”

Other referrals have been signposted to other organisations we work closely with. Due to the feedback we have received this process and been very successful.

Financial Support

Over the first year of the project, we have had a lot of success in this area. We have worked with various organisations in securing funding for household goods such as furniture, white goods, a walk in shower and a stair lift. Additionally, we have signposted for assistance on the more frequent issues of help with PIP, debt and general financial advise.From feedback we have received from our veterans and the organisations that have supported them using the centre as a meeting place has been an advantage to both parties.

Dependency Support and Assistance

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Although dependancy remains somewhat of a hidden issue we have had some success in support our current and past veterans in managing it. However, we have found that these type of issues come out of conversation at the NAAFI Breaks as apposed to in formalised settings of 1 to 1 meetings. In most cases we have atleast shed a bit on light on the subject and raised the awarness of the subject with the individual and offer well being support and guidence towards one of the orginisations we direct to. We offer, here at the Bowersdale Resource Centre, support with a veteran to undergo a 1 to 1 SMART dependancy programme delivered by a vetern from Life Line.The majority of dependancy related referrals come from Life Line. Although these referrals will still engage with Life Line, we offer them full well being support and try and engage them in constuctive activities. Sadly, we have found this veteran group appears to be the most difficult to fully engage with the project. This is an issue we fully intend to relsolve by working in closer partnership with our partner groups.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering is a key element of the role and purpose that we have in supporting Veterans reorientation back into the community, the main outcome is the increased value of self-esteem and confidence with the opportunity to apply existing skills and the discovery of new ones…”Feeling good by doing good”.

There are three main categories of volunteering opportunities through the project: Volunteering for placement opportunities in employment. Volunteering to support social and cultural activities. ‘Mentoring volunteers’ are trained to mentor other veterans and non veterans towards a

greater degree of independence, social and personal well-being.

The screening of volunteers, personal development, coaching and training is managed via the Sefton Veteran Volunteer Co-ordinator who ensures that placements are set up to succeed. Expect Ltd policies and procedures are utilised to ensure all veterans are DBS checked and training courses are in line with their duties.

Volunteers make a difference by working with both veteran and civilian communities and it is our strategic aim to work towards the positive integration of this.

This Volunteering development model is now offered to the non veteran members of the community. Since the beginning of 2015 we have several service users who have now signed up to the programme and three University/College students who have come on board with the opportunity to gain practical experience that supports their academic career aspirations within their chosen Social and Welfare professions.

In the future, we hope to build on the existing framework for engaging our veteran volunteers by using them in areas of youth development within the community, leadership, outward bound, orienteering, sailing and many other areas where experience can be shared.

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As we continue to move forward we will be seeking to source specialist training and development in dealing and supporting veterans presenting with issues surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma related problems.

New to the project

We have recently formed a partnership with Clock View, Morris Ward, Aintree Teaching Hospital.Plans are being put in place to provide a veteran volunteer support worker to visit veterans on the ward to establish a relationship. The intention is to provide further well being support on release alongside integrating with the other veterans and the wider community.

Breakdown of Volunteering Outputs

34 beneficiaries have been presented with volunteering opportunities.

13 currently on hold for various reasons (work / family commitments, illness etc.)

21 beneficiaries in the process of completing or completion of the process,

broken down as:

11 potential volunteers are in the initial process of finalising application forms and

awaiting DBS returns

10 active volunteers

Active volunteers have been provided with volunteering opportunities as follows

(NB some have chosen more than one role within their volunteering):

8 mentors

4 Activity Assistants

1 Minibus driver

1 Allotment maintainer

1 Café on the park

1 Expect’s Tuesday night bingo

1 SMART recovery mentor (dependency programme run by Life Line)

4 females to work as support workers with expect Ltd including the NAAFI Brea

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Referrals in summary

82 veterans in total, referred from:

o 15 from Life Line

o 8 from Veterans UK

o 2 from the Anti Social Behaviour team

o 5 from Liverpool Veterans

o 9 from Merseycare NHS

o 43 self referrals

As you can see, more than half of our referrals have come from people self referring onto the project. This number is higher than envisaged due to the limited marketing we had at our disposal.

