The Homeless Soldier Project

Once again, it is the time of year where many focus their thoughts on the service and sacrifices made by so many for our liberty and security. As members of the Armed Forces Covenant, we passionately believe in moral commitment held by all of society to support those commit to serve on our behalf. As re remember the fallen and those who did not return from conflict, we must also honour our commitments to those who did, especially those who now struggle carrying the mental and physical scars of their service.

We believe that a roof over their head and a safe place to sleep is amongst the least our veterans should expect. Yet homelessness among military veterans in England rose by 14% in 2023. This was confirmed by a recent report from the department of housing which stated that in 2023, 2,110 households with someone who served in the armed forces were assessed as homeless which is up from 1,850 in 2022. Even though the government has tried to support homeless veterans through it’s new scheme Op FORTITUDE the figures still do not make for good reading and the effects of seeing so many homeless soldiers in our major cities across the UK is considered an indication of a broken society. The task to rectify the problem is not easy as many of the organisations that help homeless soldiers seem to be spread out with some areas not receiving the same level of support as others.

East Midlands Energy Efficiency, as part of DMH Assessments Ltd, is proud to be teaming up with businesses the length and bredth of the country to challenge this national disgrace. The Homeless Soldier project will look to assist as many homeless veterans charities as it can, ranging from the smaller more specific organisations that work on the front line to the larger charitable institutions that aim to reintegrate soldiers back into society. It is the aim of the project to help make a difference by providing financial support wherever it is needed most so that it can provide the best possible outcome to the individual homeless soldiers themselves.

Primary Wellbeing CIC provides the stepping stones to mental wellbeing.

Play Newark & Sherwood Lottery to support Primary Wellbeing CIC

It’s been tough recently for just about everyone and our children have been no exception. The current generation have already had to deal with a global pandemic, national lockdowns, and disrupted schooling whilst simultaneously trying to find their place in the world with its ever increasing challenges. We don’t think it is surprising that demand for services to support children’s wellbeing is increasing at the same time many of the services providing support are being cut and those that are left become ever more overloaded.

Here at East Midlands Energy Efficiency, when we say we are commited to creating sustainable communities for the future, we mean it. Following the collapse of the only specialist service providing mental health interventions for children in primary schools nearly two year ago, we stepped up to the challege funding a new Community Interest Company, Primary Wellbeing CIC, to fill the gap.

Primary Wellbeing CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Nottinghamshire offering early intervention to children, young people and families in the form of 1-1 non-directive play and play therapy. They offer a range of services in partnership with Nottinghamshire Primary Schools, local authorities, other social enterprises, community organisations and through private referrals.

Over the past eighteen months, Primary Wellbeing CIC have trained and recruited a team of Wellbeing Practitioners as well as a fully qualified play therapist, registered with the BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists).

As demand continues to grow, we need your help to raise the vital funds needed to expand these vital services to reach more children and young people in our local community. Please, consider donating by contacting Primary Wellbeing CIC direct or you can sign up to Newark & Sherwood Community Lottery to support the cause. The lottery provides an opportunity to win great prizes every week whilst supporting both Primary Wellbeing CIC and other local good causes.

Sign up & play now:

https://www.newarkandsherwoodlottery.co.uk/support/primary-wellbeing-cic

Armed Forces Covenant

As an organisation, we are about more than energy efficiency. We believe that by working together we can build a better future, developing sustainable communities for all.

That is why we are immensely proud to have had our application to join the Armed Forces Covenant formally approved, confirming our ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.

Our commitment is not just to current Service Personnel but to the entire military community. We extend our pledge to all those who selflessly contribute so much on our behalf whether Regulars or Reserves, including Veterans, Cadets and Service Families.

We understand that involvement with our Armed Forces is not a 9 to 5 activity. Neither is our commitment. If your involvement makes it difficult for you to access our services during normal working hours or in the normal manner, please let us know. Our team will endeavour to make specific arrangements to accommodate your needs. It's the least we can do!

The Big Butterfly Count 2021

Today is the start of Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2021. This is your chance to help monitor butterfly species in the UK whilst regaining a connection with nature wherever you are. What’s more, it only takes 15 minutes so provides a great opportunity for all ages to pause and enjoy the outdoors.

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count will run from the 16th July to the 8th August 2021.

If you want to use the Big Butterfly Count app to take part then you can download the app and submit sightings during the Count period. You can also find out more and access offline resources via the Big Butterfly Count website.

Sign up to Butterfly Conservation’s free newsletter to stay updated or support the charity with a membership or donation.

Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count 2021

Thank You Day 4th July 2021 - Pass it on

Thank You Day 2021

Today is a day of mixed emotions. A chance to reflect on the challenges we have all faced over the past 18 months. Challenges that we certainly wouldn’t have predicted or prepared for. There have been highs, and lows, but most importantly we have come through together. For that we can all be thankful!

Working closely with the public sector, many of our clients have had to go above and beyond to keep their services available to the public during this period. Constant adaptations have seen staff working in unfamiliar areas and learning new skills despite already being exhausted and having their own families to care for. So often we have seen people from all backgrounds rise to the challenge and give us all cause to say “Thank You”.

DMH Assessments Ltd

Registered in England & Wales (Company No 12678154).

Author: Douglas Hough