2023 Celebrating Forces Families Awards Programme

F r i d ay 2 8 t h a p r i l 2 0 2 3 victory services club , london

2023 sponsors

2024 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - REGISTER YOUR INTEREST CELEBRATINGFORCESFAMILIES.CO.UK PRINTED BY -

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“I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to the second Celebrating Forces Families Awards evening here at the Victory Services Club, London. It’s fantastic to meet our finalists and hear their many inspiring stories. In my eyes, you are all winners, and we thank you for your contributions in making the UK Armed Forces the fantastic worldwide community that it is today. Thank you also to our sponsors. Their support has allowed this not-for-profit event to happen, and they have all played their part in working with the event team to make some amazing memories with you this evening!”

Sarah Walker, Chair – Partner Employment Working Group

you r h os t s fo r t h i s e v e n i n g ANTONY COTTON MBE

KYM MARSH

Antony Cotton is an actor and television personality

Kym Marsh is known for her recent success on the

best known for his role as Sean Tully in the long-

Strictly dance floors as well as her role as Michelle

running soap opera Coronation Street. Aside from

Connor in Coronation Street. In addition to her

his successful acting career, Antony has also been

successful acting career, Marsh has also been a

actively involved in supporting the Armed Forces.

vocal supporter of the British Armed Forces. She

He has toured overseas to entertain British troops

has visited British troops stationed in Iraq and

in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Falkland Islands,

Afghanistan to show her appreciation for their

among other places. Antony is a patron of the

service and has participated in fundraising events

Army Benevolent Fund and has participated in

for military charities, including Help for Heroes

various fundraising events to support the welfare of

and the Royal British Legion. In 2011, Marsh was

soldiers and their families. In 2022 he was awarded

appointed as an ambassador for the Royal British

an MBE for his commitment to boosting the morale

Legion’s Poppy Appeal and has worked tirelessly to

of British troops serving overseas.

raise awareness for the charity’s work in supporting British veterans and their families.

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order of events 1730 - ARRIVAL DRINKS & CANAPÉS 1900 - ENJOY A THREE-COURSE DINNER 2000 - LIVESTREAM BEGINS 2015 - CHOIR PERFORMANCE 2030 - THE CFF AWARDS BEGIN! 2215 - LIVESTREAM CLOSES 2215 - DISCO 0030 - CARRIAGES & TIME TO HEAD TO BED

MENu Starters

Main Dishes PORK BELLY,

LEMON TART,

Chicken Liver Parfait, Autumn

Black Pudding Bhaji, Crushed

Hazelnut Meringue, Fresh

Fruit Chutney, Brioche

Potato & Apple, Red Cabbage,

Raspberries

GAME & PISTACHIO TERRINE,

Desserts

Roasted Carrot, Peppercorn & TOMATO, ONION,

Cider Cream Sauce

& SPINACH TART, Redcurrant Balsamic Glaze

COCONUT & PASSION FRUIT PANNA COTTA,

ROOT VEGETABLE STRUDEL,

Tropical Fruit Compote,

Seasonal Vegetable Terrine, Kale,

Crumbled Shortbread

Port & Vegetable Gravy

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voices of armed forces children choir The RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation are the proud sponsors of the choir for tonight's event.

The Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir is a group of tri-service children from across the UK who have come together to sing for a wide variety of occasions! The choir was established by Never Such Innocence to encourage children of service members, both currently serving and veterans, to share what life is like for them. The VOAFC Choir sings about service life. One of their songs, Welcome Home, won first place in the 9-11 age category in the Never Such Innocence annual international song competition 2021 and Stand Up featured in the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent. www.neversuchinnocence.com/voices-of-armed-forces-children

©ITV BGT

pr i z e d r aw One of the highlights of the Celebrating Forces Families Awards Ceremony this evening will be the much-anticipated prize draw. Many businesses and advocates have generously donated prizes to support the military community. Among the prizes this year are: A Bremont goodie bag worth

£25 Adopt an Artefact Gift

Two nights of free

£400

Card for the RAF Museum

accommodation at the Victory

Boden Gift Voucher

Jelly Belly Hamper

Services Club

A two-night stay at the China

Jelly Belly Sweet Machine and

A Magnum of Taittinger

Fleet Club in Plymouth

Plush Toy

Champagne donated by the Soldiering On Awards Team

Tickets are available to purchase throughout the evening and all monies raised will be used to continue our support of Armed Forces families.

