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Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans
2010 is the official ‘Year of the Seafarer’, many of them have played their part in our military history from the two World Wars,the Falklands Conflict to more recent operations in the Gulf. Veterans WORLD reports on the support available to them . . .
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Recognition
The Merchant Seafarers’ bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military operations is commemorated with the UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran’s Badge.
LAUNCHED in June 2006, around 9,000 badges have been issued. It’s available to all Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen who served in a vessel at a time when it was operated to facilitate military operations by UK Armed Forces,
at any time prior to 31 December, 1994.
The badge cannot be issued posthumously as it is a survivors’ badge, which is to be worn on civilian clothing. The only exception to this is for Widow(er)s in receipt of a War Widow(er)’s Pension. The deceased must have served prior to and including 31 December, 1994. Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary who served prior to 31 December, 1994 should apply for the HM Armed Forces Veteran’s Badge.
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On every ocean and every sea the line was never broken
Named the ‘Fourth Service’ by Winston Churchill, the Merchant Navy has, throughout the nation’s history, ensured that supply lines to our Armed Forces have never been broken.
Founded in 1989, the Merchant Navy Association’s (MNA) key aim still remains recognition and awareness, to ensure not just its members but all seafarers are acknowledged and valued.
CAPTAIN John Sail, the Association’s National Chairman explains, “The Merchant Navy and its seafarers played a critical and times of war and conflict. Although the majority of those in the Armed Forces are well aware of that contribution, many members of the General Public are simply unaware of their dedication, their commitment and their sacrifice . . . one in four seafarers lost their lives in the Second World War.
“An important date in our diary every year is the 3rd September – Merchant Navy celebrated all over the UK. The MNA are particularly grateful to the many Councils who fly the Red Ensign on that day. It’s a vivid reminder of the support and deserve. It may also remind everyone that 95 per cent of all you see in our department stores and shops is imported by ships. The sea is the real movements in our ports last year.”
As well as raising local and national awareness of current issues and establishing a national consensus of opinion, the MNA provides a number of services to its members ranging from a free Advice and Information Service, a selected range of discounts on a variety of goods and services, to unique MNA Health Plan, research and a quarterly magazine.
“One of our many campaigns for recognition was realised when Merchant Navy Veterans were acknowledged with the issuing of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans’ badge. The MNA are now honoured to be one of the two MOD agents for the verification and distribution of the UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans badge”.
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Repaying the Debt
How the umbrella organisation for the maritime community supports seafarers across the UK.
Seafarers UK is the leading charity for the whole UK maritime community. It’s often described as a ‘wholesale’ charity, acting as the collector and distributor of funds for the ‘retail’ service-providing charities who deal with individuals in need.
FORMED in 1917, it’s taken on the expensive burden of fundraising for much of the sector and allowing the front-line experts to deliver all types of
specialist welfare support. Grants are provided across all areas of need, whether it’s the older post-war generation, working-age sailors of today, or their families and dependants.
Seafarers UK has formed a partnership with five other maritime charities – Trinity House, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Nautilus UK, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Seamen’s Hospital Society – to ensure that all the funds available to the whole sector are placed most effectively and efficiently wherever the need is greatest. This partnership, known as the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) has carried out detailed research on the particular needs of the seafarer, and jointly funds projects that reach across the whole UK nautical community. In 2009, the partnership launched two new services:
• Seafarers Support - a telephone referral service which directs callers to the seafaring charity best placed to help them. The service also provides advice to welfare professionals, who work in the maritime community, where to find specialist help.
• The Seafarers Link – A free service which is a fortnightly social phone group, intended to reduce isolation and ease the transition for those seafarers who find it difficult to make friends having spent a long career at sea. The first pilot is in Hull, with plans to expand in other UK
locations.
In the tri-Service arena, Seafarers UK also helps to fund Combat Stress, SSAFA Forces Help and St Dunstan’s, and is currently working with the Royal British Legion on a new research package.
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- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - Recognition
- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - On every ocean and every sea the line was never broken
- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - Repaying the Debt
- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - ASSOCIATION OF WRENS 90th Anniversary
- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust [WRNS BT]
- Back on dry land Support home for seafaring veterans - Weathering the storm of isolation
- Supporting Our Heroes - The Mark Wright Project
- Helping Bereaved Families
- Quality certification for Chaseley
- BLESMA strikes gold
- If you don't know where to go - Start Here
- Big back-up for ex Service moving into ‘civvy street’
- New Jobcentre Plus ‘Champions’ for Armed Forces launched
- FAB Holidays give bereaved forces families a welcome break
- HIGH FLYER - Arthur given new lease of life POPPY ADVENTURE BREAKS – 2010
Email enquiries on veterans issues to: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk
