The Unforgotten Forces consortium has provided support for 6,000 veterans in Scotland in its first year of operation
A charity consortium which aims to offer tailored support to veterans has gained an award.
The Unforgotten Forces consortium, which was launched 18 months ago and is made up of 16 diverse organisations from across the sector and beyond, lifted the Working Together Award at the 2019 Soldiering On Awards in London this week.
The awards acknowledge and celebrate the dedication to the Armed Forces community across a variety of individuals and sectors, including businesses and charities as well as many ex-Service personnel and their families. Carol Vorderman, a passionate supporter of the Armed Forces, and ex-Serviceman JJ Chalmers, hosted the evening, with mezzo-soprano Carly Paoli performing classics such as Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
Speaking on behalf of the Unforgotten Forces consortium, Mark Bibbey, Poppyscotland’s chief executive, said: “In just over a year there have been more than 6,000 instances of support for older veterans living in Scotland provided through the Unforgotten Forces consortium.
“Each of the 16 organisations involved offer enhanced services for older veterans, but it is perhaps the seamless referral pathways that now exist between the Unforgotten Forces members that provides the greatest benefit. An older veteran reaching out to one organisation means they are, in effect, reaching out to us all.”
The Working Together Award was sponsored by Collecting the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), and its Chief Executive, Ray Lock, said: “We are delighted to see Unforgotten Forces win this year’s award. We applaud the efforts of all three finalists; they have achieved great things for the Armed Forces Community. It’s a shame there can only be one winner, but all finalists reflect the commitment to achieving through collaborative working. We continue to champion working together and hope others will be inspired to achieve together.”
Launched in October 2017, the Unforgotten Forces consortium has delivered 6,000 instances of support for older veterans in the first 18 months of operation and offers assistance in areas including advice, access to healthcare, countering social isolation, respite and transport, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings.
