COMMENT: Hostel of Hope

Never are the 'haves' and 'have nots' more polarised than at Christmas. Those lucky enough to have  warm homes and large TVs are reminded, relentlessly, over the holiday period how many charities are out there, seeking support, donations and help to raise awareness of their work. Images of starvation, privation and deprivation punctuate feelgood festive viewing, reminding everyone how lucky they are.

Veterans Aid doesn't advertise much - but it's happy to share the news that Christmas Day at its own East London hostel, New Belvedere House,  was a warm and happy event. An eye-wateringly lavish feast of turkey, ham, pork, puddings, fruit and sweets was served up on  former Beatle Ringo Starr's old snooker table, Santa stopped off at every room and gifts from friends and supporters piled up high. Many of the men for whom this place is a temporary home once slept on the streets. Hopefully none of them will ever need to again.Never moreso than at Christmas is there evidence that Veterans Aid is a place of hope.

COMMENT: Rowntree report put crisis into perspective.

Why are veterans homeless?' VA is frequently asked. Has military service rendered them incapable of holding down jobs, sustaining relationships or getting through the day without drugs or alcohol? Are they so damaged by PTSD or horrific physical injuries that they are driven to the streets in desperation?  While this may actually be true in a tiny number of cases, the majority experience problems that relate to life - not military life, just 'life'. This sobering report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation puts crisis into perspective.

This study looks at measures of low income, deprivation and other types of

disadvantage. Low income (or poverty) is defined as people living in households

with income below 60 per cent of the median for that year. In the last two years, median income has fallen substantially, a fall that itself affects the number of people in poverty. (*See full report HERE.)

MONITORING POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION 2013

The latest annual report from the New Policy Institute brings together the most recent data to present a comprehensive picture of poverty in the UK.

Key points:

•In 2011/12, 13 million people in the UK were living in poverty. For the first time more than half of these people lived in a working family.

•The proportion of pensioners in poverty is at its lowest for almost 30 years. The proportion of working-age adults without children in poverty is the highest on record.

•Average incomes have fallen by 8 per cent since their peak in 2008. As a result, around 2 million people have a household income below the 2008 poverty line but are not considered to be in poverty today.

•In the last year, the labour market has shown signs of revival. Underemployment has fallen slightly from 6.4 million to 6.3 million and young adult unemployment appears to have peaked at 21 per cent.

•The number of people in low-paid jobs has risen. There are now around 5 million people paid below the living wage.

•The movement in and out of work is substantial – 4.8 million different people have claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – in the last two years.

•Following recent changes to the social security system, many people on means-tested benefits have reduced incomes. Around 500,000 families face a cut in housing benefit via the under-occupationpenalty and a reduction in Council Tax Benefit. The number of sanctioned jobseekers with a reduced entitlement to JSA doubled in 2010 to around 800,000.

•The level of benefits for an out-of-work adult without children now covers only 40 per cent of what the public considers to be a minimum standard of living. For families with children this figure is no more than 60 per cent.

•National averages mask huge variations between areas in unemployment, educational achievement, and life expectancy.

CASENOTES: The Art of Survival

What's going on here? All will be revealed soon! But for those who thought that VA's December 2012 'Art of Survival' exhibition was the end of the story - think again.

Many of the men who took part have moved on, in all sorts of ways. Several have taken their art and/or photography to another level and a few have sold further works and exhibited.

The interview taking place here is part of the National Army Museum’s 'Piece Makers' project in which the work of Michael Crossan (inset) will feature.

COMMENT: Crises don't last for ever

Veterans Aid welcomed a visitor recently; 91-years-young and enjoying life. He didn't come for help -  just to say hello to the team and have a cup of tea. William  served on HMS Kenya and has had links with the charity since 1971 when he had a bit of a 'wobble' and needed accommodation.
And today? He's just fine.

COMMENT: The scandal goes on...

The story of a Fijian soldier, Mr Filimore Lacanivalu, who is facing deportation was featured in today's 'The Times' and 'The Telegraph'. 

Dr Hugh Milroy, CEO of Veterans Aid, who contributed to both articles, said, “This is yet another outrage. We have been telling people for a long time that this is a major problem.