Each veteran may present with one issue or may have several of which they access support through the project. Below are the figures of how many veterans received support in each of the following areas and further broken down as to who we signposted them on to:

Housing 11 requests for support, of which:

o 3 single males rehomed

o 1 family of 4 rehomed

o 1 amputee rehomed

Mental Health Issues 56 referrals with M\H issues, of which:

o 12 Referred to the Bowersdale Resource Centre

o 6 Referred onto Pennine Care (military IAPT)

o 4 referred onto the Warrior Programme

o 1 Combat Stress

Financial 44 referrals with financial issues, of which:

o 14 signposted to Veterans UK16 | P a g e

o 16 signposted to RBL

o 8 signposted to SSAFA

o 6 signposted to the Sefton Credit Union

Employment 10 referrals for employment enquiries, of which:

o 4 went into full time employment with One Vision Housingo 2 supported into full time employment via various agencieso 1 on a full time placement with the Sovini Group with a possible full time contract

Well Being 32 referrals with wellbeing issues mainly around social isolation:

o All 32 are either involved in the NAAFI Break programme or have taken on one of the various volunteer roles

Dependency 15 referrals have come from Life line.

o The project supports them at life line and engages them in various activities within the project during the week offering well being support.

o 6 Referrals have be signposted to Life line through the project and continue to support them as above

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Partnerships and organisations we work with

Veterans Project works alongside a number of external agencies/ bodies. Support is offered in relation to issues such as: well-being, mental health problems, social isolation; drug and alcohol dependency as well as housing and financial problems. The project also offers support to advice and guidance in relation to employment opportunities.

Primarily the project will signpost veterans towards external agencies/ bodies, however we support them throughout and beyond this process. Each organisation has an allocated ‘Forces Champion’ to enable a one point contact between the project and organisation.

Metal HealthThe Warrior ProgrammeMilitary Veterans Service (IAPT)Inclusion Matters (Local IAPT)Talking to mindsBuddy Bubby (Liverpool)Johnathon Ball Peace FoundationMersey Care NHSEverton in the communityCombat StressAccess Team, Fazakerley HospitalMorris Ward Clock View

Employment & VolunteeringOVHSovini Property ServicesRemployPoppy FactoryRegular Forces Employment AgencySefton CVSSefton at WorkA for E Employment AgencyJobcentre PlusTomorrows People

FinancialRoyal British LegionSSAFASefton Credit UnionVeterans UK

General Wellbeing & MiscellaneousInside right (Everton in the CommunityHealthy LifestylesHealth watchSouth Sefton CCGSefton CouncilAnti Social Behaviour TeamNugent CareHMP LiverpoolHMP KennetLiverpool Veterans ProjectMerseyside GarrisonMerseyside PoliceBLESMARAF Woodvale

HousingOne Vision HousingCrosby HousingBlue AppleResettle Property ServicesRiverside HousingAdactus Housing

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Royal Naval Old Boys AssociationOn Course FoundationAge ConcernSt Lukes Food BankSupporting the Brave

Substance MisuseLife LineDelfi MedicalSMART RecoveryThomas Harrison House

Awards, Presentations and Events

The Veterans Project is managed and run by Expect ltd. Expect has over a quarter of a century of experience of providing charitable support and assistance in Sefton. Expect has achieved a number of quality awards such as Positive About Disabled People and The Sefton Star Standard. Expect is a signatory to the Social Care Commitment. In addition to Expects awards however, the Veterans Project has been nominated and achieved its own accolades.

2015 Regional TPAS Awards

In April 2015, the Project was entered into the 2015 Regional TPAS Awards, held at The Palace Hotel, Manchester by The Sovini Group and One Vision Housing, under the title of “Pull up a Sandbag & Swing the Lamp” which is the slogan we use for the NAAFI Break.

