Veterans’ artwork showcased at Leonardo’s Crewe Toll HQ

Richard Demarco talks of  ‘the healing power of art’

Combat Stress art exhibition launch at Leonardo's Airborne & Space Systems division in Edinburgh 9 June 2016 Photographer Mike Glendinning

The Edinburgh HQ of electronics company Leonardo is marking this year’s Armed Forces Day (25 June) by hosting a month long exhibition for staff displaying original artwork and poetry created by ex-service men and women supported by the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans, Combat Stress. The official opening of the event took place at Crewe Toll yesterday.

Senior members of the RAF and Richard Demarco, one of the founding fathers of the Edinburgh Festival, opened the exhibition to share their views on the paintings and text produced by the veterans. Artwork will be displayed alongside a ‘textline’ number for mobile donations and a collection box and there are plans to repeat the exhibition in November to mark Armistice Day.

Arts impresario Richard Demarco, Director of the The Demarco European Art Foundation, opened the event with his thoughts on the healing powers of art and how it can be used as a balm to those suffering both mentally and physically. The AOS’s secretary, Sqn Ldr Nobby Clark and OC 603 (City of Edinburgh Squadron) and Sqn Leader Jerry Riley paid tribute to the work of the charity and Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Glen MacDonald (rtd) gave an eloquent description of the process the veterans go through to channel their experiences into art.

Combat Stress art exhibition launch at Leonardo's Airborne & Space Systems division in Edinburgh 9 June 2016 Photographer Mike Glendinning

Leonardo, previously known as Finmeccanica (and, quite a while back now, Ferranti’s) has provided security equipment to Britain’s armed forces for over 73 years. The exhibition was the brainchild of one of the company’s apprentices, Michael Given, who wanted to find a productive way of supporting veterans, as Combat Stress is the chosen charity of Leonardo’s UK apprentices.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans, providing free specialist clinical treatment and support to ex-servicemen and women across the UK with mental health conditions. The charity treats conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, and provides a range of free services including short-stay clinical treatment, a specialist PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme, occupational therapy, community support and a free 24-hour Helpline (0800 138 1619).

Sue Freeth, Chief Executive at Combat Stress, said: “Everyone at Combat Stress is incredibly grateful to Leonardo for their support in showcasing our veterans’ artwork.

“The event will raise awareness of Combat Stress and the work we do as the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans. We are always working to encourage more veterans to seek our help as we know the difference that our free specialist clinical treatment and support makes.

“We saw a 28% rise in referrals over 2015/16 so fundraising events like this are vital in ensuring that Combat Stress is able to continue supporting veterans in Scotland and across the UK.” 

Combat Stress art exhibition launch at Leonardo's Airborne & Space Systems division in Edinburgh 9 June 2016 Photographer Mike Glendinning

While the event will not be open to the general public, it will be accessible to all Leonardo employees and it’s hoped that it will raise healthy funds for the charity as over 1800 employees are based at the Crewe Toll site.

For more information about Combat Stress’ fundraising events please contact Kath Provan on 01292 561347 or email kath.provan@combatstress.org.uk.

Pictures: Mike Glendinning

Free First Aid training for dads at Prentice Centre tomorrow

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The good people of the British Red Cross are coming to Prentice on Saturday to deliver some Free First Aid.  It starts at 10am until approx 1040am.

The session is for dads.  If you know someone who would like to book a slot let us know asap!  Dads can either just come themselves, or if they want their wee one can come to the playgroup with mum.

The Prentice Centre is at 1 Granton Mains Avenue

Dads Rock

Caring for young carers

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The introduction of a Young Carer’s Allowance to give young people extra financial support will be considered by the Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers have confirmed during Carers Week. Under UK Government guidelines only 250 people in Scotland under the age of 18 receive Carer’s Allowance. Continue reading Caring for young carers

Three shortlisted for Sainsbury’s Blackhall Charity of the Year

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It is the time of year again to choose the charity of the year for Sainsbury’s Blackhall! As valued customers and colleagues we would love for you to take part in this year’s vote for charity of the year (writes Gail Wilson). Continue reading Three shortlisted for Sainsbury’s Blackhall Charity of the Year

Poverty misery: blame Westminster!

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Investment in addressing the deep-rooted causes of poverty would be greatly increased if the Scottish Government wasn’t being continually forced to spend money on tackling the negative impact of UK Government welfare cuts. That was the message from new Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman ahead of her first keynote address to the Child Poverty Action Group’s annual conference. Continue reading Poverty misery: blame Westminster!

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Year of the Dad: latest news

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Welcome to our latest round up from Year of the Dad – we’re almost halfway through the year and preparing for an unforgettable Father’s Day!

TAKE OUR SURVEY

Are you a dad or a grandad? If so, we’d love you to spend a few minutes telling us about your experiences in our short Year of the Dad survey. We’re hoping to get as many responses as possible in the next few weeks so that we can report back on the lives and habits of our modern dads and father-figures in time for Father’s Day on 19th June. If you’re a dad you can access the survey here, if you’re a grandad click here. We’ll be pushing it through social media too, so please pass it on and fill it in to give us time to crunch the numbers – and let’s find out what dads today really think and do!

FATHER’S DAY EVENTS

Talking of Father’s Day, if you’re looking for a great family day out, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the events planned by us and our partners in Year of the Dad. Whether it’s our flagship Big Free Father’s Day event in Stirling, or the Family Takeover at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden; the Glasgow Father’s Day Big Toddle or Family Man Fun Day at Hamilton Park Race Course, you’ll find plenty to do in your area.

KEEP US POSTED

And if you’re planning your own event at any time in the coming year, why not let us know, so we can put it on the website? In the next 10 days alone we’re supporting a Year of the Dad Festival of Talent at Lawfield Primary School in Dalkeith; and a brilliant LGBT event in Edinburgh entitled: What Does it Mean to be a Dad? Your event could be next!

NEW YOTD ANIMATION

Meanwhile, don’t forget to keep an eye on the Year of the Dad blog and YouTube Channel for great content to help you spread the message. Our newest video is a charming 1-minute animation featuring 11-&-3/4-year-old Rosie, which puts children rightly at the heart of our campaign. Why not pass it on to a friend and help celebrate the difference a great dad can make?

JOIN OUR BOARD

Finally, if you think you’ve got dad-friendly passion and professional skills to bring on a longer-term basis, Fathers Network Scotland is looking to recruit new board members. Please take a look and consider joining our team!

That’s all for now – thanks for all your support!

The Year of the Dad team