THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION WELFARE OFFICER S HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION WELFARE OFFICER S HANDBOOK 1

2 OUR VALUES Unity Shared backgrounds and equality in rank. We share the same bonds, the same mind-set and even the same language. We are all equal. We are the heart and soul of the RNA Loyalty To each other and our dependants. We will always support and look out for each other. Our loyalty is to all our shipmates, our local communities, the personnel of the Naval Service along with other charities and organisations with naval connections Patriotism We are proud to serve and represent our country and the Naval Service. Our pride in serving our country never leaves us. Nor do we forget those who have fallen for our country or those who fight now. We are deeply honoured to represent them on a National and International level Comradeship Friends in fun fellowship and need. Your shipmates will always be here for you whether it s about a job, ideas for a fun day or just an arm around your shoulder. We will never leave you or your dependants in despair. 2

3 Introduction Being a Branch or Area Welfare Officer can be a very satisfying experience. It is without doubt, an essential job, providing as it does, direct support and advice to those who face need, hardship or distress. The RNA Welfare Officer is therefore that vital link whose efforts will always make a difference to someone s life. For the Naval Community both Serving and, more especially, the ex-serving, this means the support, comradeship and help that can be provided by the Royal Naval Association who often work in conjunction with The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust; who consider many thousands of cases of need and distress each year, providing millions of pounds in grants. What follows in this guide are the basic elements of managing casework. It is by no means exhaustive and while many Welfare Officers will develop their own style in dealing with cases, accurate form filling will speed up the process. You ought to acquaint yourself with the Statutory Benefits and Allowances and take advantage of advice available from Service Organisations. The key Naval Charities and our partners are: RNRMC RNBT RNRM Children s Fund WRNS BT RMCTF RNBSO Liaison with your local counterparts in SSAFA, the Veterans Welfare Service, the Royal British Legion and the Royal Marines Association will make life easier by providing additional local information which can enhance your knowledge of welfare work and also help the people you assist. C Dovey National Chair On behalf of the National Council September

4 The Association Welfare Officers The National Welfare Adviser (NWA) The NWA is appointed by the National Council and shall be familiar with all the above guidelines for BWO and AWO. He/she shall endeavour to maintain a list of all BWO and AWO and shall note all who are trained caseworkers and arrange training where possible for those who wish to undertake the course. He/she shall be available to give advice when requested, respond to any phone calls and reply to all letters/ s relating to welfare or benevolence queries reporting to the AMC on a quarterly basis such matters relating to said welfare and benevolence. Confidentiality must be respected at all times when making any report. The NWA acting jointly with the General Secretary to decide on urgent welfare matters including financial assistance for those cases which may have been presented by the BWO. Acting jointly with the General Secretary and on a specified date, the NWA should advise the NC on charities to be supported by the CCF. The Area Welfare Officer (AWO) Each Area is to appoint an Area Welfare Officer (AWO) who if not already a member of the Area Committee is to be an ex-officio member. The Area Welfare Officer should be cognisant of the advice and guidelines shown for BWO and be familiar with the Form A. The primary task of the AWO is to provide support and general advice to the BWOs in their Area and when requested they should also give advice to the BWO on the handling of a specific case but avoid taking over such cases and becoming directly involved. The AWO should maintain a liaison with other kindred organisations (TRBL, SSAFA, RMA VPSA etc.) within their Area and with the assistance of the Branches build up records of all the welfare authorities and facilities (homes/hospitals) available in the their Area. He/she should provide the Area link to the RNA General Secretary and/or NWA The AWO should liaise with the Area Secretary to maintain a detailed list of all the BWO in the Area and also advise the NWA to the National Council of any matters which cannot be handled at Area level or which ought to be considered at National level. 4