The TPAS awards showcase the compelling and inspirational stories of success of tenants, community projects, landlords and contractors working together. We celebrate the people, ideas and organisations that shape the tenant involvement and community work of tomorrow.Excellence In Community Action Award (Richard Crossley Award) 1) 100 Day Love your Neighbourhood Campaign - Aksa Homes (part of the New Charter Group) 2) Bideford Centre – Wythenshawe Community Housing Group 3) Castle and North Bay Multi-Agency Team - Yorkshire Coast Homes 4) Ewanrigg Community Centre - Home Group 5) Literacy Beacons Project - Eastlands Homes 6) Pull up a Sandbag & Swing the Lamp - One Vision Housing 7) Overton Road Group (ORG) - Community Gateway Association

Unfortunately, we just missed out on being selected in our category to represent the North West in the National finals to be held in Warwick in July, although we had some very inspiring feed back from Jenny Osbourne, TPAS Chief Executive, afollowing the awards.

The Best Community Project AwardIn December 2014 the project received The Best Community Project Award, from One Vision Housing. As nominated by residents and staff of OVH.The award recognised the work the project has done within the community and for the communityAt One Vision Housing we believe that working together will benefit our residents and the community as a whole.  We work with our partners, stakeholders, residents and other organisations and agencies, to promote harmony, sustainability, and to improve our neighbourhoods.

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Successful events

WW1 Hundred Year Celebration (OVH)

#

The partnership originated with One Vision Housing during planning their WWI centenary event for tenants to commemorate the start of the war. They felt it lacked a military feel and so contacted the project via the Warrior Programme and we were delighted to assist. We organised our veteran volunteers to help us set up the day before. This offered the opportunity to get to operate directly in the public eye. One of veterans even wrote a poem especially for the event.Over 40 members of OVH staff volunteered to host and assist at the event, including all of One Visions Executive Management Team. They were all aptly dressed in wartime attire. In all, over 160 local tenants and veterans attended.

Snowden July 2014

In July 2014 we had a very successful 3 day camping trip to Gwynedd, North Wales, which incorporated 3 service users from Expect Ltd and 4 veterans. The main aim of the trip was to summit Snowdon, which we managed successfully, although not without aches and pains! All involved had previously been in a training programme for almost eight months consisting of weekly walks/hikes, in order to be fit enough to attempt Snowdon including map reading and basic first aid , our training mainly took pace at Rivington Pike, Winter Hill and Moel Famau.

Snowdon July 2015

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This July, 2015, we will again be holding our annual camp at Gwynedd, but on a larger and more ambitious scale than last year. We will make the camp more accessible to those of different needs and abilities also to incorporate some more of our volunteers and partners. The camp this year will be taking 20 campers plus a team of 4 camping support staff including a wheel chair user.The supporting department will consist of:2 Admin Staff - Who will maintain the logistics of the campsite and of the campers needsA cook - for centralised cooking in camp. Our chief is a service user volunteer from Expect Ltd.A Water safety supervisor.

The main camping group6 females: 2 service users from Expect Ltd and 4 females from OVH customer empowerment team,14 males: 6 service users and 8 veterans.

Day 1 will consist of team raft building activities, followed by a raft race and a trip to Betws-y-Coed in the afternoon Day 2 group 1 will begin their attempt to summit Snowdon and group 2 will take on an 8 mile stroll around Llyn Padarn, the lake beside in Llanberis. A BBQ will end the day back at campAfter the lake walk, which will end in Llanberis town centre, the members of Group 2 will have the option of summiting Snowdon by train. We have worked out the timings of the two groups to coincide with each other so both groups can reunite on the summit of Snowdon for a group photo.

