Justice4Heroes Veterans Group Newsletter - January 2025
Welcome to 2025!
January presents a wonderful opportunity for veterans' groups to inspire their members to embrace new possibilities, set meaningful goals, and build a fulfilling civilian life together.
In this edition of our newsletter, we celebrate the incredible work your group does in supporting veterans as they begin the year with purpose. From helping set personal, financial, and professional goals to sharing inspirational success stories from the veteran community and focusing on mental health during the winter months, we hope to offer valuable resources and ideas to complement the impactful efforts you’re already making.
We admire the dedication of veterans' groups in creating a positive and supportive environment, and we look forward to working alongside you to help make 2024 a year of growth and success for all veterans.
December Update
Building on our work in November, we are proud to announce that in December 2024, we referred an additional 195 new clients to our trusted panel of solicitors who specialise in compensation for noise induced hearing loss as a result of Military service.
This brings our total referrals to the end of 2024 to 581.
At Justice4Heroes, we are dedicated to managing military deafness claims with the highest level of expertise and care. Our deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans ensures that every case is handled with precision, offering tailored solutions and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
We invite new clients to take advantage of our specialised services and join the growing number of individuals we’ve successfully assisted in securing their rightful compensation and would welcome an opportunity to visit your group in person, to discuss how we could help your members.
Armed Forces Covenant
We are pleased and proud to have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, alongside the UK government, businesses and wider society, to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, as well as their families, are treated fairly and with respect in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the country.
As well as a commitment to assist Military Personnel & Veterans with any compensation claims they may be entitled to, our pledge also covers areas including.
Promoting the Armed Forces
Offering Employment Support to members of the Armed Forces Community
Our Communications, engagement and outreach
Offering Health & Wellbeing Products & Services
Our Online Educational Programme
Providing discounted products and services from our carefully selected partners
Outreach: Connecting with Veterans
Our outreach programme continues to make an impact. In December, we visited 5 veteran groups across the UK, with stops in Catterick, Swansea, Durham, Perth, and Manchester.
We were honoured to engage with over 200 ex-military personnel, delivering tailored insights and support. These face-to-face sessions allow us to build trust, foster relationships, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the military community.
Key Outcomes of Our December Outreach:
Increased Awareness: Veterans are now more informed about their rights to hearing loss claims.
Stronger Partnerships: We strengthened our collaboration with veteran support groups across the UK.
Real Impact: We received positive feedback from attendees who appreciated our direct, personalised approach.
Growing Your Group Membership Numbers
During our recent visits to Veteran’s Groups as part of our outreach programme, one group leader highlighted a significant challenge: while their group had 380 active members, there are an estimated 6,500 veterans in their local area who may not even be aware of the group’s existence. This issue could be widespread across the country, meaning thousands of veterans may be missing out on the support and camaraderie these groups provide.
Suggestions to Promote Your Veteran’s Group
1. Leverage Social Media Platforms
o Share your events and updates in local community Facebook groups
o Encourage group members to share posts and invite others to engage with your group online.
2. Engage with Local Services and Institutions
o Ensure GP surgeries, social services, mental health services, and local hospitals know about your group and can refer veterans to you.
o Collaborate with veteran-friendly organisations and charities to expand outreach.
3. Word-of-Mouth Promotion
o Launch a “Bring a Friend” campaign where members invite fellow veterans to attend events or meetings.
o Highlight success stories of existing members to show the benefits of participation.
4. Target Key Community Spaces
o Place posters and flyers in visible locations such as libraries, council offices, GP surgeries, gyms, cafes, churches, supermarkets, and community halls.
o Explore electronic noticeboards or screens in community hubs, hospitals, and transport hubs where applicable.
5. Work with Local Media Outlets
o Submit a press release to local newspapers, radio stations, and magazines to feature your group and upcoming events.
o Share stories or testimonials from members to build awareness and interest.
6. Host Open Days or Taster Events
o Organise open days, coffee mornings, or casual meetups that make it easy for new veterans to attend and learn about the group.
o Partner with local businesses or cafes to co-host events and attract a wider audience.
7. Build Partnerships
o Connect with local employers, particularly those who hire veterans, and ask them to share information about your group.
o Reach out to local schools and universities for joint community initiatives that raise awareness about veterans' contributions.