5 The Branch Welfare Officer (BWO) The BWO assists in any case of need and distress occurring amongst his Branch Members and when possible will assist serving and former Royal Naval personnel and their dependants living within the immediate area of the Branch. The BWO should also maintain a liaison with other local kindred organisations so that all cases of need and distress can be covered by the relevant Association and local resources utilised to best effect. Those wishing to training as caseworkers should contact the NWA or GS Matters concerning Serving Personnel should be referred to the Naval Personnel and Families Service NPFS NPFS (East) Portsmouth NPFS (West) Plymouth NPFS (North) Helensburgh Terms of Reference and guidance for BWO Each Branch is to appoint a Branch Welfare Officer who, if not already a member of the Branch Committee should be an ex-officio member The details of the BWO should be reported on the Branch Annual Report to HQ and also given to the Area Secretary. The details of the BWO should be made known to all Branch members that they may know how to contact him/her for help and advice. It should be made clear that qualifying non-members may obtain help and when necessary advice on obtaining financial help from service related charities. Each BWO should be issued with an identity card signed by the Branch Hon Sec and the card to be produced when visiting anyone. The card should be returned to the Branch Secretary to be destroyed when the member is no longer acting as BWO. Blank cards are available from HQ and the NWA. The primary task of the BWO is to investigate individual problems when asked and assist in the solution. The following is guidance to help in reaching an acceptable solution. 5

6 Providing help and assistance Comradeship Not all problems are confined to finance in fact many are caused by a feeling of social isolation and loneliness. This is usually due to illness or the loss of a partner. The special role of the Association is to provide friendship, comradeship and to encourage those who are lonely to join the activities of the Branch or the Virtual Branch which provides a telephone link with other shipmates. This role is known as befriending! It is the most important welfare role in the RNA. Financial Help. This can often be arranged and the task of the BWO is to identify where there is a real need and assist in obtaining it from the appropriate sources. The consent of the applicant must be sought before any application is made to any source. The confidentiality of the member/applicant must be protected at all times. The ways to consider are: Support organisations Social Services In many cases help may be available from the Benefits Section or the Local Council but the member may need help to apply. It can also be helpful to get the leaflets from Social Services (Benefits) possibly about late March because benefits change in April each year. These could give some idea of what benefits might be available. Veteran Welfare Service The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Veterans and beneficiaries of SPVA pensions and compensation schemes, and all their dependants. It also focuses upon providing support that will enable the seamless transition from Service to Civilian life, assist bereaved families or respond to key life events that present welfare needs. It achieves this by adopting a single central coordinating role that facilitates access to all appropriate services. The VWS provides a caseworker approach that offers professional help and guidance through either telephone contact or a dedicated visiting 6

7 service,under Veterans UK the VWS works in collaborative partnerships with the tri-services, ex-service charities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, local community service providers and Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committees to deliver a quality welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity and provides continuous support through life. Any queries on service disabilities and possible compensation claims should be directed to Veterans UK. On How to Contact the Welfare Service The SPVA Veterans Welfare Service has four Veterans Welfare Centres, providing advice and support across the UK. The contact details for each office are: Centurion (London, SE & SW England) Tel spva-vwscenturionmailbox@mod.uk Kidderminster (South and Central Wales, Midlands & East England) Tel spva-vwskidderminster@mod.uk Norcross VWC (NW England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales & IOM) Tel spva-vwsnorcross@mod.uk Glasgow (Scotland, NE England, NI & ROI) Tel spva-vwsglasgowmailbox@mod.uk SSAFA They should be the first point of contact for all types of help. The BWO should establish local contact with the local SSAFA Branch because they can offer advice and possible financial help. They are the recognised almoners for all naval charities including the RNBT. Contact or by at The Royal British Legion The RBL is going through a major change programme, known as the Pathway to Growth which will eventually see help centres in 16 of the major cities in GB. The website has an excellent knowledge base, which you can access on line to answer many questions. The national number for help is The Areas of help that the RBL might provide are: Financial with SSAFA Help with claiming a War pension or compensation Inquest support for bereaved familes 7