“Here we have an innocent man who has done nothing wrong and served this country well and he has been hung out to dry by these bureaucrats.”

Veterans Aid has dealt with homelessness, alcoholism, drug addiction and almost every issue affecting the health, wealth and happiness of veterans. For many years they have been fighting for justice for Foreign and Commonwealth troops and their families. 

For full article in The Telegraph please click HERE

COMMENT: Most veterans make a seamless transition to civilian life

CEO of Veterans Aid was quoted in Nick Cohen’s article in The Observer.

'Hugh Milroy, the chief executive of Veterans Aid, told me there are about 4 million former servicemen and women in Britain. "If the stories special interest groups looking for money circulated were right, British society would have broken down," he said.'

For full article click HERE

COMMENT: Fijian soldier Filimone Lacanivalu allowed to stay in UK

A year ago VA helped get justice for  former L/Cpl  Isimeli Baleiwai after putting the plight of Foreign and Commonwealth veterans in the media spotlight. Filimone Lacanivalu's case was equally deserving of review. What will it take, we wonder, for these anomalies to become a thing of the past and a Military Covenant to evolve that will mete out fair treatment to ALL ex-servicemen and women?

"Hugh Milroy, chief executive of the charity Veterans Aid, said it had at least 30 other cases of former troops from foreign and Commonwealth countries who had run into trouble over their right to remain in the UK after leaving the forces."

See BBC online  report 16 November 2013 HERE.

Fijian soldier Filimone Lacanivalu allowed to stay in UK (BBC NEWS UK)

A soldier from Fiji has been granted the right to settle in the UK after he issued a plea to the prime minister.Filimone Lacanivalu called on David Cameron to halt what he called an unfair plan to send him back to Fiji.

Mr Lacanivalu fought for British forces in Afghanistan and served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia with 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment.

The home secretary and immigration minister personally reviewed his case before deciding he could remain.They said that in light of his service in the British army he should be granted settlement in the UK.

Mr Lacanivalu had been detained in an immigration centre for the past month.He said he felt betrayed because of the way he was treated by the British authorities despite risking his life during nine years of service in the army.

Mr Lacanivalu served as a private, where he completed two tours of duty of Afghanistan.But he was unaware in 2010 - when he left the army - that Commonwealth soldiers with at least four years of service needed to apply to the Home Office for the right to remain in the UK within 28 days at that time.He assumed he would automatically qualify for residency in the UK thanks to his service, and was not told by the Army that he had to apply to stay.

The 34-year-old found out too late that he needed to send a form - and when he did he was refused.

When the former soldier went to a Home Office centre last month hoping to resolve matters he was immediately detained and told he would be flown back to Fiji the following Sunday.

However, following publicity about his case, the Home Office said Home Secretary Theresa May had personally reviewed it and Mr Lacanivalu has been granted the right to settle in the UK.

Mr Lacanivalu told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I have been in the forces, I've put in effort, sacrificed my life for this country.

"I just think to stay here will be a benefit, there's more opportunities. I want opportunities just like any other British citizen," he said.

"I'm a happy man now."

Mr Lacanivalu now wants clearer guidelines be issued to all Commonwealth soldiers to prevent others making the same mistake.

Hugh Milroy, chief executive of the charity Veterans Aid, said it had at least 30 other cases of former troops from foreign and Commonwealth countries who had run into trouble over their right to remain in the UK after leaving the forces.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We recognise the immense sacrifice and contribution made by our armed forces and try to reflect this in the immigration rules.

"We adhere to the principle in the armed forces covenant, and aim to ensure that service personnel suffer no disadvantage as a result of their service.

"Foreign and Commonwealth military personnel who have served for more than four years can apply to settle here up to two years after leaving the military.

"Although Mr Lacanivalu applied to stay outside of this time, the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister personally reviewed his case and, in light of his service in the British Army, have agreed he should be granted settlement in the UK."

CASE NOTES: From 'down and out' to Downing Street

Three months ago 'J' was sleeping in a wood near Hainault. Thanks to his Army training his shell-scrape  ‘bivvy’ was snug, secure and virtually watertight. Clearly proud of his skills he describes the improvised ‘central heating’ system that relied on warmth channeled from his highly effective fire-pit.

