A new animated video will hit screens across the nation today to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Andrew Robathan has announced.
The humorous online video, based on a ‘Toy Story’ theme, features the popular Armed Forces action figures undertaking a routine patrol that doesn’t quite go according to plan.
This video raises awareness of the financial support available to those injured as a result of service in a fun and engaging way. The new and innovative approach has proven highly popular during test screening and it is hoped that this will be a better way of communicating with young Armed Forces personnel.
Combat Stress
The three-minute animated film was developed in partnership with and funded by the Royal British Legion and the ex-Service mental health charity Combat Stress.
Andrew Robathan, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said: “This important compensation scheme deals with some of the most serious consequences likely to be encountered by our service personnel. As a former Army Officer I know our brave personnel often face such situations with great humour.
"The video has already been shown to injured servicemen and women at Headley Court who have given very positive feedback. I would like to pay tribute to the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress for their invaluable support to the production of this video.”
'Support is available'
Air Vice Marshal David Murray, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel), said: “Previous communication campaigns to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme have been supported by leaflets, posters and information cards. While these have proven successful we wanted to try a new and more engaging way of communicating with personnel and their families.”
Sue Freeth, the Royal British Legion’s Director of Health and Welfare, said: “It is vital that our Servicemen and women who put themselves at risk know what support is available to them through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
"We are confident this humorous video will stand out at briefings and stay in the minds of those who watch it. The Legion offers practical support to those claiming under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and is pleased to be working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Combat Stress to bring this information to those who need it.”
Peter Poole, Director of Strategy, Policy and Performance at Combat Stress, said: “As well as providing funds to those with physical injury, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is also available to men and women who have suffered from mental health problems as a result of Service. We hope that this imaginative new video will raise awareness of the Scheme among the young Armed Forces personnel who need to hear it the most”.