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h e a d li n e s p o n so r

We are thrilled to have Barclays as the Headline Sponsor of the Celebrating Forces Families Awards evening and the Inspirational Family Member of the Year award.

You can find out more about what they offer here: www.search.jobs.barclays/MVO

Paula Molyneaux, Barclays Military and Veterans Outreach Team, says, “Barclays was delighted to be recognised as Exemplar Forces Friendly Employer of the Year at the inaugural 2022 Celebrating Forces Families Awards, celebrating the incredible achievements of the Armed Forces families. We were inspired by the many stories shared throughout the evening and are excited to be the headline sponsor for this year’s awards.”

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green roo m sponsor

Supported by the:

Media Pa r t n e r

w e lco m e & d r i n ks r e ce p t i o n sponsor

Mikaela​Harley Head of Communications at BFBS says:

Camilla Howard,

“BFBS is delighted to be the

Chair of the Armed Forces

Maria Lyle,

Media Partner, once again, for

Committee, Compass Group UK

Director of the RAFFF, says:

the Celebrating Forces Families

& Ireland says:

“We are delighted to be a

Awards. Last year’s awards

“We are delighted to support

Celebrating Forces Families

produced a string of inspirational

the Celebrating Forces Families

sponsor. Military families are at the

stories on our channels,

awards. We know that families

heart of what we do, and because

showcasing the dedication of this

play an important role in

of the nature of our work, we

amazing community, and they will

supporting military personnel

often hear about the challenges

undoubtedly do so again in 2023.

and make many sacrifices, and

encountered by family members”

In our role as Media Partner,

it’s great to have an awards that

“However, the joy of an event

the BFBS Live Events team is

recognise this. We are proud to

like this is a celebration of the

producing the awards ceremony,

have over 1000 employees in our

range of creative and tenacious

while the BFBS Creative team is

business who have an Armed

military family members who

livestreaming the event for those

Forces connection – whether

are successful whilst supporting

unable to attend. We look forward

they are veterans, reservists or

someone who serves. It is great to

to sharing your stories through

spouses and recently introduced

be involved in a reminder of what

our worldwide radio, social media

a dedicated Spouse’s policy and

a positive community we live in.”

and digital coverage.”

Military Dependent’s Days.”

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i n s pi r at i o n a l fa m i ly m e m b e r of the year

d r a w A e n i l d a e H sponsor

SOMEONE WHO HAS GONE THE EXTRA MILE AS A FAMILY MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY AND, AS A RESULT OF THEIR EFFORTS, HAS ALSO HELPED INSPIRE OTHERS.

2022 Winner - Heather Sharp, FWC

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FINALISTS

MOLLY WILLIAMS

SEREIMA TAWAKE

AMANDA PIKE

Molly, aged 9, has raised over

Sereima is a committee member

Amanda Pike Suddenly lost her

£6k for the RAF Community

of the Marama Alliance UK and

beloved 23 year serving RAF husband

despite living with Spinal

is tireless in her dedication to

whilst supporting her young family,

Muscular Atrophy.

helping the Fijian Armed Forces

however through it all continued

community who have relocated

identifying a need and helped

to the UK.

bring to life the Military Maternity

Molly was the inspiration for and joined her Dad, Julian, as he ran and walked 100 miles in 24 hours in May 2022 to raise funds and joined him using her Duet

Voices Partnership and Military Recent projects include creating

Care Navigator within the NHS in

a space for marginalised Fijian

Lincolnshire with the hope that similar

women in the North of England

teams will be rolled out country-wide.

and Scotland via events in

Tandem Wheelchair bicycle, with

Catterick and Leuchars - and

Her work with the Armed Forces has

the help of her Mum May, sister

organising the Annual Women’s

gained recognition regaionally and

Anya and brother Edmund.

Pray and Arise Conference 2022.

nationally, with major steps forward being made. Additionally, Amanda serves as the Chair of the Maternity Voices Partnership for the Lincolnshire LMNS, advocating for opportunities to improve Maternity and Neonatal Services for families.

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you ng pe o ple ' s awa r d : g i v i ng back to t h e a r m e d fo rce s com m u n i t y sponsor

FOR A CHILD OF SOMEONE WHO SERVES WHO HAS GIVEN THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO THE BETTERMENT OF THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY.