Out motto for year one has been‘You don’t get to the top of a mountain by falling out the sky’

New and Upcoming projects/events:

Lost Voices

Sefton Libraries are starting a new project, recording the memories of people who are in the early stages of memory loss or who have reached an age where they would like to record their own history. The recording will be used by the person and the family as an ‘aide-memoir’, as the person’s memory begins to fade and as a keepsake once the person is lost to the family. A second set of recordings will be kept in Sefton’s archive; and these could be used by school children/ students studying social history or for special projects. Talks have been held with Formby High who are very keen to get their students involved in the project. We also have a number of adults who have come forward to volunteer, as they think this is a very valuable project.

For this project we have approached all our senior veterans and they are very willing and eager to take part. Hopefully we will be starting in July trough to September.21 | P a g e

Volunteer Awards

We are attending a 2015 Volunteer Celebration at Bootle Town Hall on Thursday June 4 th An event hosted by Sefton Community Volunteer Services in recognition of “Volunteers” throughout the borough. Certificates will be presented by the Mayor of Bootle to appropriate volunteer nominees from representative organisations. We have submitted 2 Volunteer groups on behalf of our organisation for recognition:

10 Volunteers from the Sefton Veterans Project. Working within the project 10 community volunteers

PTSD Awareness Day

On Monday June 22nd 11am – 4pm working in partnership with Riverside Housing Association we will be hosting our first major awareness day here at the Bowersdale Resource Centre. We have incorporated the PTSD awareness with elements of celebrating the Armed Forces week in an attempt to have a bit of fun on the day in conjunction with raising awareness of PTSD. Some of our veterans have been interviewed and filmed, sharing their thoughts, feelings and memories with us. It is our intention to show these videos through out the day. Sefton Libraries have been kind enough to temporarily donate their “memories of Sefton during the war” picture boards and memory boxes which will be displayed. Riverside Housing have also contributed buy providing us with a “Memory Pod” of a kitchen as would have been in 1945.

The event will be compered by Liverpool born comedian Micky Finn, with presentations from:- Terry O`Hare (Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation) ‘How trauma affects

us all’- Barry Morris (social worker and ex Royal Marine - veteran of the Falklands

campaign) ‘what is PTSD?’- A talk and display by Shaun Driscal and his dog. Shaun was a military dog

handler, during a tour of Afghanistan he was badly injured and as a result was diagnosed with combat PTSD. Working with the “Beacon” in Catterick he now trains dogs for the fire and recue service and manages his PTSD as a result of this.

Veterans Project Future plans and aspirations

There are many areas we that we would like to expand, however we intend to do so in an organic way so as to preserve the quality service we have developed. Below are our intentions for next year in the project:

Social Isolation

Due to the recent incline of referrals that fall into the more senior category we have started to commit some of our time and recourses in this area. We have already opened talks with some of our partners about the possibility of tackling some of the issues surrounding social isolation within the older population. We have thus far done this by starting a Naafi Break within a local housing scheme as we have found it to be relatively simple to identify veterans living there. Our next step, is to identify individuals living close by in in the local community and invite them to join us. One 22 | P a g e

way we are doing this, is working in partnership with the local housing associations and asking them help us identify any veterans they have in their general needs properties.

Our plan is have three or four satellite Naafi Breaks across Sefton and encourage them to visit each other and to take part in our “Big Sunday Lunch” here at the Bowersdale Resource Centre on a bi monthly basis, inviting friends and family.

Within our plans, we are also looking into the possibility of some funding for transport, not only for the Naafi Breaks but generally across the project itself.

Courses and Training

Accredited training and courses is an area within the project we will need to secure funding to support and enhance what we already deliver and plan to deliver in the future. Our intended training and courses cover many areas and issues such as:

Mental health awareness. Personal development. Volunteer development. Volunteer veteran mentoring development. Veterans in Custody mentoring development. Health and wellbeing awareness and development. Culture and education awareness and development. Improve employment opportunities.

