Remembrance Day

More locally, thousands of people are expected to turn out for Remembrance ceremonies and marches throughout the West Midlands.

Why not drop into a memorial gathering at the Field of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum on November 11, in Burton-On-Trent. Book tickets here: www.thenma.org.uk

You can also watch the service broadcast live via their YouTube channel  National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire) – YouTube

The Express & Star has posted the details of Remembrance Services across Birmingham should you wish to attend a local service: Armistice & Remembrance Day events: Communities to come together across the West Midlands to remember those who fought and fell in conflict | Express & Star

Details of other services and remembrance activities can be found through the Royal British Legion

Remembrance Day began to commemorate those who served in the Great War (World War 1). At the time remembrance was not only about commemorating the 17 million lost but about remembering the impact this had with the hope that this would be war to end wars.

Since then it has become a time to think about all those lost protecting the our freedom and ways of live across Britain and the Commonwealth, including those who have supported these efforts including emergency services and those who have lost their lives to terrorism and conflict. This includes all subsequent conflicts (e.g. World War II, Bosnia and Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland)

Why do we remember?

1. To say thank you – It is a chance for individuals, communities and the country as a whole to honour those who defend our nation and our way of life
2. To understand who we are – Modern Britain is built upon the service and sacrifice of millions of individuals from Britain and the Commonwealth during the two great wars and subsequent conflicts and in the rebuilding of the nation after them
3. To bring communities together – Communities across Britain irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity share a history of service and sacrifice, together we are stronger
4. To learn from the past – as we remember the service of so many, who came from every walk of life and from every background, whether they served 100 years ago or today, the act of Remembering reminds us that we must all continue to strive for a better, more peaceful future

How do we remember?

There are many ways to show our respect and gratitude to those who have served to protect our country during conflict.  The National Service of Remembrance also sees veterans walk a procession through London to the Cenotaph War Memorial in Whitehall. This is recreated across the UK with local Remembrance Parades walking through the streets before placing wreaths of Poppies at local memorials, many of which hold the names of local people who died in World War I or II. Consistently most Services will hold the traditional two minutes silence, often broken by the sound of the Last Post. The Royal British legion will sell Poppies to not only commemorate those lost, but also to signal support to those who continue to protect or suffer from their Service, helping Veterans to feel that others care about their sacrifices for our freedom.

In the lead up to Remembrance Day, many of us will buy a Poppy to show our respect for the service personnel who have given their lives for our freedom. The first Remembrance Poppy Day was held a century ago, in November 1921. Most of us will recognise the Red Poppy as this is the colour most commonly worn to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in conflict, but do you know why the humble poppy was chosen as a symbol in the first place?

The Red Poppy represents remembrance of bloodshed and hope for peace. During WW1, much of the fighting took place in Western Europe. The countryside was blasted, bombed and turned to mud. Previously beautiful landscapes were left decimated and little would grow  – with the striking exception of bright red poppies. These resilient flowers flourished in the middle of chaos and destruction, growing in their thousands. Poppies are said to be the first flower to emerge from the freshly-dug graves of dead soldiers on Flanders Fields. In 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was so struck by the sight of these poppies that he wrote the now famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

The spread of the poppy as a symbol

McCrae’s poem inspired an American academic named Moina Michael to campaign to get the poppy adopted as an official symbol of Remembrance across the United States, with others joining in the effort to do the same in Canada, Australia and the UK.  Involved with those efforts was a French woman, Anna Guérin who persuaded Earl Haig, the founder of the Royal British Legion, to adopt the poppy as an official emblem of Remembrance in the UK.

Whilst red is most commonly recognised, there are other coloured poppies too – purple, black and white – that have different meanings.

What do the different coloured Poppies mean?

Purple is often worn to remember all the animals that have been drafted into wars, such as Horses, Dogs and Pigeons. Monies raised from the sale of Purple Poppy’s goes to the World Horse Welfare and the Blue Cross. Watch this

The initiative “Black Poppy Rose,” was launched in 2010 by Selena Carty with the aim of highlighting and commemorating people of all nations of African, Black, West Indian and Pacific Islander heritage who contributed to war efforts. Over 350,000 Black, African and Caribbean soldiers fought for the UK in the First World War.

White, this Poppy is handed out by a Charity called Peace Pledge Union, who promote peace.  The White Poppy commemorates people who died in conflict, but also focuses on achieving peace and putting an end to war.

During Remembrance, HRH the Queen wears a Corsage of five Poppies. Whilst Buckingham Palace has never confirmed the reason for the Queen’s preference, it is believed that each Poppy represents a part of the Armed Forces: The Army, The Navy, The RAF, The Civil Defence and Women.