Right Management from Talent Solutions has

CTP’s Quality and Performance Manager, Charlene

more than 40 years of expertise in the talent

Brookes, says,

lifecycle.

“This is the second year Right Management has

Our insight and technology-driven solutions are

had the honour of sponsoring the Young People’s

designed to accelerate the capabilities of our

Award: Giving back to the Armed Forces community

clients’ workforce and ensure their talent – and

at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards, and we

their business – is prepared to meet the demands of

are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor

a strategic global workforce. We are also extremely

again. Young members of the military family are

proud to be the official provider of resettlement

often the unsung heroes and having read some of

for the MOD, for the past 25 years, supporting

the incredible nominations from last year, it’s clear

the leavers of the Armed Forces. Working closely

we need to keep recognising and celebrating our

within the military community, we put great value

young people”.

on honouring and supporting these special awards. www.ctp.org.uk

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FINALISTS

JAMES WATTS

HEATHER POLLOCK

GREGOR ALLAN

James is the driving force behind

Heather Pollock is a 17-year-old

10-year-old Gregor Allan wanted

the Wings to the Past initiative,

young carer and college student

to help his little sister prepare

which

and

from a veteran family who is

for their dad’s tour of duty in the

heritage to build resilience among

always positive and supportive of

Middle East, so he produced a list

serving RAF personnel and their

others. She volunteered for Forces

of activities and asked his school,

families.

Children Scotland’s participation

New Inn Primary School near

work in 2021 and co-produced

Pontypool, Southeast Wales, to

He was a runner-up for the Young

the organisation’s mental health

set up a club for Service children.

Archaeologist of the Year award

and wellbeing platform.

uses

archaeology

in 2019 and acts as the digital

The group was extremely well

manager, running the website and

Heather

and

received, and the pupils were

Facebook page.

reliable member of the group

eager to join, despite only nine

and has continued to volunteer

of them being from service or

for

veteran families in a school of

is

a

dedicated

co-production

work

while

juggling her studies and caring responsibilities.

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over 600 pupils.

fa m i ly vo lu n t e e r of the year sponsor

THIS COULD BE A MILITARY FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBER OF ANY AGE WHO HAS VOLUNTEERED TOWARDS AN ARMED FORCES CAUSE. HSBC has a long history of employing ex-servicemen

David Bill, Chair of HSBC's Military Network says,

and women in the UK. Our commitment was further

"These awards present a great opportunity for us as

strengthened when we signed the Armed Forces

an organisation and a community of people to show

Covenant with the Ministry of Defence in 2013.

our appreciation for those who serve and importantly their supportive family members.

HSBC’s veteran,

Like the Armed Forces, HSBC values the unique

reservist and service family members are recognised

contributions that each employee brings to our

as making a significant contribution to the culture

business. We recognise the importance that family

of HSBC and upholding out organisational values

plays in the wellbeing of our employees and chose to

of; succeeding together, valuing difference, taking

support these awards to ensure that the forces family

responsibility and getting it done. Those nominated for

members receive recognition for the effort they

this award have also demonstrated their contribution

put into supporting their serving family members.

to the UK Armed Forces community and displayed

We materially support all employees who choose

behaviour that aligns to our organisational values.”

to volunteer their time for worthwhile causes, with 67,000 hours supported in the past year. Volunteering is important to our culture and that is why we chose to sponsor the volunteer of the year award. www.hsbc.co.uk

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FINALISTS

SHARON DEANES

YASMIN MARTIN

LUISA MATATOLU

Sharon works for ELFT NHS

Yasmin is a courageous individual

Luisa, a financial expert,

as Armed Forces Champion

who champions diversity, equity,

supports the Fijian Armed

working on a project to improve

and inclusion. After attending

Forces community in the UK

opportunities for the Veteran

RAF Families Day events, she

through Marama Alliance Uk. She

community.

created a presentation on how

advocates for financial literacy,

the RAF can be more diverse

providing information and

She is also a volunteer Army

and successfully presented it to

awareness sessions to individuals

Welfare Service Youth worker, a

Service personnel of all ranks at

who need it.

Buddy for The Ripple Pond and

RAF Shawbury.

Vice Chair of the Regional Voice

Additionally, she runs Fijian

Group for The Military Wives

Yasmin’s impact was so

language classes and advocates

Choirs as well as being the choir

significant that she has been

for Fijian Language Week for

lead for Bovington Military Wives

invited back multiple times to

Fijian children born in the UK

Choir.

work with the Diversity and

as part of the Armed Forces

Inclusion Team at RAF Shawbury

Community.

in the future.

