HIVE Directory: Support For Veterans

The Forces Families Project

The Forces Families project (formerly Joining Forces for Families), an Armed Forces Covenant funded project that has been running since October 2018. It is delivered in partnership by Citizens Advice Hart, Rushmoor Citizens Advice and Portsmouth Citizens Advice. It aims to help serving personnel and their families when they encounter life's stressful events. It is free, confidential and independent and impartial. The Forces Families Project is tri-service and operated in North East Hampshire and Portsmouth and other south coast areas such as Gosport Fareham and Havant. We often attend military events such as health fairs, family fun days and of course Armed Forces day.

Portsmouth is a city proud to offer safety and sanctuary to anyone fleeing violence and persecution or who is isolated and seeking safety. With dignity and compassion, we welcome all people seeking sanctuary, and we are committed to building work streams of action to offer support accordingly.

Portsmouth groups and citizens have come together to form a City of Sanctuary, sharing a vision to confidently demonstrate inclusiveness, openness and participation. The group formally launched in June 2019 at Portsmouth Guildhall, and is now a registered charity needing your support, including volunteering! PCoS is part of the national non-political/religious City of Sanctuary movement, has full Portsmouth City Council endorsement and the support of around 120 local organisations.

The Refugee Sanctuary Hub meets at All Saints Church, 336 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT, every Monday 10.00am - 1.00pm (Excluding Bank Holidays). Orientation paperwork, support for survivors of trafficking, support for women working in the sex industry, OISC immigration advice and baby provisions

https://portsmouth.cityofsanctuary.org

We run a dedicated support service for Serving and ex-Service Personnel who are living with or caring for someone with a serious or life-limiting illness, or are recently bereaved.

Did you serve at least 1 day in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy?
Are you experiencing loneliness or social isolation?
Are you struggling with the impact of your illness physically and/or emotionally?
Have concerns about the future and whether your loved ones will be looked after?
Our wide range of services, including a dedicated Veteran Companions buddy service, can help you find answers.

Weekly social groups take place on Mondays from 10:00 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 14:30 for any veterans and Serving Personnel, who are living with a serious or life-limiting illness where you can seek advice, support or just a friendly chat with others in the same situation.

Our Lifeworks programme offers tailored employability support to Armed Forces veterans and the families of those currently serving. Courses and support are tailored to suit the requirements of those who need it and our specialist advisors are on hand throughout your journey to help you find an opportunity that is right for you. On completion of the course you will have an internationally recognised SQA qualification.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Our 4 day courses are held both across
the country and virtually, ensuring our
skills and expertise reach every corner of
the UK. Including:
• Coaching for change – covering how to
navigate new situations and make them
work for you
• CV building and writing – how to
showcase skills
• Completing application forms – how to
demonstrate interest
• In-depth interview preparation –
managing nerves and difficult questions
• Recruitment cycle – to help better
understand the processes
• Mock interview and feedback – with
a specific industry and an experienced
recruiter with feedback
• Vocational assessment by a trained
assessor – specialist assessment tools
to help determine what is best for the
individual
Lifeworks has a team of highly
skilled support staff, assessors,
and trainers with many years
of experience in helping those
with close links to the Armed
Forces back into employment
or training.
AFTER THE COURSE
After attending a course, the Lifeworks
team are still here to support. We’ll be in
contact at regular intervals and available
to help in any way we can. Whether it’s
an informal chat to learn about your
progress, or if you need a hand with a job
application, we remain on-hand to help.
WHO IS IT FOR?
No matter the military affiliation, how
long served, or current circumstances;
whether you have served in the Navy,
Army or RAF, Lifeworks is here to help you
reach your career goals. Ex-servicemen
and women are all eligible for help.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The courses are free as they are funded
by organisations keen to assist us in
providing support to those we help.