J Taylor

Mountains for Mental Health in aid of Mind North Staffs

Mind North Staffs have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant and as a mental health charity they understand the struggles that Armed Forces personnel can have with their own mental health. One strong supporter of the charity is Mike Copeland, an Army Veteran, who had his own mental health struggles. Mike raised over £14,000 for the charity in 2023 and hopes to raise…

Hard facilities management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MoD Built Estate contracts

Following the conclusion of the Volunteer Estate Value for Money Study, it has been agreed that Hard Facilities Management services for the Volunteer Estate will in the future be delivered by the MOD Built Estate contracts. These contracts cover key maintenance work, repairs, servicing and Hard Facilities Management, across the Volunteer Estate to enable Reserves and Cadets to continue to work and train….

Army Reservists benefit from trip to Ypres

In June, 28 members of 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery travelled to Ypres, Belgium for Exercise NORTHERN ASTERIX. Over the course of two full days, Reserve soldiers from the North-West and Midlands, travelled around the Ypres Salient studying the events during, and leading up to, the Third Battle of Ypres. The Battlefield Study aimed to cover five key topics. These included understanding the role…

193 organisations awarded gold for support to the Armed Forces

Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, as they are announced as this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders. A record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting…

Silver West Midlands employers announced

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 26 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2023. This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and Cadets. Silver award holders must demonstrate a number…

From soldier to cadet staff: why supporting the Army Cadets can be a rewarding experience

During Armed Forces Week we are celebrating the dedication and service of our Armed Forces community. Whilst many personnel have stories to share from serving in a military or volunteer capacity, it’s not often we hear from someone with a wide range of both military and cadet experiences. We spoke to Captain Kenny Frith who has been a Cadet Administrative Assistant (CAA) for…

Interview with an Armed Forces friendly employer

Recent Armed Forces Covenant signatory, The Camping and Caravanning Club, spoke to us about why and how they want to support the Armed Forces community. Can you tell us about your organisation? The Camping and Caravanning Club is a not-for-profit organisation which has grown to over 740,000 members over the last 122 years. We love tent, caravan and motorhome camping and we want…

Reservist succeeds in sport with the Army

To celebrate Reserves Day we spoke to Sergeant Karim from 116 Provost Company, 1st Regiment Royal Military Police about her journey as an Army Reservist and her involvement in sport within the Army. Sergeant Karim is currently a Regimental Mentoring Support Officer (REMSO) responsible for the running of recruitment events, the recruitment application process for civilians who want to join the unit, and…

Staffordshire reaffirms support for Armed Forces community

Staffordshire’s council leaders have joined together to reaffirm their commitment to the county’s Armed Forces community and to encourage other organisations to pledge their support. Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Alan White, along with other council leaders, together with the military, met in Stafford to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2023. The Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring those…

CCF cadets attend Snow Camp

Snow Camp is a national youth charity that uses snowsports to drive social mobility.  It operates a three tier programme.  The entry stage is First Tracks, a two day course at a local dry slope or indoor snow facility.  The intermediate stage is Graduate, this takes place over six Saturdays or Sundays in the autumn term.  The final stage is Excel, this runs…