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ov e rco m i ng a dv e r s i t y Awa r d sponsor

THIS COULD BE A MILITARY FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBER OF ANY AGE WHO HAS VOLUNTEERED TOWARDS AN ARMED FORCES CAUSE.

Here at M&S, people are our greatest asset, and

Head of Logistics and Veterans Network Senior

we are very proud that our large M&S family is so

Sponsor (VNSS), Paul Burns says,

diverse.

“I have huge respect for our Armed Forces. Of the work they do and the sacrifices they make for our

We value the different skills, knowledge, and

safety and well-being. We are privileged to have so

perspectives that a diverse ground of people can

many veterans as colleagues, it is great to see due

bring. The Armed Forces community is incredibly

recognition and the chance to share this with pride

important to us, and our relationship stretches all the

with their families.”

way back to World War Two. We feel very grateful to have the opportunity to welcome members of the Armed Forces community into our organisation and create an environment where they can truly thrive. w w w. jobs . marksandspencer.com/veteranscommitment

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FINALISTS LISA BILLING

HOPE MURRAY

Lisa is a dedicated supporter

Despite facing her own

of the Armed Forces

challenges with visual

community who has worked

impairment, Hope joined

tirelessly to preserve the

Forces Children Scotland’s

memory of her son, Daniel

Your Mind Matters co-

Wade and other soldiers

production group to help

who died in Afghanistan. Over the past decade, she

develop a wellbeing platform for young people.

has spearheaded the renovation of a community

Her experience and knowledge were invaluable

garden near Warrington Cenotaph, transforming it

to ensuring that the platform was fully accessible

into a beautiful space that honours our fallen heroes.

to all. She is determined to make a difference and

Her partnership with Warrington Borough Council

graduated with a PGDip in International Conflict

has secured funding for this outstanding project.

and Co-Operation last year.

THE WOODS FAMILY

EFREM BRYNIN

Jodie, Mike and their

Efrem lost his son in

family have shown

Afghanistan in 2013 and

incredible courage and

struggled to find support for

support for the community

military-related grief. He co-

by spreading awareness

founded Strongmen, which

and fundraising. After the

supports military and veteran

loss of their young daughter Eliza to sepsis, they

communities with grief and bereavement. He speaks in

have organised events to raise tens of thousands

various military environments to break down the stigma

of pounds for the UK Sepsis Trust. Jodie also runs

surrounding grief and has personally supported many

a successful Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense

men in their own grieving journeys. Despite facing his

business, bringing joy to 250 Armed Forces

own battle with cancer, Efrem continues to go above

families each week.

and beyond for the community he serves.

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m i li ta ry fa m i ly ch a r i t y o f t h e y e a r sponsor

A CHARITY OR CIC WHICH HAS PROVIDED EXEMPLAR SUPPORT TO ARMED FORCES FAMILIES DURING 2022

At

Centrica,

we're

passionate

about

and

committed to hiring ex-military talent and are looking for more military partners, service leavers, veterans and reservists to join our team with career opportunities at all levels across the business. www.centrica.com Laura Blair, Head of Centrica's Ex-Forces Pathway says, “Centrica is exceptionally proud to be a sponsor of the 2023 Forces Families Awards. We’re delighted to be involved in recognising the immense and valuable contribution that UK military families

2022 Winner - Fun First

provide to the Armed Forces community.”

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FINALISTS

DEFENCE MEDICAL

THE RIPPLE POND

ROYAL NAVY AND

WELFARE SERVICE

The Ripple Pond is a charity run

ROYAL MARINES CHARITY

DMWS is a non-profit organisation

by a team with direct experience

RNRMC support Armed Forces

that provides welfare support to

of military life, helping to reduce

families through grants, funding,

current and veteran service men

isolation and build confidence,

and collaborative partnerships.

and women across various settings

resilience,

They offer a range of services,

such as hospitals, communities,

among individuals in the military

including

and bases, as well as through

community. They collaborate with

housing support and counselling.

the

network.

other organisations to provide

RNRMC

provide

They take a holistic approach

support for complex challenges

healthcare

and

to

and share relatable stories to

support for veterans and their

addressing all areas of their lives,

connect

including home, health, family,

Their

and finances, to help make daily

means

life more manageable.

have to repeatedly recount their

veteran

trauma

supporting

individuals

by

and

with

peer that

well-being

financial

assistance, access

mental

to

health

their

members.

families. Their work ensures that

support

approach

Naval families have the resources

individuals

don’t

situation, reducing distress for them and their families.