8 Debt management Poppy help (see later) Poppy breaks for respite. Resettlement support Residential homes Education support for service leavers Branch/Area Funds Depending on the amount required and the finances available it may be possible for the Branch to assist if they have a Welfare Fund. The rules of the Branch Welfare Fund should make it clear the extent of help the BWO may give before Committee approval needs to be sought. The BWO can also apply to the Area Welfare Fund for assistance according to Area Welfare fund rules. Grant Makers Royal Navy& Royal Marines Children s Fund, support for eligible children and families WRNS Benevolent Trust; supports all former members of the WRNS officers and ratings RN Benevolent Society for Officers; Support for serving & former RN Commissioned Officers (not midshipmen). rnoc@arno.org.uk Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund; This is the principal fund for the RM dealing with benevolence for past and present, for relief of distress and to maintain and increase the efficiency of the Corps. adminasst@rmctf.org.uk Royal Navy &Royal Marine Charity Gives some grants to individuals and immediate grants to families on the death of serving personnel General enquiries

9 RNBT RNBT is the main grant distributor for the RN. Anyone who is or has been a rating/other rank or a dependant is eligible to apply for financial help from RNBT. While RNBT are happy to consider any request for help on a Form A presented by a qualified caseworker, it should be noted that although naval or ex naval personnel are eligible there is no automatic entitlement. Other cases such as former officers who have no lower deck service should be referred to ARNO or WRNSBT rnbt@rnbt.org.uk RNA Central Charities Fund (CCF) The National Council has directed that as well as using the CCF for collecting contributions to our major charitable activities each year, sufficient funds should be retained for unforeseen charitable requirements including assistance to individuals when they cannot be covered by Branch/ Area or any other source. Applications for assistance should be sent to the General Secretary (on a completed Form A) when it is proven that help cannot be obtained from any other source. However any urgent case for HQ should not be delayed by the completion of the Form A. Cases will be decided by the NWA and the General Secretary acting together. Applications for reimbursement to Branches and Areas from the CCF for emergency expenditure will be considered by the AMC on the recommendation of the NWA. There are many others charitable funds often dependant on the civilian employment after service. If in doubt phone NWA/GS. AWOs and BWOs should note that charities operate in the same field and care must be taken to avoid duplication or abating statuary services. For instance there is no point in providing assistance which serves to reduce the availability or supplementary benefits from a Government Scheme. Please note that services which are provided by the NHS cannot be funded by many of the charities. There is however quite a variety of charity chests and benevolent funds to be found within civilian employment which should always be explored. The NWA can advise. Other Ways to Help This may be possible through local assistance such as: Decorating - May be funded by the Branch or local sources such as Care and Repair Organisations within the local volunteer community such as the 9

10 RBL. (See later section on Poppy Calls) Advice - especially for Debt should be referred to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Services such as the Local Authority Community Care, Local Council or Adult Support Services may be able to help. Medical equipment such as a wheelchair can be lent from the local branch of the British Red Cross. TV sets and /or licenses are sometimes available from The Not Forgotten Association. Needs - such as white goods, help with ablution facilities are best addressed through application on a Form A to RNBT/TRBL through SSAFA. Other types of help may be needed such as shopping/gardening/help with travel to doctors or just a little time chatting together and these needs can usually be addressed by the BWO and shipmates or the RBL. If there are homes or hospitals in the Area which may have naval people in then the BWO should make contact to be kept informed and arrange shipmates to visit where acceptable. If shipmates are sick then when possible a home visit should be made and if admitted to hospital then help with visits, travelling and possible cost should be considered. Poppy Calls If you're having trouble with those small household repairs and minor adaptations around your home and you're eligible for our help, The Royal British Legion might be able to help you through our handy van service known as Poppy Calls. Contact: homesupportadmin@britishlegion.org.uk Poppy Breaks Respite breaks for clients or their families in four centres in the UK (must show need). Ring Confidentiality This is vital when dealing with all welfare cases. The permission of the client MUST be sought before involving any third party. The BWO should not expect to be able to resolve every case single handed. Help can always be sought from the Area WO, HQ or NWA. The RNBT and SSAFA are also willing to give advice. 10

