The Sandbag Times Issue No: 41

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The Armed Forces & Community Covenant Are They Just Empty Promises? After seven years since David Cameron and his Government put the Armed Forces Covenant into action, one must question it’s concept and ask whether it was effective or was it just a PR stunt for those in power to try to look like they were caring. Just recently, we, the SBT Enterprise, along with Veterans Radio Net and a few other organisations have been asking those who signed up a few questions to establish why they have signed, what they understand about the covenant and how they support or involve themselves with the covenant. In a very short space of time, we have discovered, in some areas that the AF&CC lie dormant and forgotten like a battleship at the bottom of the ocean. In one particular area which, for legal reasons we cannot disclose, the County Council and other governing bodies had not done anything in their area for some years. In addition to this, many of the organisations who had signed up to the covenant were not even aware they were part of it, what it was or what it asked of the community. Unfortunately, one of these organisations was governmental and part of an advice network which has great influence over our veterans. So what has gone wrong? Governmental changes? Brexit? Lack of funds? Maybe all of them or even none of them Who can say? One thing is certain, the problems and issues THE COVENANT CHALLENGE it stood for are still here. It is so refreshing to hear of the current plans to improve the mental health of our brave with the newly established helpline and the brand new initiatives by the NHS. But personally, I have my own concerns over this. In 2011, under the Armed Forces Covenant, plans were made to code all veterans at GP level in order to get a more efficient system in place. Like today, funds were set aside and plans were written. Unfortunately, this plan did not work. Why? Because the great ideas in power did not filter down to the those on the ground. We have been bombarded with such comments as “We owe a great deal to those who defend our country and their welfare is our priority”. We have seen how the nation stands together at 11:00am every Remembrance Sunday, on Armed Forces Day you cannot move in this country for Mayors, MP’s and County officials standing in all of their regalia pledging their support. Yet when a homeless veteran walks into the same council offices and asks for somewhere warm to sleep, he gets given a place in the council queue and told to go away. Where is the loyalty and support from those in office then? The Armed Forces Covenant Challenge is not a witch hunt but a wake up call. Those who have signed will be asked to honour their pledge and, if required, advice and help will be given in order to do so. But, as one organisation proved, they have no intention of being part of it then please make it known to those who have your details so you can be removed from it. I cannot wait to see the first to do that! The political shipwreck of the Armed Forces & Community Covenant can and must be refloated. But in order to do so, those who sign up must take it seriously. Unfortunately, this must start at the very top with those who steer it. | 12 www.sandbagtimes.co.uk
HAVE FAITH Remember the Important Stuff.. Isn’t it funny how life gets in the way at times, believe me, you are reading this from somebody who is constantly getting sucked up in the great vacuum of life. These days, I have so many responsibilities, (of my own making, I must add) My days are a constant drone of magazines, veterans issues, trying to be the mouthpiece for so many, I forget what is important. Just recently, after months of working at full tilt, achieving loads and managing it all in my stride I suddenly started to get stressed out, started realising I couldn’t cope and beginning to doubt my ability. This feeling started to spread everywhere, even into the tranquility of my partner and myself. What was happening? the time I was busy, i forgot to take all of this rubbish that I had accumulated to my mate. The result was it piled up and started to weigh me down. So I have made a promise to myself, no matter whether it is at the Cathedral or not, I will take a few moments each day to have a chinwag with God. At least that way while I am enduring this busy period. I should, go to church and pray. Yes, my human side is still there, I neglect what is really important. But, in a way, the work I do I still class as God’s work and to me that is so important. Everything we do here is to help our brothers and sisters. I, or should I say we, expect or want no reward only the knowledge that we helped. But to do this I do need the strength and backing from God, without that life gets very tough. The answer has been there for me to see all along but being typically human, I ignored all of the warning signs because I was too busy. Everything became important except for the important things. My three F’s got neglected, Food, Faith and Fun. Because of this I actually forgot what I was doing everything for. I don’t expect for you all to do as I do in these circumstances but I think it is pretty good sound advice to share your problems, niggles and stresses with a friend. Personally, I cannot think of a better friend than God but that’s me. But if you do find yourself in a place where you have a little too much on your plate and have no one to turn to why not give my friend a go. He’ll never turn you away, he’ll always let you talk your heart out and always provide a solution even if it doesn’t become immediately apparent. Try this Bible passage: Psalm 118: 5-6 Last year, I was quite concious of my diet, I ate well, cooked lots of good meals and felt physically great. As far as the fun is concerned, I would spend time writing songs, playing guitar and taking a little time to chill out with my other half. But I think most seriously, I have recently neglected my one-to-ones with God. I have never really been a church goer but I do take a lot of pleasure in going to the Cathedral and just spending a little time chatting to God. I tell him what’s bothering me, I ask him to watch over those I love and I ask him to guide me through whatever I am doing. When I leave the Cathedral I do feel better about myself, it’s as if I’ve unloaded to my best friend, which, to be honest, I have. All of www.sandbagtimes.co.uk 17 |
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS SBT News 4 New Government
Page 5 and 6: NEWS THE VETERANS’ MAGAzINE SBT n
Page 7: The Historical Tommy Atkins Operati
Page 10: VK78030M012 05-Dec-2012 10:49
Page 13 and 14: GRAHAM ORANGE Business Owner Soarin
Page 15: it, but for all their pathetic disf
Page 19 and 20: TO ORDER PLEASE CALL: 01226 734222
Page 21 and 22: Veterans Breakfast Clubs Ayreshire
Page 23 and 24: SPONSORED BY: Information Pull Up A
Page 25 and 26: THE CHRONICLES OF LITTLE HOPE Rando
Page 27: Poetry Corner Poetry Corner Over I

The Sandbag Times Issue No: 41

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