Page 21 - QARANC Spring 2024

The Gazette QARANC Association 21
‘Support from the Association, when you need it’
Assisting those in need is an important function of the QARANC Association. By this we mean when financial circumstances are causing suffering and distress or preventing an individual from enjoying a reasonable quality of life.
In practice this could mean the Association awards a financial grant to purchase goods and services to improve lives, and this is not limited to those living in the UK. Whilst we have criteria to guide decisions, for example those with savings over a certain level will not normally be considered, we do carefully consider every request and sometimes if we are not able to fund completely, we might make a contribution.
We are unable to provide emergency assistance but we aim to reflect our motto by extending the hand of friendship to those that have served, or are still serving as a regular or reserve member of the QARANC or its predecessor organisations, and who have received one days paid service or more. It is not a requirement that applicants are or have been members of the Association and so we would ask that members spread the word to others they think might be need some help.
When applying, please be assured that all applications are considered in the strictest confidence. We welcome applications from those who are eligible through the appropriate channels. Serving personnel should contact their Unit Welfare Officer or Personnel Recovery Officer and veterans should apply through one of the following service charities whose details are available on our website through the link below:
• The Royal British Legion (TRBL)
• Poppy Scotland
• Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
(SSAFA)
• The Officers Association
It is worth noting that all these organisations can
give advice and support on a range of matters and are very valuable resources themselves. Should you
As well as providing financial support
we aim to signpost applicants to other agencies that can help them
wish to apply to the Association, the service charity will put you in touch with a caseworker who will help you complete the application form and will submit the application to us on your behalf. Once the application is received by the Association it will be considered by the Benevolence and Grants Committee and either a decision made based on the application or more information requested in which case the caseworker from the service charity will get in touch with you.
We generally meet monthly, and the planned dates of our meetings are on the website. Any benevolence assistance we provide will be paid to the service charity supporting you who will then ensure that the goods or services are paid for.
The Benevolence and Grants committee of the Association is made up of retired and serving Trustees and represents a wide range of knowledge and experience that we can use to best support those that apply. As well as providing financial support we aim to signpost applicants to other agencies that can help them, and we also have a page on our website that lists helpful contacts that we are constantly updating to ensure it is relevant and current. This may be found at https://www.qarancassociation.org.uk/ Groups/348789/Benevolence.aspx
Whilst we give one off grants in some circumstances, we may decide to provide a regular maintenance grant based on very specific criteria. More information about these and any other forms of benevolence assistance may be obtained from the Association either from manager@qarancassociation.org.uk or benevolence@qarancassociation.org.uk. If you would prefer to speak to someone rather than email, the phone number of the office is 01276 412754 but please note that this is not always manned so please do leave a message and your call will be returned in due course.
Maj (Rtd) Dee Radford
ARRC for QARANC officer who helped quake victims
Captain Richard Ainsworth-Masiello of the QARANC was made an Associate of the Royal Red Cross (ARRC) in The King’s new year honours list.
In total, 12 Army officers and soldiers received awards for inspirational and outstanding leadership in high- risk situations, including coordinating military aid to Ukraine and combating terrorism in Somalia.
Richard’s award was in recognition of his role as a mental health nurse with 16 Medical Regiment which deployed to support people affected by the earthquake in Turkey in February 2023.
His citation stated: “His exemplary contribution was showcased by his provision of mental healthcare to local nationals in the wake
of the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Deployed at very short notice, his work
was truly pioneering.”
Richard admitted that the award had
taken him “completely by surprise”. He added: “It was an incredible privilege to work with 16 Medical Regiment, the RAF’s tactical medical wing, the medical aid charity, UK-Med, and the local medical provision, providing an
empathetic and appropriate service in Turkoglu, close to the earthquake’s epicentre.
“I was humbled every day, not just by the professionalism and excellence of the team that deployed, but also by the resilience and grace of the people that experienced such harrowing events.
“As a mental health professional, I was trusted to provide an entirely unique role in supporting both our troops on the ground and the local population. It is an experience that I will reflect on in years to come. “I hope our work and this award encourages the Army to explore the benefits that uniformed mental health nurses can bring when deployed in the operational space.”