Paul ‘Baz’ Barrett was recruited to RMA – The Royal Marines Charity as a Transition Support Officer (TSO) based out of 45 Commando in Arbroath.
His appointment followed a pilot initiative conducted during 2020/2021 that evidenced the need for the Charity to establish a permanent presence in Scotland. He is a former Royal Marine and upper leg amputee following injuries sustained during the Afghanistan conflict.
Having a physical presence in Scotland & Northern Ireland has quickly become entrenched as an incredibly important element in the RMA’s outreach work within the Corps.
It has also served to highlight the numerous and previously lesser known opportunities available through other organisations.
Not all needs can be adequately addressed through a single pathway, but rather require significant collaboration with other military charities such as Walking With The Wounded, HorseBackUK, BLESMA, SSAFA and Scottish Veteran’s Residence.
An example of this is the support given to some individuals/veterans in mental health programmes, provided in conjunction with a certified training organisation (IED Solutions), ranging from a half-day mental health awareness course to the two-day MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) qualification.
In what has been a significant move, the extent of the transition support available through the Charity in Scotland & Northern Ireland is now spoken about at discharge interviews.
It has been especially beneficial to vulnerable service leavers in knowing they have appropriate access to assistance that can guide and support them through the difficult period of transition.
In another important development, the Charity’s ‘Commando Connect’ events held quarterly at 45 Commando during 2022 enabled hundreds of veterans to get together and network with local business leaders, councilors, and others, to investigate future career prospects.
We sincerely thank all the following funders for their support in 2022 and for their ongoing support in 2023:
- Veterans Foundation
- Scottish Veterans Fund
- Colin Weir Foundation
- John Scott Charitable Trust
- Bernard Family Charitable Trust
- Walker Shoolbraid Charitable Trust
- Murray Foundation
Your funding has made our delivery in Scotland & Northern Ireland possible through funding the TSO appointment. This has directly and positively affected the lives of many beneficiaries, whilst
promoting positive mental health and preventing addictive behaviours.
Mission vital statistics
- 2,000 serving Royal Marines attended briefings on transitioning out of the Corps
- 35 service leavers were directly supported into employment
- Approximately 500 veterans attended ‘Commando Connect’ sessions
- 77 individuals received mental health training
- 5 beneficiaries gained access to 60 sessions of bespoke mental health therapy through our Veterans’ Mental Health Referral Programme
- 5 bereaved families were signposted to other RMA welfare services for help with funeral funding, pension advice and bereavement counselling
- 37 individuals benefited from benevolence grants totaling £37,586.61
- 10–12 service leavers a month sought additional advice.
We would also like to sincerely thank The John Horseman Trust for the generous grant received towards meeting the costs of treatment for beneficiaries living in the North East of England, for which Baz also has oversight.