11 Form A The BWO should be familiar with the Form A and the following is a guideline only to assist with the completion of FORM A. When explaining about this form the individual applying for help is referred to as, the client Page 1 First and foremost a check on the eligibility of the applicant such as a sight of the Service document is needed. When this is not available then verification can be sought through the Disclosure Cell at Whale Island. This request would need full name/date of birth/ date of joining the Service and Service number. Also, if a dependant, then the relationship to the service person named plus copies of birth/marriage certificates. (Disclosure Cell address is at the back of the guide with other useful addresses). This page deals with details of the applicant who may not necessarily be the qualifying person but could be the widow or dependant of the Service person. All children should be listed stating whether they live at home or away. It is essential that all persons living in the property are listed plus their income, if any, from whatever source. Page 2 Deals with the details of the person the application is based on showing service details and how they were verified and all his/her civilian employments. Also all details regarding a spouse. It can be of a great help when sourcing funds if the civilian occupations are listed because there might be a Union, Charity Chest or a Worshipful Company who may assist. Page 3 This page deals with the income and expenditure of the client. When completing this section use either weekly or monthly figures but do not mix them. All income must be shown whether from wages, State pension, private pension or any Government Benefits such as disability or pension credit. Sometimes State Pension and Benefits are paid together so ask the client what benefits they receive, if any. Always check because they may be entitled to others benefits! All the various incomes are listed on the form so it is quite easy to follow. 11

12 Also on this page is the expenditure. List all expenditure not forgetting the less obvious ones such as gardener, window cleaner, barber, birthdays, newspapers etc. The usual ones are listed on the form. Page 4 This page deals with savings, liabilities and/or debts. The charities do exclude from any calculations a certain amount held in savings for urgent needs but the full amount must be shown also any liabilities/debts, hire purchase should be stated. (See notes on paperwork needed) Any previous assistance and the current assistance required must to be shown on that page also. What other funds are being approached and a signed declaration by the client permitting the information to be passed to others is also on this page. Page 5 This page is available for the caseworkers report and recommendations regarding the application. This is written in confidence but the client has the right to see all sections of the form. The report should show the specific area of concern and the exact amount needed. Quotes for any replacements should be dealt with according to the caseworkers training and instructions from their regional office. To speed up the completion of the form A it would be helpful if the BWO assists the client in getting all relevant paperwork together. The following will be needed: In the event of a Serving applicant then a copy of his Pay Statement is required. Obviously, in the case of separated/divorced wives these are not applicable but please indicate in your report whether she is cohabiting as this will effect eligibility. Details of any employment will help to assess whether SSP, Job Seekers or other benefit is appropriate. Bank statements and all current invoice or bills relating to utilities such as gas/electric/telephone/water x2/council tax need to be shown. All information on life or house insurance and any loans and any maintenance/csa payments are needed.. Many of these payments will show on the bank statements but in the case of 12

13 loans or hire purchase the initial loan or the balance remaining will not be always be shown but is needed on the form. Gather any paperwork that shows income and expenditure which may be of help to the caseworker completing the form. Do remember when completing a Form A that no comment should be made regarding the possible outcome, the Grants Committee may see it differently. Who can be helped? As a registered Charity operating under a Royal Charter we must comply with the main objects of the Charter and the Charities Act. These are:- To further the efficiency of the Service To relieve members of the Association who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress. To afford assistance to all serving and former members of the Naval Forces. We are therefore limited to helping members of the Association and serving and former members of the Naval Forces and their wives, widows, children and dependants who are in conditions of need, hardship and distress. In the same way giving help to organisations who look after naval people can be considered or by making block grants to those naval charities. All members can be supported by befriending. Branches may of course help local people and local organisations by holding specific activities and collections for that purpose but this is not a proper use of RNA Branch Funds nor is it appropriate to the Central Charities Fund. A Branch may collect for a separate fund providing the purpose is clearly stated and all monies raised in this manner (excluding any expenses) must be paid to the stated fund. How to Help Relief and assistance must be directly related to the need, hardship or distress. Particularly in the RNA, we add to this by friendship, comradeship, advice, visits and generally being a good neighbour is a feature of our charitable work. However that is primarily a Branch activity and is not a matter in which the CCF can directly assist. The Fund, can however supplement this with financial help when other sources fail. Services which could be provided by the Branch are escorting shipmates, changing 13

