Forces in Mind Trust sponsors the Working Together Award at the annual event, in acknowledgement of the excellent work organisations achieve through collaboration.

This year’s winner, “Unforgotten Forces” is a consortium of 16 organisations, who have come together to deliver a range of new services and enhancements in areas including advice, access to healthcare, social isolation and respite.

The Soldiering On Awards acknowledge and celebrate the dedication to the Armed Forces Community across a variety of individuals and sectors, including businesses and charities as well as many ex-Service personnel and their families.

Carol Vorderman, a passionate supporter of the Armed Forces, and ex-Serviceman JJ Chalmers, hosted the evening, with mezzo-soprano Carly Paoli performing classics such as Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll meet again’.

Ray Lock, Chief Executive, Forces in Mind Trust, said: “We are delighted to see Unforgotten Forces win this year’s FiMT Working Together Award. We applaud the efforts of all three finalists for this award, they have achieved great things for the Armed Forces Community.

“It’s a shame there can only be one winner, but all finalists reflect the commitment to achieving through collaborative working. We continue to champion working together and hope others will be inspired to achieve together.”

Mark Bibbey, Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “In just over a year there have been more than 6,000 instances of support for older veterans living in Scotland provided through the Unforgotten Forces consortium. Each of the 16 organisations involved offer enhanced services for older veterans, but it is perhaps the seamless referral pathways that now exist between the Unforgotten Forces members that provides the greatest benefit. An older veteran reaching out to one organisation means they are, in effect, reaching out to us all.

“Poppyscotland is very proud to lead this ground-breaking collaboration. Collecting the FiMT Working Together Award at the 2019 Soldiering On Awards represents a ringing endorsement of the approach we have taken and inspires us all to continue building on this remarkable early success.”