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they need to thrive both during and after their service.

s oci a l m e d i a i n f lu e n ce r of the year sponsor

FOR SOMEONE WHO IS PART OF THE MILITARY FAMILY, HAS OVER 5K FOLLOWERS ON A PLATFORM AND HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SPREADING THE WORD A ND SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

At Amey, looking after our Defence sector

Tom Silvey, Operations Director for Defence

matters - that's why we are one of the UK's core

Housing, says,

military service providers, ensuring our Armed

“At Amey, we are focused on delivering a service

Forces have suitable housing, workplaces, and

that reflects the dedication and commitment given

equipment.

by military personnel while keeping our country safe. Part of this is ensuring military communities

We deliver contracts on behalf of the Defence

and families are looked after and that they have

Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), are a proud

the right support in place to flourish. Sponsoring

signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a

the Celebrating Forces Families Awards gives us an

contributor to Defence’s ‘Whole Force’ approach

opportunity to recognise and thank those who go

to service delivery. Amey also supports Forces

above and beyond to ensure military communities

communities through employment and charitable

continue to thrive. We can’t wait to hear the

giving.

fantastic stories of individual and collective triumph

We

welcome

people

from

military

backgrounds, and through our partnerships and

on the night”

aim to create more prosperity and opportunity for the community. www.amey.co.uk

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FINALISTS MARAMA ALLIANCE UK

KAYLA JACKSON

Marama Alliance UK is a

Kayla is a full-time working

group of Fijian women

mum, an NHS nurse and

in the UK who support

an Instagram influencer.

military spouses and

She uses her platform

families. Through social

to document her life

media, they create

as a military wife and

awareness of military events, charities and

mother of two, offering insight into the unique

support services to help integrate these families

challenges faced by armed forces families. Kayla

into UK life. They host Facebook lives and share

also supports the Royal British Legion by raising

information from army charities to provide

awareness and encouraging donations through

information and resources for military families.

her social media platform.

DANIELLE SANDY

JODIE SPACAGNA

Danielle Sandy, who

Jodie is an Instagram

previously served in the

influencer who shares a range of content from

Royal Navy, actively

daily life to fashion, work,

supports the Armed Forces

and military experiences.

community on social media.

Her posts focus on

As the Talent Acquisition

the highs and lows of being a military spouse,

Manager for Barclays, she advocates for hiring

showcasing how to make the most out of family

military talent and educates senior leaders on its

time and coping with the separation that comes

benefits. She is passionate about raising awareness of

with military life. Jodie is a strong support for

the immense transferable skills military families have

her husband and other military families, offering

to offer.

insights and advice on social media.

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a r m e d fo rce s a dvoc at e ( s ) of the year sponsor

THE WINNER PUBLICLY AND POSITIVELY SUPPORTS THE ARMED FORCES. THIS COULD BE A SCHOOL, GROUP/CLUB, FAMILY OR AN INDIVIDUAL!

Liz Baldwin is the Armed Forces Champion at Mott MacDonald, she is also Managing Director, Highways

and

Intelligent

Transport

Systems

Division, says, Mott

MacDonald

global

engineering,

"Having been involved in the inaugural Celebrating

development

consultancy.

Forces Families Awards ceremony it is an even

to

society

by

greater honour to be involved a second time. We

considering social outcomes in everything they

have achieved GOLD in the Employer Recognition

do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and

Scheme in 2022 in recognition of our commitment

digital innovation, transforming their clients'

to the whole service family, increasing the number

businesses, their communities and employee

of military family members across the business,

opportunities.

looking after their needs through our flexible

www.mottmac.com

employment and wellbeing policies. The sacrifices

management Their

and

purpose

is

is

a

improve

made by military family members in support of their serving loved ones often goes unrecognised and, as a strong advocate for inclusivity and openness, we are particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Armed Forces Advocate(s) of the Year award. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck!"