Activities and wellbeing

As a project, we are fully focused on utilising the skills and experience that our veterans have gained whilst in service and encourage them to become volunteers within the project to deliver and help deliver any future activities, trips or mini projects that we may become involved with either within the project or the wider community. Our plan is to further integrate within the local community, as per our mission statement and one of the forces covenants directives. We may also work with local organisations to assist with their delivery of a project or event, as we did with OVH on there WW1 100 year celebration event. We were later told by OVH that a large amount of that success was due to are involvement and in-depth military knowledge.

Using the Snowdon camping trip, as an example, the funding is carried directly by the participants themselves offset by specific funding for that event from other sources.

As we progress we would like to be involved in more of this type of activity, so we would be looking to fund individual mini project and actives as they develop.

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What our veterans have to say! -Case Studies

Case Study 1

Age: 39Gender: MaleSpecific health / social needs: Confidence buildingOther defining characteristics (e.g. specific target group): Housing

How would you describe your situation when you first made contact with our organisation / project?

When I joined the project I was very wary and none trusting of other people who said they could help me.I was getting harassed at my home from local youths. Police reports have been raised, I have been to court a number of times and have recently been getting support from the Anti Social Behaviour team, based at Bootle Town hall. It has come to the point that I have had to have my own CCTV installed. I have contacted my housing association, Plus Dane a number of times about moving all to no avail. I still remain on Band E. The situation is dyer and I fear for my family and myself. The situation is greatly affecting my quality of life and the mental health of my partner and me

Why did you want to receive support from our organisation / project?When I was referred to the project by the anti social behaviour team it felt like I was pushed on to yet another organisation. However I decided to give it a go. Because the project is run by ex military it was very easy to talk to them and I felt listened too and at ease.Straight away they contacted One Vision Housing and presented my case to them, as a result we have been moved up to band B and are now actively bidding on properties.

What difference has receiving support from this project made to you?My partner and both feel we are now actively getting the support we so desperately needed and there is, at last light at the end of the tunnel.

What have you achieved through receiving support from this project?We are now bidding on properties that we have a good chance of being successful.

What are you planning to do next to follow on from your successes?24 | P a g e

I am now in the process of volunteering with the project and being trained up to be a mentor and helping other ex military personnel in the same professional manner that I have received

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?Thanks to the project things are finally looking up

Case Study 2

Age: 55Gender: MaleSpecific health / social needs: Well-being SupportOther defining characteristics (e.g. specific target group): Finance, Employment and

How would you describe your situation when you first made contact with our organisation / project?

I was very depressed and isolated and I had a lot of financial worries. I was reluctant to tell anybody about my situation, especially my daughter, mainly because of embarrassment

Why did you want to receive support from our organisation / project?I heard about the project by reading an article in the local paper. I just wanted to volunteer as a driver or something to keep myself busy.

What difference has receiving support from this project made to you?On the first meeting they realised I had other issues it was very easy to open up to them without feeling judged or patronised because we were all ex forces.

Since that first meeting my finances have been sorted out, they have helped me build up the confidence to approach my GP and tell him about my issues, he has referred me onto a mental health specialist to get a diagnosis. I have been referred onto an IAPT and Warrior course and I am now in the process of being trained up to be a volunteer mentor with the project.

What have you achieved through receiving support from this project?I now see my daughter and her family regularly. My confidence and self-esteem have improved and I now feel more financially stable.

What are you planning to do next to follow on from your successes?I hope to gain more experience in mentoring and get involved with the Veterans in Custody Programme.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?Thanks to the project I can feel the old me returning and I have a place back in the world.

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Case Study 3

Age: 54Gender: MaleSpecific health / social needs: Depression and anxiety Other defining characteristics (e.g. specific target group): Financial, EmploymentPhoto (optional):

How would you describe your situation when you first made contact with our organisation / project?

Dire. I was in a bad place due to losing my job I feared slipping back to a time when I suffered mental health issues not long after I left the forces.

Why did you want to receive support from our organisation / project?

