Celebrating Armed Forces Week!
Over 200 people headed to the Swansea.com Stadium for the Forces of Change veterans' networking event, accessing a one-stop-shop of advice and guidance.
Last updated 24th Jun 2022
47 businesses, public services and community groups were on hand to provide information on areas such as health and wellbeing, employment, benefits, and legal advice.
Click Vimeo link to watch event video.
The festival was organised by our very own Swansea based radio stations The Wave and Greatest Hits Radio South Wales, in conjunction with Wales-headquartered law firm Hugh James – which is well-known for its team of specialist military solicitors and in partnership with Swansea City Football Club.
It featured a top line up of inspirational guest speakers who are making a difference and driving change for Veterans, Service Leavers, and their families.
The first-ever Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, Colonel James Phillips, gave a keynote address - just weeks into his new role – along with Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn.
The speaking line-up also included Victoria Williams from Veterans NHS Wales; Phil Jones of the Swansea Veterans Hub; Falklands Veteran and Cartoonist and Deputy Commander of the Army in Wales Colonel Sion Walker.
Falklands veteran and cartoonist Will Kevans who now lives in France also shared his story. He's involved with a number of events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War as well as working on a TV drama about the conflict.
Afghanistan veteran and MP Johnny Mercer was unable to attend on the day due to a neck injury which he is receiving medical treatment for. We asked veterans to send us questions on the issues that matter most to them. In Part One he talks about self-care, crisis support in the UK and the Northern Ireland experience.
In Part Two Johnny talks about the Commonwealth veterans' visa battle, his visit to Ukraine, his work to boost the employability of service leavers and what the future holds.
Forces of Change is on a mission to encourage businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. During our networking event five businesses pledged their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community and the principles of the Covenant in their organisations. They were Swansea City AFC Foundation; Hartson Fire; African Community Centre; Involve Logistics Limited; and Gower Gas and Oil (Heating Services) Limited.
Commenting on the event, Hannah Blythyn MS, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Social Partnership said: “Welsh Government is really proud of the work it’s done to support veterans, whether that’s in Health, Education and in the local community. But events like this are key to taking that support forward and building on it, by bringing together businesses, organisations, and veterans themselves to really showcase what there is to offer - and what veterans have to offer to continue to contribute to our communities and country as well.”
Reflecting on the event taking place during Armed Forces Week, Colonel James Phillips, Veterans Commissioner for Wales, said: “It’s very poignant this year, with it being 40 years since the end of the Falklands campaign, and that has really raised the importance and profile of veterans again. To a certain extent, it has also brought memories and issues back to the front, which may have been kept bottled up for quite long time. So, in that way, having the support of the community around, which Armed Forces Day demonstrates, and an understanding of the Armed Forces community, which is engendered by the activities and events that Armed Forces Week provides, is really essential.”
Forces of Change
1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards 'The Welsh Cavalry'
This was the third ‘Forces of Change’ event, which was first launched, in 2019. Last year, the occasion had to move online due to the pandemic.
Speaking of being able to return to in-person networking, event’s Founder, Emma Grant, Bauer Media’s Regional Head of News for South and West Wales, said: "This week is an opportunity for us to give thanks to all those who serve with our Armed Forces, the reservists and veterans who we owe so much to. Forces of Change is on a mission to make it easier for those who are leaving service to settle into the communities which they call home. Each person will have a very different experience.
Emma told us "This event is about bringing together all the charities and organisations that can help. From seeking employment or training opportunities, getting legal advice, or reaching out for support from Veterans NHS Wales. This year we have been fortunate to connect with those who help shape policy and play a key role in the veteran experience. We will continue to work with our partners to encourage businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and are already making plans for our next event in 2023.”
Commenting on the event, Partner and Head of the Hugh James Military team, Simon Ellis, said: “We’ve supported this event from the beginning and it’s great to meet up with so many military-friendly support groups and to connect with veterans and help them as best we can with all their legal needs. The relationships and inspiration you draw from Forces of Change is phenomenal and it provides such a valuable service to the armed forces community, to bring together the support they need to continue to flourish in the community."
The Forces of Change event raised £1,600 to buy medical aid for those fighting on the frontline in Ukraine. It was inspired by Swansea mum Clare-Anna Mitchell who transformed her home into an aid drop back in February. She has raised over £300,000 in aid since then. The Stereophonics, Biffy Clyro were among the bands who donated items for a raffle which was co-ordinated by Clare-Anna with all aid being taken to Ukraine by the Never Surrender team who also spoke at the Forces of Change event. Signed Swansea City Football Club and Ospreys 2022/23 season shirts were among the prizes, as well as a signed book by Netflix star and climbing legend Nirmal Purja MBE of 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Clare told us: "Our contacts have told us they are in desperate need of medical aid. We are looking at new ways of raising money and getting vital kit to the frontline. Thank you so much for all of your donations so far. They are going directly to those who need it most and our IFAKs are really saving lives. Just last week we were told about three soldiers who were injured who used their packs and it most definitely saved their lives."