[A]n Armed Forces Open Day will take place at the Old Fire Station, Carlisle on Thursday 1 June.
The Carlisle City Council event is in partnership with the North Cumbria Community Safety Partnership. It will be held between 11am and 3pm and will include a range of exhibitors.
Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “Veterans’ and Forces support organisations will be on hand to offer advice and explain the opportunities and support they can offer. It will operate on a drop-in basis and is free of charge. All are welcome. Please pop along and see what help is available.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall added: “The army prides itself on looking after its own as a team and family where individuals may be supported and protected. For some people when they leave it can be very difficult to adjust and this can place incredible pressure on families often with devastating effect. It is really important that we work together to support servicemen and women who have given so much for the country, to make a successful transition to civilian life where they can continue to add so much to our communities. For the small number who do fall into crisis we must do all we can to ensure that the additional support is there. This is a great event to support veterans and I would urge people to come along.”
Clare Stratford, North Cumbria Community Safety Partnership Co-ordinator said: “North Cumbria Community Safety Partnership is pleased to be work in partnership with Carlisle City Council to provide such a worthwhile event offering valuable access and advice to support Veterans and their families.”
The following agencies will be taking part:
- The Royal British Legion – offering a wide range of support, advice and guidance to veterans and their families.
- Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust – the First Step programme delivers cognitive behavioural treatments for those who present with mild to moderate anxiety disorders including PTSD and depression. They also offer a Military Veteran programme.
- Department Work and Pensions – advice and support on seeking employment, apprenticeships, voluntary work experience, work trials and self-employment.
- Army Reserves Centre Lancaster- Recruitment and support.
- Help the Heroes/ Phoenix House Recovery Centre – discuss the support services available to both serving and ex serving veterans.
- Penrith Mountain Rescue – a couple of the team (former military) will be on hand to discuss voluntary work.
- Project NOVA – Project Nova is a ground-breaking initiative to support ex-military veterans who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. Through early intervention the aim is to help prevent further reoffending and reduce the pressure on veterans’ lives. The project is being led by the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.
- RFEA (The Forces Employment Charity) – North and East Cumbria representative will be hand to assist veterans in finding suitable sustainable insurance.
- System Training – Based in Carlisle delivering training for forces leavers.
- Unity – Drug and Alcohol Support.
Cumbria Police, the Forces Support Shop and Carlisle Eden Carers will also be attending the event.
On the evening of the Armed Forces Open Day, the Old Fire Station will host a talk and Q & A session with veteran and Falklands War hero Simon Weston CBE. The event will start at 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm).
In 1982 the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands. On board was Simon Weston, Welsh Guardsman, a name and face that was going to become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries (46% burns) and redefine his role in life. Simon’s message is one of achievement, of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding.
The event will be ticketed, with 200 seats available at £5. Tickets are available from McGrew’s Bistro at the Old Fire Station, Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and online at skiddle.com
All proceeds raised will be donated to armed forces charities.