Wanted a place where I could go to and receive advice, I needed to be listened to and be understood about how it was affecting me as a provider for my family and the project offered that

What difference has receiving support from this project made to you?

Receiving support from Dave Smith has made an enormous difference; it has given me clear defined goals and the attitude to carry on. Dave goes that extra mile and his can do attitude helps enormously.

What have you achieved through receiving support from this project?

I am now back in employment, and I have recently been given a promotion!

What are you planning to do next to follow on from your successes?

Stay positive; motivate myself to do things with the family.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

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The project and more importantly Dave has been an invaluable asset and with Dave’s help I have gained self respect and a job. The effect it has on my family is very positive. It feels to see my wife smile again.

Case study 4

Age: 49Gender: MaleSpecific health / social needs: Well being Support, social isolation and depressionOther defining characteristics (e.g. specific target group): Employment or work placement

How would you describe your situation when you first made contact with our organisation / project?

I felt depressed and useless.

Why did you want to receive support from our organisation / project?

I needed to engage with other people and start to feel that I could make a difference in other people’s lives by using my own experiences. I was initially being signposted to the veterans at the Bowersdale Centre, which lifted my self esteem and self confidence. They got me to believe in myself again and encouraged me with no end of ongoing support, to take on the role volunteer support worker at their drop in at Southport and as a volunteer with the veterans project.

What difference has receiving support from this project made to you?

In 1986 I came out of the forces after a parachute injury. I began working in psychiatry in various venues including Greaves Hall, Southport and Formby Hospital and Merseycare. But he had difficulty coming to terms with my condition – “It is a big leap to actually show a sign of what I considered a weakness by asking for help. When I went to the Bowersdale they could not be more positive. They asked if I wanted to volunteer and signposted me to relevant agencies to address issues after coming out of the forces. I felt positive again through helping people as a volunteer.”

What have you achieved through receiving support from this project?

My confidence and self esteem is probably the best it has for many years. Not only do receive ongoing support from the veteran’s project. I also receive an equal amount of support from Day services Manager at the Bowersdale Centre.

What are you planning to do next to follow on from your successes?

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I would like to take on this role as an employee of Expect. I have spoken to Expect about this, and again they understands and supported me when I told them I wasn’t quite ready yet.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave and Steve from the Veterans and Sarah for their constant and overwhelming support. Something which I feel has

Case study 5

Age: 88Gender: MaleSpecific health / social needs: Social isolation Other defining characteristics (e.g. specific target group):

How would you describe your situation when you first made contact with our organisation / project?

I live just across the road. I don’t see my daughter as much as I would like to and I felt lonely

Why did you want to receive support from our organisation / project?

I also wanted help with getting my medals from serving in the war with the Royal Engineers

What difference has receiving support from this project made to you?

I very much look forward to my Wednesdays with the gang and I like to tell my daughter all about it. Its great listening to all the boys tell there yarns, It’s like being back in the NAAFI.

What have you achieved through receiving support from this project?

I have now received my medals, which I am very proud of. Dave and Steve have arranged for a Lt Col. to officially present my medals to me in Feb 15. Its so long ago, I can not remember when I was made to feel apart of something.

What are you planning to do next to follow on from your successes?

I have found a new lease of life and I am enjoying it again. I now want to live longer and enjoy it.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

It’s great to be on board with these chaps!

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Gallery Extract

Some pictures from our Gallery…

Penny for them, Rex? Get off our boat, Ringo!

Some of the medals presented to our Veterans

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Ian Fazakerly and ‘Sir’ Henry Memories

The 1st Crescent Court NAAFI Break NAAFI Break in the Sun

Musem of Liverpool Waiting for lunch

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At the Bowersdale Centre In the beginning

With greatfull thanks to all the people and organisations who have been involved in making the Sefton Veterans Project such a huge success over its first year of operation. Here’s to all members of the Armed Forces Community who have

done and continue to do such immense work; past, present and future. Here’s to the next year!

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