Armed Services

Role of a Regional Armed Services Liaison Officer

Regional Armed Services Liaison Officers (RASLOs) and Intergroup Armed Services Liaison Officers (ASLOs) are a specialist area of Public Information who help to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic. We aim to help service personnel and veterans who may have a drinking problem. Here's what we do:

• we offer our services and make suggestions to
  • service employers
  • medical staff
  • the military clergy
  • other military welfare staff
• we provide presentations to groups who wish to understand how AA works
• we provide information and literature to help dispel myths about alcoholism
• we provide clarity on
  • how we can help
  • what we can do
  • what we can't do

Health and Safety

Health and Safety is important in the armed sercvices. Unit Commanders are responsible for the health and safety of their officers, soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilian staff. Unit Commanders are sometimes more receptive to us as we can help them be seen to raise awareness of the damage alcoholism can cause. We can explain what help is available. We have done several presentations which have been very well received.

Health Fairs

We have also attended a number of health fairs where we set up literature tables and popup AA banners. We give out posters and leaflets and share our experience with the attendees. As a bonus we meet other health and welfare service providers such as:

• Royal British Legion
• Poppy Factory
• BLESMA
• SAFFA
• Mind
• TILLs
• Traumatic Stress Clinic
• Veterans Association

People are always interested in what we have to offer. We often get asked to talk to their staff on training days or to raise awareness of our services

Islington Veterans Breakfast Club

In February Ian and I went to Islington Veterans Breakfast Club who meet every third Saturday of each month to share food and camaraderie. Esther who runs the club with her husband Peter asked us to come along for breakfast and to provide a talk for the Veterans.It went very well.

Veterans’ drop-in

On the second Wednesday of every month Quentin and I attend the Veterans’ drop-in which is now held in St Pancras Hospital from 4pm until 7pm. The drop-in is a great opportunity to meet other veterans and seek advice from a wide range of agencies. Advice is available to veterans and families on issues including housing options, employment choices, service pensions, mental health issues, PTSD, welfare benefits, debt advice and wellbeing. It is also a great place for networking.

London Armed Forces Network

I have been attending the quarterly London Armed Forces Network meetings run by the NHS at Avonmouth House in South East London where I've heard speakers from various charities and institutions such as Walking with the Wounded To Combat Stress and Military Wives Choirs. I was impressed by the impact the choirs had on the social life and mental health of the women who got together to sing whilst their husbands were serving at the sharp end

Contact me

We hold a bimonthly meeting to discuss our activities and future plans. If you are interested in learning more or would like to offer help, either big or small, please email me.

Paul M