“If I was a homeless civvy I would probably have ended up on the streets, under a cardboard box and they’re not waterproof you know . . . I learned a lot in the Army.”

According to 'J' it wasn’t hardship so much as the unvarying (and infrequent) diet of squirrel that got him down. Military training notwithstanding, he wasn’t very good at catching them.

But the Army wasn’t responsible for his plight, as he’s quick to point out - the morning after enjoying a reception at 10 Downing Street where he met the Prime Minister.

The 24-year-old former infantry soldier had attended the reception with Veterans Aid CEO Dr Hugh Milroy to mingle with members of the Royal Family, politicians and other beneficiaries of LIBOR funding. Recalling it the following morning he shakes his head, “It was just  - surreal!”

A grainy phone snap (above), taken by Milroy on the famous doorstep, confirms that it was indeed very real.

After a childhood in Romford,  'J' went to Harrogate’s Army Foundation College; inspired to enlist by  “watching Arnold Schwarzenegger films” and a genuine desire to get some qualifications – which he duly did. He served with 1 Royal Anglians from September 2005 to July 2011, did two tours in Afghanistan, as an infantryman then in a fire support role with a mortar platoon, served briefly in Northern Ireland and trained in Kenya. He returned to civilian life with some great memories, a medal, a son and plans for the future.

He had NVQs, a driving licence and a job. The Army had delivered on expectation; it was relationship breakdown and a costly legal battle to see more of his boy that caused things to unravel for Jason.

His month in the woods as a survivalist was all very well, but the point came when he knew he needed help. “You don’t like to ask though, it wasn’t easy.”

Eventually he swallowed his pride and went to the Royal British Legion. They referred him immediately to Veterans Aid.

First contact at the charity’s Victoria Drop-in Centre was former Fusilier Jon Fullan who took 'J's details, gave him money for immediate needs and arranged for him to move into the VA hostel, New Belvedere House, in East London.

'J' was stunned when he saw it. “I had mates who’d been in hostels and they were dirty, noisy places – real dives. But here, it’s great. Back at barracks we were four or even eight to a room; here I’ve got my own room, the banter is just like in the Army, we’ve got a 62” TV, a snooker room and the people are really nice. I’m making a fresh start here and I’m getting the help I need to move on.

“The wing commander (CEO Dr Hugh Milroy) told me when I left he didn’t want to see me again; not nastily, he just meant I shouldn’t need to come back. A least, not with my bags – lots of people come back just to keep in touch, but that’s fine.”

Milroy added, “Everyone who comes to Veterans Aid has a journey ahead of them, whether it’s a physical one, from the streets or temporary accommodation, or a more personal one that involves dealing with addictions, confronting realities and making enduring life-changes. The destinations are different for everyone and the variety of help we offer is limited only by imagination, but we need funding to deliver it.

“'J's presence at a Downing Street reception, just three months after living in a hole in the ground, excited no particular comment  - because he looked just like everyone else. And that’s what veterans are; men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, but in other respects are just like anyone else. When they leave us, our ‘clients’ merge into the society we are all part of and simply get on with their lives. ”

Today 'J' is on a plumbing course and learning carpentry. He has a safe base and access to advice and guidance. When the time is right he hopes to join his parents in Cornwall and, when he’s older, introduce his son to surfing and adventure sports.

And maybe one day, he’ll be able to tell him how, through Veterans Aid, he met the Prime Minister.

***

* Veterans Aid received a grant of  £160,000 from LIBOR. Prime Minister David Cameron said afterwards, "An excellent example of the Armed Forces Covenant delivering is the recent LIBOR grant to frontline charity Veterans Aid. This organisation has been helping ex-servicemen and women in crisis for nearly 82 years. It doesn't 'hand out' money, it gives individuals a positive 'hand up' providing bespoke help with education, skills training, mental health and homelessness issues.