14 library book, gardening, shopping, organising meals on wheels, spending time with a friend, in fact generally being a good shipmate. Help can be obtained for respite care, benefit applications or moving to a home. Much of this is possible with the help of the BWO and SSAFA. The following is a list of address and contacts which may be of help. RNA General Secretary paul@royalnavalassoc.com RNA Admin nigel@royalnavalassoc.com RNA Admin andy@royalnavalassoc.com RNA NWA ritalock@virginmedia.com Naval Families Federation editor@nff.org.uk WRNS BT RNRM Children s Fund The White Ensign Association. While this is not a grant making association it can give valuable help and assistance by giving comprehensive advice on a vast number of matters relating to employment such as help with a CV/job searches/networking. Finance Debt/savings/divorce/pension issues and many more. The WEA are supported by a panel of professional advisors in resettlement/civilian employment and personal finances. It s free, confidential and impartial. For all type of enquiries Housing and Accommodation Veterans Aid Assists homeless veterans by finding them a place to live and getting them resettled. This organisation is in London but would take a referral for a homeless veteran from anywhere in the country. Just ring and ask on or There are various establishments providing accommodation for RN/RM and other Seafarers. Pembroke House in Gillingham Kent is run by the RNBT to provide permanent homes for ratings and other ranks of the RN and RM. It has a number of single and double rooms and is the only home which is exclusively for ex RN/RM people and is therefore especially supported by the Association. Adopt a Resident, Branches are encouraged to adopt a resident of the Pembroke House and having done so this would involve:- Making him/her a member of your Branch, not necessarily paying subs. 14

15 Writing to the new member and when possible visiting Remembering birthday and special dates and looking after any minor comforts which might be needed. To adopt a resident just write to The Administrator, Pembroke House, 11 Oxford Road, Gillingham, Kent KE4 7BS care@pembrokehouse-rnbt.org.uk John Cornwall Victoria Cross National Memorial This is a set of 6 cottages in Hornchurch which are held in trust by RNBT as the sole Trustee. For information on these cottages please apply to Pembroke House stating your query is on the JCVCNM. Royal Alfred Seafarers Society provides various types of accommodation and has now extended its work to all who served at sea including retired officers and ratings of the RN and RM and their widows. Accommodation is available when vacancies occur at the following:- Royal Alfred,Belvedere House, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3HB Royal Alfred House, 5-11 Hartington Place Eastbourne, Surrey BN21 3BS This home has a high proportion of ladies there and so would be well suited to ex WRNS or naval widows. Today Royal Alfred Seafarers offer a full range of nursing care, residential care, dementia care and sheltered housing. They also offer a more specialised dementia care and respite care is available subject to there being vacancies. For accommodation or respite at the above homes apply to: The General Secretary, Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, Weston Acres, Woodmansterne Home, Banstead Surrey SM7 3HB Hospital of Sir John Hawkins, Knight in Chatham There are six flats for singles and two flats for two persons. Those eligible for admission to the hospital are needy or disabled persons who have served either in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Women s Royal Naval Service or QARNNS or have served and been mobilised for active service in any of the Reserve Forces or bodies of the RN/RM or have been in employment in any of HM Dockyards or Naval Bases directly on construction, maintenance, re-fitting. Should there be no applicant qualified aforesaid then the Governors of the hospital may appoint a person who is the widow/widower or other dependant of a person who has served or been employed as aforesaid. In the event that no-one with the above service can be attracted then the Charity Commissioner has authorised the Governors to admit an applicant form the Army or the RAF Force who in all other respects is qualified to apply. To request further information please write to: 15

