The 1st of July commemorates the start of the Battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest battles in the history of our Armed Forces. More than three million men fought, and more than one million were killed or wounded in this bloody and deadly battle. On the first day alone the British Army suffered […]
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the public to show support for the men and women that make up the Armed Forces community; from currently serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets. Taking place each 3rd Saturday in June in Northern Ireland and each last Saturday in June on the mainland, Armed Forces Day […]
As Northern Ireland’s first Veterans Commissioner, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on reaching her Platinum Jubilee. Many in Northern Ireland will be celebrating this magnificent milestone, and none more so than those veterans who I have the great honour of representing. Over the years, Her Majesty […]
Read More… <strong>Reaching out to Veterans during this Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Year</strong>
The introduction of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is a tentative step in the right direction for progressing how we deal with the very emotive subject of legacy. As Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, I have a duty to represent and articulate the views of veterans who served during Operation Banner and […]
Many studies are undertaken to help shape and better provide for mental health provision within our society. As Veterans many of us have very niche traumatic experiences that cannot be well communicated to those outside the service community. Therefore having the opportunity to help others understand our experiences through academic studies, can help to shape […]
The Ulster Defence Regiment became operational on 1st April 1970 in response to the demand for additional troops to support the civil powers in Northern Ireland. The Regiment was on continuous operational service for a period of twenty-two years, a distinction held by no other Regiment in the history of the British Army. In 1992 […]
Official Launch of You Matter veterans project – Tuesday 15 March 2022 The Veterans Commissioner, Mr Danny Kinahan, attended the official launch of the You Matter programme on Tuesday 15 March. The Commissioner stated the following: “One of my key aims, as Veterans Commissioner, is to ensure that every veteran living in Northern Ireland knows […]
Read More… ‘You Matter’ – NI Veterans suicide prevention project launched
Policy Paper How the government will support veterans over the next 2 years.From:Cabinet Office, Office for Veterans’ Affairs, and Veterans UKPublished19 January 2022 Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan: 2022 to 2024 (PDF) Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-3024-5, CP 598PDF, 6.13 MB, 55 pagesOrder a copy This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.Request an accessible format. Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan: 2022 […]
The NI Veterans Commissioner spent two days in London undertaking a number of engagements, representing and advocating on behalf of veterans’ in Northern Ireland. He had the opportunity to catch up with Leo Docherty MP, Minister of Defence People and Veterans and raised a number of issues, including the need to deliver a fully resourced, […]
Engagement As Veterans Commissioner I continue to travel the length and breadth of Northern Ireland speaking to as many veterans as I can. Whether this is via a local Royal British Legion branch, UDR or other Regimental Association, or indeed community groups. These engagements are extremely useful and valuable for me to hear first hand […]