Poppies sold in Scotland are made at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh by 35 veterans – the majority with disabilities – who have served everywhere from Korea to the first Gulf War. When it was founded back in 1926, it introduced a different style of poppy without a leaf. Why? PoppyScotland claim it would be ‘botanically incorrect’ to add leaves and it would cost an additional £15,000 – money that could be better spent on helping veterans.

Many of us will buy a Remembrance Poppy at this time of year but have you ever stopped to think why the poppy has become such an enduring symbol? Find out here

Poppies are widely worn in October and November as a mark of respect to British and Commonwealth service personnel killed in the line of duty.

They’re sold to raise money for the Royal British Legion Benevolent Fund, which celebrates its centenary this year and provides various kinds of support to veterans and their families. In 2018, the Poppy Appeal raised a record £55 million, but poppy sales in 2020 were reportedly badly affected by the pandemic.

Do you ever wonder who makes the Poppies? The Poppy Factory is run by the Royal British Legion to assist wounded and sick Veterans to find work. Many Veterans work in their factory in Richmond, making the Poppies sold every year. Find out more

Why not print out and colour in your own Poppy to put in your window at home?

Donate to the Poppy Appeal online and you’ll receive a link to download your Remembrance Poppy poster. Or find out what you can do to support the Poppy

Have you ever wondered who makes the Remembrance Poppies you see at this time of year? The Poppy Factory is run by the Royal British Legion to assist wounded and sick Veterans to find work. Find out more

Tribute Ink

Remembrance takes many forms and means something different to everyone. Tattoos can be a meaningful and permanent act of Remembrance, often illustrating personal sacrifices and marking the bonds formed between those who live, train and fight together. Take a look at Tribute Ink to explore the stories behind our Armed Forces community tattoos.

For some veterans, Bonfire Night can be a difficult time of year. Here are five tips to help you deal with the situation (supplied with acknowledgments to the Veterans’ Gateway and Combat Stress):

1. Think about how to cope

Going out or staying in? Give some thought as to what will work best for you. For some veterans the sights and sounds of Bonfire Night can be a step too far. If you’re staying in, create an alternative, distracting evening. You could watch a video or listen to soothing music. Be kind to yourself as it’s all about what works best for you.

2. Identify your triggers

As a veteran the flashes and noise of Bonfire Night can trigger difficult memories, especially if you suffer from PTSD. Have you decided to go out to an event? Before attending identify your triggers and plan ahead. For instance, if the smell of a bonfire sets off bad memories, or makes you feel jumpy, carry some calming essential oils such as lavender and peppermint. These can help bring you back to the present if you feel overwhelmed by the general atmosphere.

3. Breathe

If you panic, your breathing can become shallow without you noticing, so quickly help yourself by taking long and slow out breaths. It’s also useful to practice breathing techniques in advance, so you know what breathing pace you’re comfortable with generally.

4. Stay in the here and now

Try these tricks to keep yourself in the present:

• Create an image in your head and concentrate on the details in that image.
• If you’re at home, use all five senses to take in what’s around you. What can you see, hear, smell, feel and taste?
• Rub your feet on the carpet to remind yourself of where you are now.
• Find a physical position that makes you feel safe, such as an upright position with your shoulders back or maybe curling up.

5. It’s good to talk

Are you planning to go to a fireworks display with close friends or family? Make suggestions about how they can help you if you are feeling zoned out or getting vivid memories, and let them know that you may need to leave early.

If you are a veteran or reservist and need to speak confidentially to someone about your mental health, expert, military-sensitive help is available from Op COURAGE

Op COURAGE is the NHS’s dedicated veteran mental health and wellbeing support service in England. The West Midlands hub can be reached via TILS (Transition Intervention and Liaison Service) mevs.mhs@nhs.net on 0300 323 0137, seven days a week.

You can also call Combat Stress’ free 24-hour Helpline on 0800 138 1619 for mental health advice and support or text 07537 404 719 or send an email.

For more information on generally improving your mental wellbeing visit: www.veteransgateway.org.uk , www.combatstress.org.uk or All Call Signs – Peer Support for Veterans, Serving Military Personnel & Their Families

“We owe a special debt of gratitude to those who risk all for their country and the NHS is determined to do its part in honouring that. Anyone can be affected by mental ill health but armed forces veterans may have seen and experienced things that few others – thankfully – will.”

Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England

The first call for help takes courage. If you or someone you care for is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from Op COURAGE: The Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

BSMHFT is proud to provide specialist care to our nation’s military veterans through a collaboration between NHS England and the Office for Veterans Affairs.

If you’re due to leave the Armed Forces, just left the Armed Forces or left many years ago, Op COURAGE is here to help. You will be able to speak to people who:

• understand the Armed Forces and military life
• are either from the Armed Forces community or highly experienced in working with Serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their families
• will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment

The service can be contacted directly by yourself or you can ask your GP, a charity or someone else, such as a family member or friend, to do this on your behalf.

What will happen when you contact Op COURAGE?

