Armed Forces Week - #Innovation

On the second day of Armed Forces Week, the theme of the day is #Innovation. Today is a chance to shine a spotlight on some of the cutting-edge science and technology currently being developed by Defence.

To find out more about what the future of Defence could look like, please read further here. From laser technology to AI, these are just some of the innovations that will prepare our UK Armed Forces to counter the threats of the future.

Our reservists are always looking for new ways to adapt and overcome obsticales. One of our units in particular has been tackling one of the biggest issues we, at times, can all face; mental health. Reservists from 151 Royal Logistic Corps have come up with a virtual mental health and well-being fair, ensuring that members of their unit are able to approach the topic with out stigma.

151 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps provide a health and well-being fair: virtually

A virtual health fair is giving soldiers from 151 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, the opportunity to learn more about the importance of well-being and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Through a series of live and recorded, seminars and presentations, the Reservists can access information on how to maintain a balanced diet, incorporate regular exercise into daily life and build mental resilience.

Overall health is influenced by a whole range of factors and keeping fit and well has never been more important than during this pandemic. As understanding of health and well-being is constantly evolving, having a programme tailored to Defence health themes, helps the soldiers know where to find information and how to access support organisations to improve the lived experience.

This virtual event is designed to be flexible in its delivery by utilising a combination of online applications including Defence Connect, MS Teams and Zoom virtual conferencing tools.

Lieutenant Colonel Deborah Taylor, Commanding Officer 151 Regiment RLC explains:

“It is always difficult to find the resources and time in the Army Reserve training calendar to facilitate a complete round up of all personnel issues as relevance and effectiveness is dependent on location and expert availability. These areas cover a huge spectrum of information from health, lifestyle and well-being to pensions and pay. Each subject is hugely important, especially in these times when the future can seem uncertain and our normal routines are either interrupted or changing.

"The current situation and COVID-19 has presented an opportunity in which we have changed the approach taken to training delivery and produced a remote, flexible and adaptable programme full of expert advice, information and guidance on practical ways to improve our service personnel’s health and welfare. This information can be digested when the individual has the time and is in a location of their choice. Most of the material is available directly through Defence Connect with options for additional information provision and webinars so any questions raised can be asked of a number of experts in each of the areas of information.”

Well-being is about feeling good and there are many tools that can be used to help develop knowledge and understanding. Using virtual training is providing a different yet creative approach necessary at this challenging time.