RIFT is honoured to work closely with ABF The Soldiers' Charity, bringing much-needed support to Armed Forces personnel and their families in times of hardship or bereavement. Here's a quick round-up of some of this month's ABF news and events.

£7,000 awarded to On Course Foundation

On Course Foundation is all about building self-confidence. With many of its members coming from Armed Forces backgrounds, the organisation is focused on building physical and mental strength and setting people on a path toward employment with real prospects in the golfing industry. The grant from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will be put toward offering its members access to everything from insight days and meaningful work experience opportunities to employment advice and case management.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, said: “Sport and golf offers such a wonderful platform for so many veterans to enjoy good competition and equally great company. On behalf of The Soldiers’ Charity, thank you very much indeed to On Course Foundation for its incredible work.”

You can read more about On Course Foundation here: http://www.oncoursefoundation.com

Battling veteran homelessness

South Yorkshire-based Help 4 Homeless Veterans has already provided vital support to almost 500 veterans with housing problems since 2010. Finding your feet after a career in the Armed Forces can be a serious challenge, and an award of £15,000 from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will be put to excellent use in offering much-needed accommodation for veterans in need.

Awarded the Duke of York Community Initiative Award by HRH The Duke of York in 2018, Help 4 Homeless Veterans rents properties and sub-lets them to veterans, absorbing the essential costs for as long as needed to get their tenants back on their feet. As CEO Steve Bentham-Bates puts it: “Without support from organisations like The Soldiers’ Charity, our charity would not be able to provide such a decent place for homeless veterans to begin rebuilding their lives.”

To learn more about Help 4 Homeless Veterans, visit https://help4homelessveterans.org.

£10,000 grant for Mutual Support

A £10,000 grant from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is aimed at improving the quality of life for all Armed Forces personnel and veterans living with Multiple Sclerosis, along with the people who care for and rely on them. Mutual Support’s offerings include remote assistance and a bi-annual wellbeing and respite weekend. The organisation provides information, advocacy, education and a safe space to share experiences.

Heather Smith, Lead Benefit Volunteer, says “We write to offer our sincere thanks to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for your continued support of the work we do for those still serving, the veterans and the spouses of those living with MS. Your recent donation will help us deliver our Support and Respite weekends that we offer to our Army members. Our sincere thanks once again to you and your team who have helped make this grant possible.”

A Christmas murder at Huntsham Court

The 5th of December sees a charity Deadly Diamonds dinner and murder mystery event hosted at Huntsham Court by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. A luxury 3-course dinner will be paired with an evening of festive sleuthing, with guests taking on the role of detectives in the spectacular scenery of a stunning neo-gothic mansion. Will you and your party crack the case?

A welcome drink and canapés will be available on arrival, with food provided by Blackdown Dining Co.  and entertainment from Murder on the Side.

Get your tickets, priced at £55, from Eventbriteor ABF The Soldiers’ Charity South West office on 01392 496412.

When:

5th December 2019 18.30-23.00

Where:

Huntsham Court
Devon Huntsham near Tiverton
United Kingdom
EX16 7NA

Carol concerts around the country

With the days to Christmas counting down, a selection of carol concerts is scheduled throughout the month across the UK. Here are a few of our top picks:

  • The Army Carol Service (London): 10th of December. Details here.
  • Royal Garrison Church of All Saints Christmas Carol Service (Aldershot): 14th of December. Details here.
  • The Hereford Christmas Carol Concert: 17th of December. Details here.
  • The Salisbury Carol Concert: 20th of December. Details here.

Those are our top picks for current and upcoming ABF events and updates. Visit https://www.soldierscharity.org for more information, and be sure to check out their online shop. Once you're done there, come back and watch this space for more from the charity next month.

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