To make sure you get the right care and support, you will first have an assessment by someone who understands the specific needs of the Armed Forces community.

The service offers a range of treatment, which includes:

• working with Defence Medical Services to make sure you get mental health care and support as you transition from the military to civilian life
• recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing care and treatment for this
• therapeutic treatment for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
• intensive emergency care and treatment if you’re in a crisis
• helping you to access other NHS services if needed, such as psychological therapies (IAPT) services and eating disorder services
• working with charities and local organisations to support you with your wider health and wellbeing needs, such as housing, relationships, finances, employment, drug and alcohol misuse and social support.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/opcourage or call Op COURAGE  on 0300 323 0137.

OpCOURAGE Midlands Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

BSMHFT Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Here is how one of our Veterans was supported by Op COURAGE (West Midlands): Veteran A was referred to us via the Transition Intervention Liaison Service (TILS) due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with mood swings, nightmares, flashbacks, also suffers with flashback poor appetite, lack of concentration and loss of sense of humour.  He rarely left the house, only spoke to close family and had no hobbies or interests.

Before tackling his PTSD, the first priority was to build a support base for the Veteran. An Op COUARGE Stabilisation worker put together on a stabilisation plan with him which included checking that the Veteran was on the correct benefits, signposting him to legal aid for advice on a potential court case, building up meaningful activities and increasing his social support system in the local area by trying out different activities. Assisting Veteran A with his finances and signposting him to legal aid helped reduce some stressors and Veteran A thrived through lockdown with weekly check in calls as he engaged in online courses, redeveloping his thirst for knowledge. Veteran A is now in a stable place to start to work on his traumatic memories with an Op COURAGE therapist, having already made huge achievements to increase his quality of life.

What our Veterans say: “Many thanks for sitting there and listening. Those of us who wore the uniform and have found it difficult to remove it, are lucky enough in these strange days, to receive help if they want it. And for that I will always be truly grateful.”

In addition to NHS Op COURAGE there are a number of well-established military charities dedicated to supporting veterans and their families:

Combat Stress: Providing Veterans and their families with mental health support. They offer face to face individual support as well as many online resources https://www.combatstress.org.uk/coping-low-mood and a 24 hour helpline: 0800 138 1619

Royal British Legion: This charity ensures our veterans get the support they deserve when they leave the Armed Forces.

Help for Heroes: Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. Help for Heroes supports veterans and those still serving, to recover and get on with their lives.

Samaritians: Samaritans provide a free confidential 24 hour helpline on 116 123

Togetherall: is a free online community where people can share their concerns and experiences with others.

“We all know that families are the unsung heroes who look after veterans in the middle of the night. When everyone else is gone, they are the ones picking up the pieces. Thank you for everything that you do to support our community.”

‘The Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP – Minister for Veterans’ Affairs’

Remembrance includes not only Veterans and serving personnel but the families and carers who support them. One of the things that can make a big difference to our Veterans is working with their partner to get a shared understanding of what is going on and how they can help. However, who helps our Carers? Providing support to the Armed Forces families who are supporting British service personnel and veterans who are living with a physical injury or mental illness is essential.

What support can Op COURAGE offer to Armed Forces families and carers?

As part of our work in Op COURAGE we like to meet with our veterans’ partners, children, family or other significant people in their lives.  We recognise the huge contribution and sacrifice that families all frequently make in supporting veterans in their long-term recovery. We acknowledge the toll it can often take on all areas of family life. This is reflected in The Armed Forces Covenant commitment to veterans and their families.

We offer families the opportunity to ask questions, share any concerns, request any support, highlight any unmet needs or air any grievances. We can meet with family members or carers at home or in a nearby venue such as a GP surgery. Together we can identify any support needs that the family has; whether they are in relation to emotional support, financial stressors, relationship issues, safety concerns, options for respite, providing information in relation to specific mental health issues and/or identifying options for further training. We can also put carers and family members in touch with other people in the same position and signpost them to relevant community resources, such as:

The Ripple Pond: Providing peer support for the chosen Families and Partners of Veterans with Mental Health difficulties.

Help for Heroes Band of Sisters: Providing peer support for physically or psychologically wounded Veterans and Service Personnel.

Carers UK: Providing local support to adult carers.

Walking with the Wounded: Providing psychoeducational groups for families or loved ones of Veterans with Mental Health Issues resulting from their Service.

This time of year is very poignant for anyone who is or has served for the armed forces. Remembrance Day is a time where service men and women can reflect on past experiences, remember those who we have lost and catch up with friends met along the way. This year however might be slightly different, so it’s important to remember the importance of checking in with your family and friends, in these unprecedented times. Whether that is by text, phone call or video chat make sure you check in with the people most important to you.

Here are some social support services available:

Help for Heroes Band of Brothers: Peer support for physically and psychologically injured Veterans:

Veterans Breakfast Clubs: Peer support groups for Veterans.