"It takes around 3,000 calls for help a year, provides more than 20,000 nights of accommodation and in the last 12 months has placed 60 veterans in specialist treatment facilities. This group had primary problems like addiction - 40 to alcohol and 20 to drugs, gambling or other things. Nearly all are now well on the road to getting straight and leading sustainable, independent lives.  Rehab is a fixed cost; the process that follows is not. You can't put a price on restoring confidence, making someone laugh, get fit or learn how to reintegrate into society, but all these are aspects of recovery that this inspirational charity spends money on."

COMMENT: Report challenges mental health therapy

A BBC investigation has found that Armed Forces veterans struggling with mental health issues are being put at risk from a therapy used by a Welsh charity.

Full report HERE.




According to Public Health England, one in four people in the UK will suffer a mental health problem in the course of a year. The attendant cost to the economy in England has recently been estimated at £105 billion, and treatment costs are expected to double in the next 20 years.

Veterans Aid believes that veterans are no more susceptible to mental illness than anyone else. It deplores the fact that they are increasingly represented as vulnerable, dysfunctional victims and cautions strongly against the media tendency to over-ascribe PTSD and other conditions to military service.

COMMENT: 'The Times' Opinion

"This warrior nation welcome foreign fighters" is the headline of Robert Crampton's article in The Times; a thoughtful exploration of the UK's ambivalent relationship with the men from other countries who regularly augmented its armed forces. He recalls that:

 "In 1813, at the height of its wartime strength, one fifth of the British Army was made up of foreign-born volunteers. Fewer than half of the Duke of Wellington's troops at Waterloo 

were British born . . .

CASE NOTES: In detention for . . . ?

Soldier 'L' from Fiji still in detention at IRC Harmondsworth where a VA member visited him yesterday.
Given that this man has served honourably, has no criminal record and appears to pose no threat to anyone we are still wondering why UKBA felt it necessary to detain him . .. inquiries have failed to elicit a satisfactory answer.


Nigerian soldier 'B' and family meanwhile have been linked up with social services who are trying to find them accommodation.

 

COMMENT: Veterans' mental health - labels can be dangerous.

"What parent, employer, landlord or partner would welcome association with veterans or service personnel linked to a condition portrayed as leaving them violent, unstable, dysfunctional and without recourse to help?"

CASE NOTES : Foreign & Commonwealth issues

OCTOBER brings another  Foreign & Commonwealth veteran to our door. After leaving the Army Nigerian 'B', his pregnant wife and British-born daughter had nowhere to go. He ended up sleeping in a garage while they slept in a cupboard. VA immediately arranged hotel accommodation - at a cost of £800 per week - but it's a temporary solution and on the 21st they will become homeless.

"At last have spoken with Social Worker - the B’s case has been allocated to her.

Again made it clear that from Monday the family are homeless and that to date Mrs B has still not sought medical attention.

Mr B came to the office today, gave him a further £100 for food."

* * *

Just days later a letter arrives from the distraught father of a Fijian soldier 'L' - beset by a catalogue of misfortunes his application for Leave to Remain in the UK has foundered and he has been sent to an Immigration Removal Centre pending deportation. His father writes that he served for 10 years . . . .in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan (two tours) , Belize, Bosnia and the Falkland Islands.


" My son is desperate to stay in Britain after serving your country . . . three of our family members served in the British Army.

"With respect, he is not an 'asylum seeker'. It may be true that he is an 'overstayer' . . . what his lawyer should have done is inform my son of the closure of his law firm . . . "

* * *

Now here's an odd one: 'X' is a Kenyan 'overstayer' whose passport is being held by  UKBA. He has no official status or means of support  and has been told to return to his own country. . .  

COMMENT: "We told you so!"

The Telegraph: Reforms have left the Army in chaos.

Leaked MOD memo explores reasons for recruiting crisis  . . .

"One of the problems identified is a concern among potential recruits that their mental health could be compromised if they join."


Veterans Aid has been predicting this outcome for a long time. 'Bigging up' the numbers becoming dysfunctional because of PTSD is a trend that has generated consequences..

"I have lost count of the number of times I warned about the dangers of exaggerating this issue and predicted it would eventually impact recruiting.  It seems there are 379 service charities involved in dealing with PTSD and yet we rarely see it." -  CEO Dr Hugh Milroy