SME News December 2017

14 SME NEWS / December 2017 , Beyond the Battlefield was formed as a Charity whichwas set up to look after the well-being of the ex-service community, in both parts of the Island of Ireland by an ex service person Mr Robert McCartney. Robert is Chairman and Counsellor of Beyond the Battlefield. Chief Executive, Annemarie Hastings provides us with an overview of the Charity, going into detail about the mission of the firmand its future aspirations. Northern Ireland’s Own Service Charity Beyond the Battlefield concentrates on working with a group of counsellors who assess and treat ex service personnel who suffer with a variety of symptoms and problems, all of which indicate that the person is suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Charity also performs a series of different tasks which will improve the lives of the ex-service community and their families. Annemarie goes into a bit more depth about clients the charity works with and assist, as well as giving us more details about self-funded charity. “Throughout the healthcare sector, we assist retired members of: Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Police & Emergency Services. Importantly, we rely completely upon grants, donations and fund raising activities which enables us to provide practical support to veterans and their complete family unit. “Additionally, we offer counselling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and apply for war pensions. Representing veterans at tribunals in the High Court, deal with homeless veterans, rehouse them and help with any issues effecting veterans and their family unit. All staff and volunteers at Beyond the Battlefield have a friendly ethos showing empathy, trust and confidentiality in a very supportive culture. Everyone who works with or for Beyond the Battlefield have a strong attachment to the military, or have perhaps have grown up in a military family.” Annemarie discusses how the charity builds relationships with others, working openly with other organisations, including the media. “An integral aspect of our success is that we work with media organisations and other Charities to enhance communications to enable the services to find their voice and make them heard. “Beyond the Battlefield works closely with all clients to ensure they receive up to date and reliable information, with regards to their individual rights and entitlements. We will work alongside other agencies to develop partnerships with Governing Bodies, communities and organisations to engage support and commitment for all the Services and their families.” Annemarie goes on to comment on the behaviour and attitude of staff at the charity, emphasising how considerate they are with clients, treating each individual as a unique case, and providing a personal touch to the case. “When dealing with upcoming cases, we will treat all our clients and staff with respect and confidentiality. Every client is unique to us and will be treated as an individual, as we strive to fulfil the requirements of the Code of Ethics laid down by the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). We endeavour to make effective use of Best Practise to achieve the most successful therapeutic and organisational outcomes. “Moreover, our staff will be professional, courteous and willing to display a desire to assist on every occasion when in contact with our clients, their families or any of our publics.” Proud of its success and the work that it does, Beyond the Battlefield adopt their services to the changing needs of its veterans, as the issues are always changing, given the way technology and warfare is changing. Annemarie explains what marks the charity out as the best option for those who are struggling. “On our books, we have 500 clients this year, what marks Beyond the Battlefield out as the best option for our clients is we do not signpost to other organisations however, we pride ourselves in seeing them through to successful outputs. Our Counsellor Robert McCartney excels in his field in military NIR17032