Written by Kate Mizon
Armed Forces Community Programme Co-Lead
It’s been a year since the Shaping Portsmouth Armed Forces Community programme came into fruition under the co-leadership of Andy and me, and what a year it has been. Initially, we posted a little note on LinkedIn and thought we might get the odd comment or email, but instead, we were overwhelmed with the response and generosity of those reaching out to support the cause.
We quickly realised just how much of an incredibly supportive community Portsmouth is; and this from two people who have lived and resided here through our connection to the Armed Forces. Sadly (yes, I said that) we had such an influx of emails, I still have this ‘guilty’ feeling we were not able to reply to all and honour the introduction. I honestly felt we had fallen at the first hurdle.
We needed a game plan.
We needed a goal.
We needed a mission.
We needed a cup of tea.
My Nan (God rest her soul) would say this could end wars and although there was no war to solve, we did need a campaign to get underway.
So, Andy and I went back to the drawing board. We had a long chat about our service life with nearly 50 years combined experience between us, discussed our own experiences of life after service – the good and bad, how it’s shaped us and our families, and what we would do differently (if anything). We disagreed on things, sure, but one issue we were solid on was the public perception of what a Veteran is and just how much it needs updating.
Why is that important? Well, Google British Armed Forces Veteran, and see for yourself. Media plays an important part in influencing the narrative, and let’s face it, it’s not always pretty and it’s certainly not always fair.
One of our aims is to re-influence your idea or perception of a Veteran, to re-imagine what the Armed Forces Community is, so we can show you just how much they bring to society, to your town, to your company – to Portsmouth.
So, we’ve been ‘front and centre’ at the Shaping Portsmouth events such as the Portsmouth Business Leaders Forums and the annual conference, we’ve popped up here and there at the mere mention of a free brew and cake and have met some great people that we would never had the opportunity in any other role.
But…What have we achieved?
Good question.
The Shaping Portsmouth Armed Forces Community Programme
Yes, it is actually ‘a thing’ – a physical (well, digital) plan of action which we hope to execute for the good and benefit of the Armed Forces Community and Portsmouth. It’s a bold plan, yes. Is it achievable? 100%, but we can’t do it alone; this must include the businesses, the industries, organisations, the charities and communities of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas to all work with us and Shaping Portsmouth to get it into action. Y’know when you’ve missed dinner, and you smell chips? Well, that’s how much we want you to lean in. Like, really lean in. Give it a read here.
The Armed Forces Business Directory
Shaping Portsmouth are the networking hub, right? So, what better way to support the Armed Forces Community than to support the small businesses of Serving, Veterans, Spouses, Partners and families. This incredibly resilient cohort of people have served us all, so we wanted to support them and their venture the best we can. If you need a service or product, search here first. Are you an Armed Forces Community business and interested in having your company on our FREE directory? Then register here. You’ll receive free workshops, training, business support, and discounted tickets to networking events. Oh, and a warm welcome.
The Armed Forces Covenant
Whatever the size of your business, or wherever it is in its trajectory, you can sign the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge your support to the Armed Forces Community. This is just the starting point, and we can support you through it. Want to know more? Visit the Shaping Portsmouth website here or talk to us to schedule a chat by emailing us.
Operation Shaping Forces
Armed Forces Week 2025 will see us launch the first Op Shaping Forces event. This is a free event for Shaping Portsmouth partners and Armed Forces Community business who are signed up to our directory. Learn something new, network like a pro and be part of building a lasting relationship between Portsmouth and the Armed Forces. If you want to know more, click here.
Now, you could be forgiven for thinking “hmmm, that doesn’t seem like much in a year” but did I mention we are volunteers who are contracted for one hour a week? Well, there. I just did. We do this on top of our full-time jobs, aside from our families, and our own personal time because we are passionate about the Forces Community, Portsmouth, making a difference and getting free cake. I’m just being honest here.
So, this is a thank you to all the businesses that have signed or climbed the Covenant, for everyone we have met at the various events, for those who have offered your support and for Shaping Portsmouth for the initiative.
Where we go from here is up to you.