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FINALISTS

SAMANTHA CAIRNS

NATASHA DAY

LIANNE COBHAM

Samantha is a dedicated Civil

Natasha is the chair of the

Servant, Commanding Officer

Defence Breastfeeding

of a local Air Cadet Squadron,

Network, which supports Armed

and a RAF spouse, Samantha

Forces families who choose to

has a deep-rooted connection

breastfeed. The network offers

to the Armed Forces. She has

online and in-person support, a

made a significant impact on

sense of community, and access

for the military community and

the lives of the young people in

to training. Natasha has opened

ensures that special provisions

her Cornish town, and provided

56 breastfeeding rooms across

are put in place for those who

invaluable guidance to those

the Defence infrastructure and

who are interested in the Air

advocates for retaining families

Cadets, but may not have access

post-baby. She has changed

to resources or information. Her

policy and opened the network

efforts have not only positively

to the entire Armed Forces

impacted her squadron, but also

community, making life easier for

within the NHS and other

the surrounding community.

future parents.

organisations.

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Leanne is the Armed Forces Healthcare lead at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust. Leanne works to improve healthcare services

need it. She also provides direct support to service users and advocates for the Armed Forces community to improve services

s m a ll b u s i n e s s ow n e r of the year FOR A MILITARY FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS SET UP THEIR OWN BUSINESS DUE TO THE NATURE OF A MOBILE LIFESTYLE IN THE ARMED FORCES AND MADE IT THE BEST IT CAN BE, NO MATTER WHAT SIZE. sponsors

SUH is a business start-up course, mentoring

X-Forces

programme

like-

self-employment support across the Armed

minded business owners from the Armed Forces

Forces community and collaborate on various

community. Our unique business programme has

programmes of work with Sarah Walker, who runs

been developed specifically for Armed Forces

Supporting the Unsung Hero. Ren Kapur MBE, XFE

families to provide them with the transferable

CEO and Sarah are really proud to be presenting

skills and support required to start up and grow

this award, “We feel privileged to support so many

a business. We aim to make the course as much

inspiring individuals to start and grow their business

fun and as relaxed as possible to encourage

and this award recognises the determination, skills

participants

We

and resourcefulness of those within our Armed

deliver training online and at MOD bases across the

Forces community. We are honoured to sponsor

UK and overseas throughout the year.

the Small Business Award category together.”

and

friendly

throughout

the

network

of

programme.

www.supportingtheunsunghero.co.uk www.x-forces.com

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Enterprise

(XFE)

deliver

holistic

FINALISTS JODIE WOODS

JO LOMAX

Baby Sensory and Toddler

Huggable Heroes is a

Sense West Dunbartonshire,

company that creates

run by Jodie Woods,

handmade soft toys with

offers structured classes

photos of loved ones to

to aid young children’s

support families dealing with

development. She uses

separation due to military

her business to promote awareness of sepsis and

service. Jo, the Founder, has worked tirelessly to

raise thousands for various charities, and her classes

ensure that every family who needs a Huggable Hero

provide a great opportunity for parents to socialise,

receives one, even finding ways to donate to charities

reducing isolation and providing an all-important

and keep costs low. The toys provide comfort to

reason to escape the magnolia-walled Service Family

children dealing with bereavement, separation and

Accommodation.

other difficult situations.

SHANAE ARGENT

ELISABETH CANE

Paws and Claws, based

LC Sports Massage Therapy

in High Wycombe,

in Thirsk, North Yorkshire,

Buckinghamshire, was

was set up in 2010 to provide

founded by Shanae to

massage and rehabilitation

support the RAF community

treatments to support

by providing pet care

Service Personnel. Elisabeth

services. Shanae goes above and beyond to ensure

committed to trauma-informed veteran-aware training

that the pets and their owners’ personal needs are

to better serve her military and veteran clients. LC

met. She uses her experience working in a vet practice

Sports Massage Therapy also partners with AWS and

to give a personalised service to every pet in her care.

Community Covenant to provide fully funded baby

The business has quickly gained popularity and is

massage and toddler yoga classes for the military

highly valued by the military families it serves.

community to combat isolation.

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e x e m pl a r fo rce s f r i e n d ly e m ploy e r of the year sponsor

FOR THE EMPLOYER WHO HAS SIGNED THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT, USES FORCES FAMILIES JOBS AND IS ACTIVELY SEEKING AND SUPPORTING THE EMPLOYMENT OF PARTNERS OF THOSE WHO SERVE IN THE ARMED FORCES. The Forces Employment Charity recognises the

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive, of The Forces

unique challenges facing Armed Forces families

Employment Charity, says,

and works to ensure partners can access specialist

“We are delighted to sponsor the Exemplar Forces

support to realise their employment potential.