By implementing these strategies, you can increase awareness of your group, grow membership, and provide a crucial support network for more veterans in your community. Every veteran deserves to know that support, friendship, and connection are just a group away.
Setting Goals for the Year Ahead
As we begin a new year, it's the perfect time for veterans to reflect on where they want to go and set realistic, meaningful goals. Here’s how your group can encourage members to set goals across different areas of life:
Personal Goals
Fitness: Encourage members to start a regular workout routine or join a local sports club to stay active and healthy.
NHS Fitness Services
• Passions: Suggest making time for existing hobbies or exploring new interests such as woodworking, painting, or photography.The Warrior Programme (helping veterans discover new hobbies and skills)
Financial Goals
Plan Ahead: Help members review their finances and set clear savings targets for the year.
Grow Your Wealth: Share information on ISAs and veteran-friendly investment options in the UK to help members grow their financial security.
Professional Goals
Learn: Motivate members to enrol in a training course or certification program to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
Connect: Encourage networking by attending job fairs, industry events, or connecting with mentors to open new professional opportunities.
LinkedIn (for networking and connecting with mentors)
By passing along these goal-setting ideas and useful resources, you can help your members create a focused and fulfilling plan for the year ahead, setting them on the path to growth and success.
Justice4Heroes Song
One of our talented team members has created a heartfelt and inspiring original song titled Standing Strong with Our Heroes.
This powerful piece was brought to life using AI and pays tribute to the courage and sacrifices of veterans like you. What started as a small idea is now growing into something bigger. With your help, we hope to turn this into a massive movement, making it go viral and becoming one of those life-changing ideas that fills you with warmth. Let’s face it – we could all use a bit of that!
Our goal is to release the song across all major music platforms, spreading its message far and wide. Best of all, 100% of the profits will be donated to charities dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, ensuring you get the recognition and help you deserve.
Watch this space as we prepare to take this exciting idea to the next level!
If you’re not already following us on social media, we can be found here.
Veteran Spotlight: Stories of Inspiration
This month, meet Sarah B., a former RAF engineer who transitioned into a career in sustainable energy after her military service. Initially uncertain about her next steps, Sarah leveraged her military skills in troubleshooting, working under pressure, and leading teams to explore new opportunities. Encouraged by her transition officer, she pursued her interest in environmental issues and entered the renewable energy sector.
Sarah enrolled in a government-funded training program on renewable technologies, where her RAF discipline helped her succeed. Within a year, she secured an internship at a UK energy company, which led to a full-time role and rapid career progression. Now leading a team focused on sustainable energy solutions for rural communities, Sarah’s story highlights the potential veterans have to thrive in the civilian workforce.
Sarah’s journey is a powerful example of how veterans can harness their unique skills and experiences to thrive in new careers. Her story serves as an inspiration to others navigating the transition from military to civilian life, showing that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, new opportunities can lead to meaningful and impactful careers. We celebrate her success and encourage all veterans to explore the possibilities that lie ahead.
Events for Veterans
Here are some events for UK veterans in January 2025:
1. Veterans Festival in East Hampshire
o When: Friday, 24 January 2025, 10:00–15:00
o Where: Petersfield Festival Hall, Petersfield
o Highlights: Live entertainment, welfare support services, networking, and more. Family-friendly and packed with resources for veterans and their loved ones.
o More Info: Learn More Here
2. The Forces March Registration Opens
· What: A 137-mile challenge tracing a historic WWII training route. Open to veterans, civilians, and teams.
· Virtual Option Available: Participate from anywhere!
· Details: Register Here
3. Burns Night Celebrations
· Date: January 25, 2025
· Details: Burns Night is celebrated across the UK to honour Scottish poet Robert Burns. Many veterans’ clubs and associations organise traditional dinners featuring haggis, poetry readings, and bagpipe music.
· Find local events: Check your nearest veterans’ association or social club for specific gatherings.
4. Holocaust Memorial Day
· Date: January 27, 2025
· Theme: For a Better Future
· Details: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide. Events include a digital exhibition titled "80 Candles for 80 Years," showcasing candleholders designed by communities to remember Holocaust victims.
· More info and local event listings: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
Closing Thoughts
As we enter the new year, it’s a time for reflection and renewed focus. Encourage your members to celebrate their progress, take steady steps toward their goals, and remind them that the support of the veteran community is with them every step of the way.
