A special one-day conference to be held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus will precede the military displays and pageantry celebrating this year’s Armed Forces Day in Cornwall.
Delegates invited to the Armed Forces Community Conference on Thursday 22 June 2023 will air topics such as health and mental wellbeing, housing, family welfare, and learnings from a range of guest speakers such as the Invictus Games about recovery from injury.
Those working to support the armed forces community will be invited to the conference. There will also be a live broadcast link online, so anyone with an interest can join the audience. There will also be opportunities to sign up to conference pledges to help make a legacy of this important event.
Among the speakers will be:
- Retired Colonel David Richmond CBE – the most senior officer injured in combat in Afghanistan, who went on to become Director of Recovery at Help for Heroes, and now heads the Cabinet Office for Veterans’ Affairs
- Arren Hymas, formerly of the US Navy, now with the MoD mentoring military personnel on transitioning from service to civilian life
- Richard Smith CBE, Chief Operating Officer, Invictus Games Foundation
The conference’s stated aims are to raise the profile of the Government’s Strategy for those who support the Armed Forces Community, and to explore its key themes in a local context with a focus on successes, challenges, and opportunities.
It will showcase best practice, nationally and locally, and explore how organisations can learn and help to shape the future. It will also build awareness of the services being offered across the sector, and explore opportunities to work together, and create a legacy for the Armed Forces Community in Cornwall.
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion and Cabinet Member for the Economy, himself a Veteran Royal Navy Submariner, will make the opening address to delegates.
Louis said: “Alongside the planned up-beat events applauding our forces personnel, veterans and cadets, it is important we should also pause to reflect on the many serious issues they face in service of their country. Our conference will convene experts who bring experience and wisdom on subjects such as health and welfare, coping with life after injury and trauma, basics such as accommodation and childcare, and the often unseen hardships of a military life. We have been fortunate to draw speakers with real insight, so are expecting some lively discussions.”
Cornwall has a decades-old vested interest in the armed forces community – it is estimated that one in five residents is either a member or related to one, among the highest proportions in the UK. And with so many current and former military bases here the MoD remains one of Cornwall’s largest landowners.
Kate Kennally, Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, said: “Cornwall Council is one of the country’s largest unitary authorities, which means that thousands of veterans, serving personnel and their families depend on us for local services. That makes us extra proud to have been chosen to host this year’s Armed Forces Day. Amid all the celebrations, perhaps the most meaningful salute will be at this conference - a recognition of the selflessness and sacrifice of lives spent defending freedom, and this chance to acknowledge that debt.”
Director of Public Health, Rachel Wigglesworth, said: “I am delighted to be supporting this Armed Forces Community Conference which has a focus on what we can do together to improve the health and wellbeing of the armed forces community. Cornwall has one of the largest number of residents having previously served in the UK armed forces and this national event draws attention to the distinct health needs of this community.”
Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the University is delighted to host this important conference on our Penryn Campus. Health and wellbeing, family and welfare, and helping people to develop and learn throughout their life are central to the University’s mission, and so anything we can do to give our support and make a positive impact in these areas is of significant importance for us.”
The conference, supported by the Royal British Legion, is being held at the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus, in the Daphne Du Maurier Building. There will be a room set aside for display stands, and a series of break-out sessions and panel discussions on key subjects including Building Blocks for Health, the Veterans Advisory Committee and Protected Characteristics within the armed forces community.