Friendly Employer of the Year Award. We recognise the value of working with employers to increase and

Our goal is to increase the number of families with

enhance employment outcomes for families and

two working adults to help with financial stability.

expand our ability to support spouses and partners

We achieve this through our dedicated Families

in new and innovative ways.”

Programme

Advisors,

with

military

spouses

providing one-to-one advice and employment support, CV and application assistance, interview and links to local employers: www.forcesemployment.org.uk

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FINALISTS MOTT

DAVID STUBBS

COMPASS

MACDONALD

(SSGC)

GROUP

Mott

SSGC is

This year

MacDonald

committed

Compass

were

to providing

Group

awarded the Defence Employer

employment opportunities for

launched a new policy to support

Recognition Scheme Gold

Service leavers, their families,

Serving military spouses and

status for their commitment to

and veterans. SSGC has a Gold

partners in their business,

the entire Forces community.

award for the MOD Employment

recognising the challenges they

They have a dedicated internal

Recognition Scheme and is a

face managing family life and

military family network and are

government-preferred supplier of

careers during frequent postings

corporate supporters of SSAFA,

security to the government.

and deployments.

which means that their military family employees can access specialised support.

CANNY COMMS

AMAZON

Canny Comms is a unique PR

Amazon provides portable,

and communications company

flexible careers for military

specializing in Defence and

spouses and veterans,

security, founded by Lindsay,

including a Military Workforce

a military spouse with a background in the

Development program, apprenticeships,

Defence world. The company has a team of

and training opportunities. Amazon actively

military spouses, veterans, and reservists and

encourages applications from military spouses

holds a Silver award for the MOD Employment

and supports charities that benefit the Armed

Recognition Scheme.

Forces community

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away f rom h om e awa r d

3 2 0 2 r o f w e N

sponsor

FOR A FAMILY MEMBER, OR FAMILY WHO IS/ARE BASED OVERSEAS AND HAS/HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP THEIR LOCAL MILITARY COMMUNITY WHEREVER THEY ARE BASED. Amazon is the world's largest online retailer and

Emma Morgan, who will be presenting tonight’s

a prominent Cloud service provider. Amazon is a

award along with Helen Hobson, says,

committed supporter of the military community

“Amazon supports these Awards wholeheartedly

and, through its military programme, provides

and recognises the importance of celebrating the

diverse and exciting employment opportunities

dedicated, selfless work of those within our Armed

to Service leavers, veterans, military spouses

Forces community.

and their families: www.amazon.jobs/en/landing _ pages/emeamilitary

26

FINALISTS SAMANTHA TIBBETTS

RHODA KIRKPATRICK

Samantha Tibbetts is

Rhoda is a dedicated

a dedicated member

community builder at

of the RAF Akrotiri

BATUS Canada who has

community who works

initiated various activities

tirelessly to create welfare

and events to bring

opportunities for others.

people together. She has

She is Chair of the Akrotiri Community Group,

organised food deliveries, started a book club

leading a team of 26 volunteers and contributes to

and helped manage the Community Hub with

numerous high-profile community activities and

volunteers running the coffee shop, thrift shop,

raising significant funds for charities.

and soft play area. Rhonda has also supported the children’s ice hockey team and planned a successful Christmas market.

JOANNE RUSH

ASHLEY GALLAGHER

Joanne set up the Military

Ashley founded the

Wives Choir in BATUK and

Sennelager Ladies that

worked with other military

Run (SLtR) running group in Germany, encouraging

wives to set up a thrift shop

women in the community

on barracks which donated

to exercise for both

all the money raised to

physical and mental health. She organises weekly

Kenyan community projects, such as installing an

meets, social events, and friendly competitions.

orphanage sewage system. Joanne’s dedication and

Ashley also started a SLtR fundraising page,

initiative in setting up the shop helped to make a

raising over £4,500 for military-related charities

positive impact on the lives of many, both within the

through community events and partnerships with

military community and the local Kenyan community.

charities, including the Forces Wives Challenge.