16 The Administrator, Hospital of Sir John Hawkins, in Chatham, High Street, Chatham Kent ME4 4EW The RBL have homes around the country where respite care may be available so ring your local branch or go on line to check. Star and Garter Charity Provides excellent nursing and care whilst maintaining strong military links Royal Star & Garter Homes Richmond Hill Richmond Surrey TW10 6RR starandgarter.org Combat Stress Mental Welfare Society in the UK that helps ex-service personnel suffering from psychological injuries and mental health problems, it provides in-patient services. Combat Stress Tyrwitt House Oaklawn Road Leatherhead KT22 0BX combatstress.org Poppy Homes The RBL provides 6 care homes around the UK providing long-term nursing and personal care. Application is directly to the home concerned. See the web page at Verifying that an applicant has served in the Naval Service Disclosure Cell; Disclosure Cell West Battery MP G-2 Room 48 Whale Island Portsmouth PO2 8DX Training Those wishing to train as a caseworker (which is done through SSAFA) should contact the NWA or GS for details and booking. 16

17 Memorials and funerals The FAQ part of the RNA website has great advice on how to recognise naval service in a funeral or memorial service at or give the GS a ring on Advice for visits by War Widows to War Graves can also be given by the Veterans Agency on The Commonwealth War Graves Commission 2 Marlow Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 7DX casualty.enq@cwgc.org There are 10 Naval Memorials where casualties are commemorated as listed by the CWGC. There are of course many other memorials which have naval casualties listed also commemorating many naval actions. Auckland Royal New Zealand Navy officers and ratings Bombay Royal Indian navy officers and ratings Chatham Chatham officers and ratings of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Chittagong Royal Indian Navy officers and ratings Halifax Royal Canadian Navy officers and ratings Lee-on-Solent Fleet Air Arm officers and ratings Liverpool Naval Auxiliary Personnel serving on a T124 agreement (such as armed merchant cruisers) Lowestoft Royal Naval Patrol Service officers and ratings Plymouth Devonport officers and ratings o0f the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Officers and ratings of the Royal Australian Navy South African naval Forces and former Colonial Naval units Portsmouth Portsmouth officers and ratings of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines The RNA and CONA websites gives the details of many ships and likeminded Associations Chaplaincy Those interested in the Committal of Ashes at sea: This happens once a week at Portsmouth and once a month at Plymouth Portsmouth Secretary to Nelson Chaplaincy For HMS Drake

18 Come in handy list of contacts Veteran Helpline Veterans Welfare Centres Centurion (London, SE & SW England) Tel Kidderminster (South and Central Wales, Midlands & East England) Tel Norcross VWC (NW England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales & IOM) Tel Glasgow (Scotland, NE England, NI & ROI) Tel SSAFA Contact or by at Royal Navy& Royal Marines Children s Fund WRNS Benevolent Trust RN Benevolent Society for Officers rnoc@arno.org.uk Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund adminasst@rmctf.org.uk Royal Navy &Royal Marine Charity RNBT website rnbt@rnbt.org.uk British Legion Poppy Calls homesupportadmin@britishlegion.org.uk HQ staff RNA General Secretary paul@royalnavalassoc.com RNA Admin nigel@royalnavalassoc.com RNA Admin andy@royalnavalassoc.com RNA NWA ritalock@virginmedia.com Naval Families Federation editor@nff.org.uk The White Ensign Association

19 Veterans Aid or Pembroke House The Administrator, Pembroke House, 11 Oxford Road, Gillingham, Kent KE4 7BS Royal Alfred Seafarers Society, Weston Acres, Woodmansterne Home, Banstead Surrey SM7 3HB Hospital of Sir John Hawkins, in Chatham, High Street, Chatham Kent ME4 4EW Star and Garter Homes starandgarter.org Combat Stress combatstress.org Disclosure Cell; Chaplaincies Portsmouth HMS Drake