Member Article

New Veteran's Hub For Finchale

Mark Pledges to “Leave No Veteran Behind” as Finchale Group Marches Forward

A north east charity is celebrating the arrival of a new member of the team and the opening of a new resource to help military veterans in their civilian life.

Mark Hill MBE has joined Finchale Group to help the Belmont based charity provide life changing support, training opportunities and routes to employment. The charity has excellent links with the military and started life in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for disabled wartime servicemen. As well as continuing to help ex-military personnel it has expanded and diversified to deliver high-quality employability and vocational training programmes for learners of all ages.

Mark brings with him a wealth of military experience, with 32 years serving in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment and latterly the Yorkshire Regiment seeing operational tours in war torn countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia. In 2014 he was awarded the MBE through his work as the Army’s Community Youth Engagement Officer for engaging with hard-to-reach young people who were not in employment, education, or training.

His new mission is to work alongside the veteran community and help deliver activities, apprenticeships, and skills. “As well as operational roles, I have spent a lot of time in the military as an instructor delivering skills to soldiers. I’ve worked with diverse communities, businesses and government departments and I’m looking to build on these connections in my role with Finchale.,” he said.

One of Mark’s first successes is the opening of a new Veteran’s Information Hub in Catterick Garrison which was opened by local MP, Rishi Sunak MP.

“I very much welcome the opening of the hub at Catterick to provide tailored support for our Veterans. By creating a network of assistance in a familiar environment, I am sure it will prove a success in helping those who have served with our Armed Forces access the support they need to create a new life after their service,” said Mr Sunak.

The Hub offers support and activities for veterans and Mark is encouraging people to come along and experience the military tradition of “tea and toast.”

“Tea and toast is basically an opportunity to sit down and take a break and chat with like-minded people. In the Army, NAAFI break was historically 10:00am until 10:30am for all ranks, Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess members would have tea and toast in their Mess whilst the Officers had “elevenses” in their Mess. I’m taking that concept as it is familiar with those that served and gives me the opportunity to plan activities based on need,” said Mark.

The Hub has a very flexible role based on the people who use it. Already activities such as hiking, mountain biking, metal detecting and Airfix model clubs have been lined up while more formal training such as CV writing, and employability skills workshops are planned.

“Our programme can never be rigid as it is led by the needs of those we help. I use the same analogy that we use in combat and that is you never leave your fellow soldier behind, and I won’t leave one veteran behind in the battle to help them succeed in Civvie Street. If we at Finchale Group can’t help we will always know someone who can or will sign post them onwards.”

Mark is also keen to build up relationships with businesses in the north east especially those that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant so that veterans can engage with the world of work.
Chair of Finchale Group, Jason Knights, Managing Director of Blue Kangaroo Design, said

“I served in the Army myself and know the difficulties that veterans can face when they leave the forces. Many struggle to find employment leading to mental health issues and I’m delighted that we have Mark onboard to help make a difference to the lives of those men and women who served our country during their time in uniform,” he said.

Ends

Photo 1 : L to R Rishi Sunak MP, Jason Knights, Mark Hill MBE

(The Bigger Picture Agency)

Press and Media Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Keith Newman .