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M e e t T h e J u dg i n g pa n e l

Nikki Scott (BEM) is the founder of

Paula Molyneux, Barclays Military

Neil 'Jacko' Jackson, Director

Scotty's Little Soldiers'

and Veterans Outreach (MVO)

of the Defence Relationship

the charity for bereaved military

Team as Headline Sponsors

Management Team

children and young people, and Head Judge this year for the

Paula joined Barclays Corporate

Jacko served as a senior Army

Social Responsibility team

officer and was appointed as the

in 2008, and since 2016 she

Director of Defence Relationship

After Nikki’s husband was killed in

has led the Barclays Armed

Management (DRM) in 2019.

action whilst serving in Afghanistan,

Forces Transition, Resettlement

DRM works with employers and

she saw the devastating impact on

and Employment (AFTER)

organisations across the UK

her young children and decided

programme. She and her team

to develop mutually beneficial

to set up a charity, which has

deliver employability support to

partnerships that support the

gone on to support hundreds of

Service Leavers, veterans and

whole Armed Forces community.

British Forces children bereaved

military partners. Paula’s passion

The Armed Forces Covenant

of a military parent. Scotty’s Little

and commitment to helping

and the Employer Recognition

Soldiers provides its members with

the Armed Forces community

Scheme are key to this

a variety of specialist bereavement

has been integral to the growth

partnership.

support throughout their childhood,

of Barclays MVO for the last

www.gov.uk/government/

to remind them they are not alone:

decade.

groups/defence-relationship-

www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

www.search.jobs.barclays/MVO

management

CFF Awards.

28

Maggie Pedder, Former 2022

Lt Gen Sir Nicholas Pope KCB

Sarah Clewes, Chief Executive

Family Volunteer of the Year

CBE, Chair of

Officer, Naval Families

Award winner

The Confederation of

Federation

Service Charities Sarah enjoyed a successful career

Maggie Pedder is an HR professional who set up her own consultancy business over 20 years ago. She also has a wealth of experience as a trustee and board member of various organisations such as the Military Wives Choirs, Army Families Federation and Army Widows Association. As a military wife,

Lt Gen Sir Nicholas Pope KCB CBE is the Chair of The Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo): www.cobseo.org.uk. During a forty-year military career, General Nicholas witnessed how the Army and Defence

in the Royal Navy, serving in the Logistics Branch for over 20 years and joins the panel representing all three – Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations. Sarah has contributed to military charities herself in a number of voluntary roles; as the Chairman of the Royal Navy

Royal

Marines

Widows’

she understands the challenges

accommodated change both in

Association, as Trustee for the

and joys of being part of a Forces

peace and on operations. He saw

Royal Naval Benevolent Trust,

family and the importance of

service in Bosnia and Afghanistan

and most recently as a Trustee of

those who provide support

and held staff appointments in

e50K.

and friendship to the military

the Ministry of Defence at every

community.

rank from Major to Major General.

29

CFF E v e n t T e a m Sarah Walker is Chair of the

Caroline Woodward is Co-chair

CFF Awards Event Team and

of the CFF Awards Event Team

Programme Manager and

and Communications Manager

Trainer for the Supporting the

at the RAF Families Federation

Unsung Hero free business start-up programme

Helen Massy is the Founder of

Lee Johnston is the Families

Career Pursuit magazine

Programme Coordinator for the

and Helen Massy Medical &

Forces Employment Charity

Health Writer

Jess Sands runs

Nikki Peterson is the Head of

Design Jessica and created

the Army HIVE network

The Milspo® Business Network

Chris Keen is Chief PR and

Carolyn Campbell-Baldwin

Communications Officer at

is the Marketing Lead for the

Recruit for Spouses

Military Coworking Network

30

Lucy Ritchie is the Employment

Mikaela​ Harley

and Training specialist at the

Head of Communications, BFBS

Army Families Federation

Jo Gower joins us from Royal

Nerys Bell

Navy Family and People

is the Head of the

Support, Engagement and

RAF HIVE Service

Communications

Vicky Brindley is the Devolved

Martin Wing is Executive

Administrations Policy Manager

Chairman of the Board of

and Employment Lead for the

X-Forces Enterprise

Naval Families Federation

co n t r i b u to r s All businesses used here are owned by family members or veterans from within the Armed Forces community: SUZIE STAINER - Suzie Stainer Business Solutions: www.suziestainer.co.uk JESS SANDS - Design Jessica: www.designjessica.co.uk AL TOPPING - Extreme Exposures: www.altopping.com LIZ HART - Money Bee: www.money-bee.co.uk LEE MOWLEM - Remarkable Pixels: www.remarkablepixel.co.uk

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