Royal British Legion Telephone Buddies: Telephone support for lonely and isolated Veterans.

Case Study:

Veteran B has been working with Op COURAGE (West Midlands) since May 2019. We began working on social engagement as this veteran struggled to leave the house due to his PTSD. The veteran also expressed a desire to get back into fitness activities, as it had been a positive tool for the client in the past.

We started with going for walks around the park which we eventually built up to runs. Alongside this we would go to restaurants and cafes to get the client used to being around people again. Over the weeks and months we built on each session until the client was feeling confident enough to go to the gym. To help with the cost we applied to SAFFA and they agreed to pay for a year’s membership, which the veteran wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. Again we built on each session at the gym, staying five minutes longer and working a little harder until the client felt comfortable going to the gym alone.

In this case going to the gym was not enough we needed more, so we looked for interests the client has. On a visit to the veteran’s house I noticed that the veteran had been growing vegetables and fruits. I looked for a charity that would teach the veteran more about what they were doing and give the veteran a safe space to practice. I came across the non-profit organisation Root to Fruits, they had recently started a programme to teach veterans the skills needed to become qualified gardeners and also give them a space on the charity’s land to grow vegetables and fruits.

We attended once a week and the veteran really enjoyed it and was able to communicate with the other participates alongside learning new skills. This veteran continues to attend alongside growing his own vegetables at home.

What our Veterans say:

“It’s so nice to feel help and recognition as a veteran. I hope my expletive language didn’t upset anyone because under live fire language becomes a little colourful!”

Remembrance Day is a time of year that can make us think about those we have loved and lost. We would like to share the online resources available from the Veterans Mental Health Charity Combat Stress and CRUSE Bereavement Care to support individuals with grief.

Mental health support is about far more then reducing mental health symptoms, it is about regaining quality of life through meaningful activities.

CASE STUDY: Veteran A was referred to Op COURAGE due to issues with his mood. He began seeing a therapist in our team, but he seemed to have some memory issues impacting on his memory. We raised this with his GP who referred him for investigations into this. He was initially diagnosed with dementia, before being re-diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as his high anxiety was causing memory issues.

Whilst Veteran A underwent investigations, a Stabilisation worker supported him with his anxiety and lack of self-confidence by helping him build up meaningful activities. Veteran A went from being reluctant to leave the house to playing ‘walking football’ at a local club at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove with peers of similar age and ability. He enjoyed it so much he now regularly plays hockey there too. Veteran A was also supported to volunteer at the Avoncroft Museum  (https://avoncroft.org.uk/) doing a variety of activities like painting, fixing things, clearing out, general DIY and of course making new friends . It’s really given him a positive boost, a purpose to wake up each morning knowing that he will be helping out in the community.  Veteran A has risen to the occasion and used his positivity and determination to help him meet his goals.

What our veteran’s say:

“I finish in a far, far better place than when I started. For the first time for thirty years I feel happy and content. At long last I am able to take on life and live to the full. 

I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your part in helping me. You may not realise it but every interaction with you encouraged me. Even more so when, at times, I so nearly didn’t make the journey to see my therapist. 

Your warmth, humour and positive outlook have helped me and I wish to thank you and wish you all the best for the future.”

Life after the military

When a Veteran leaves the Military they often leave their family, support system and sense of identity behind. There are lots of resources to help Veterans with this stage of their recovery, here are just a few:

Battleback: A residential course supporting wounded and sick Veterans and Service Personel

Band of Brothers: Providing a variety of courses and activities at their Recovery Centres for Veterans. 

SSAFA Mentoring Programme: Mentoring Scheme for Service leavers. 

Climbing Out: Outdoor Activity Course for people who have experienced a life changing event or injury.

StepWay Supporting Veterans in Civilian Life – Offering Veteran drop ins, 7 step Civilian Skills Programme, Community Garden Project, Volunteering opportunities and much more.

Find your moment on Remembrance Sunday – honour those who have served our country and show thanks for their sacrifice.

Every year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the whole of Britain falls silent for two minutes. When this day falls during the week, the Royal British Legion hold a Silence in the Square event at Trafalgar Square where members of the public can place a poppy in the fountain to mark their respect.

Armistice Day is always held on November 11 because that’s the day the First World War ended.

Remembrance Sunday meanwhile is always held on a weekend so everyone has a chance to pay their respects. Every Remembrance Sunday, a National Service for Remembrance is held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, where the Queen, the Prime Minister and members of parliament pay their respects. There is also a March Past of war veterans each year. This year Remembrance Sunday will be held on November 10.

Please put health and safety first while observing Remembrance Day. You can pay tribute to our veterans and active service members by:

• wearing a poppy
• sharing your thanks online by using #RemembranceDay
• observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11 wherever you are