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Welfare

 

Welfare Web

 

The welfare support organisation at ITC Catterick is known as Welfare Web. It includes a variety of military and civilian elements, and links to external agencies.

All SUTs are allowed unrestricted 24 hour access to welfare support and specialist personnel who deal with welfare matters. In the first instance they are encouraged to approach their chain of command at platoon level. But if, for any reason, they wish to seek assistance outside the chain of command, they can approach welfare personnel as listed below.

Welfare Web provides equally for those with significant difficulties or concerns as well as those simply wishing to discuss general issues and use the facilities on offer.

Soldiers under training (SUTs) are introduced to Welfare Web and the associated agencies in the first week of their Combat Infantryman's Course. They tour all the facilities available on site.

Personnel and agencies forming the Welfare Web include:

 

Platoon Training Staff and Regimental Shepherds


These are a first point of contact for an SUT having problems. They are encouraged not to feel shy about seeking assistance - it is not seen as weakness. All staff would prefer to know about a problem, big or small, rather than see it affect an SUT's performance.

Staff are experienced in dealing with any issues that might arise - there will not be much they haven't experienced before.

Padre


Padres are the Army's vicars, priests and ministers. They complete their theological training in civilian churches and are then commissioned into the Royal Army Chaplains' Department. They wear uniform and accompany their units on all major deployments and exercises, although they never carry weapons.

SUTs can can talk to a Padre about any problem, irrespective of religious belief. All guarantee confidentiality. They support SUTs through initial training and onwards into their military careers.

Religion


The Army recognises more than 25 denominations of Christianity and other major world faiths.

Practising of faith is encouraged and supported by Christian Chaplains serving in the Army and Civilian Chaplains who represent the Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish religions.

As long as training allows, religious holidays can be observed - a practice which mirrors the practical realities of service on operations.

There are Churches and a quiet room for all faiths within the Garrison.

Army Scripture Reader


Army Scripture Readers are concerned with the spiritual welfare of service personnel.

They wear uniform on duty but are normally addressed by their Christian name. They visit barrack rooms, guardrooms, work areas, rest rooms, and hospitals and, on invitation, married quarters. They seek to befriend service personnel and to share their practical experience of the Christian faith.

ITC Catterick Families Officer


The Families Officer primarily deals with the welfare of married personnel and their families, including quartering issues for all married personnel.

WRVS


Two WRVS staff are based in The Beharry Centre within Vimy Barracks, and one in The Hub at Helles Barracks. Occasionally they visit companies at Wathgill Camp. Their roles are:

  • to provide emotional and practical, confidential, non-military support to single and unaccompanied service personnel
  • to Work alongside platoon staff and support the chain of command with issues such as morale and retention
  • to provide and manage on-site recreational areas with leisure facilities, providing a relaxing and non-alcoholic environment, with the offer of a friendly non-judgemental listening and sympathetic ear, when needed
  • to visit serving personnel who are confined to camp because of duty or hospitalization, or who are serving a period of detention in barracks
  • to participate in the induction of new recruits, helping them adjust to their new way of life

Salvation Army


Salvation Army staff manage the Vickery Club in Vimy Barracks. Their role is to provide a specialist Christian support facility through a ministry of hospitality and pastoral care, achieved by:

  • The provision of practical welfare care in a place of peace and quiet, where people can relax from the rigours of communal life, in an alcohol-free atmosphere
  • The provision of food and drink sales from indoor facilities or mobile units

Hive


Hive maintains one member of staff based in the Beharry Centre, providing information on new postings, local and unit facilities, education, housing, childcare, healthcare, employment and training, travel, and welfare referral support.

Army Welfare Service (AWS)


AWS provides second line welfare support, particularly if interaction with social services or debt counselling is required. It offers confidential, comprehensive and professional support to servicemen and women and their families, including reserve forces.

Foreign and Commonwealth (F&C) Support


The F&C support worker is based in the the Beharry Centre. He assists with any concerns and issues that foreign and Commonwealth recruits may have, such as banking, passports and communication difficulties.