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Sick parade: A crisis at Catterick Garrison
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Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
which were opened last week by the Commander of the Army’s North Region
will house students as they take part in courses designed to develop their ceremonial skills
I am delighted to open the new sustainable
short-term training accommodation blocks for ITC Catterick
which have been delivered as part of the army’s ongoing investment to improving living conditions for our people
The speed of delivery has been very impressive
and the high-quality finish of this modern and well-designed accommodation demonstrates the army’s enduring commitment to providing infrastructure that our serving personnel need and deserve
The two blocks were delivered jointly with off-site construction specialists Reds10
and have been configured in the same way as the MOD’s award-winning Net-Zero Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP) buildings on the Defence Training Estate
Army Single Living & Short Course Accommodation
I am delighted that we have been able to support the delivery of these new facilities here at Vimy Barracks
The sustainable designs of the accommodation blocks will continue to contribute towards defence’s net zero targets and ultimately enhance the army’s capability
The 112 bedspaces are configured in two and three-person occupancy rooms
and each building is separated into 4 distinct and secure areas
A variety of green measures have also been added
SMART building technology has also been implemented
which optimises energy use and provides data for improvement
saving energy and reducing maintenance costs
We are extremely proud to have played a key role in the delivery of these new sustainable accommodation blocks at Vimy Barracks
This project highlights our commitment to supporting the MOD’s ambitious net zero goals while ensuring that our armed forces have access to high-quality
The innovative design and construction of these buildings will provide service personnel with a modern and sustainable environment to support their ceremonial training
contributing directly to enhancing their operational readiness
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NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL’S £175.000 ‘PUBLIC ART CATTERICK’ project
Think of all the more needed things this tax payers money could have been spent on
Still I suppose £175.000 may not be a lot of money for some needed art??????
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The park benches and other equipment in the park were vandalised and now £175,000 is to be spent on artwork
Perhaps one of the new jobs to be created when the whole scheme is completed could be a night watchmen
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Let’s hope it goes better than the Scotch Corner development
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More trees please to sit under and wander through
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A small ceremony was held to mark the topping out of the structure
which will measure over 12,000m2 once complete
The building will host medical services for military personnel based at Catterick Garrison
as well as some primary and community NHS services for members of the public and military families
The building is the first MOD-NHS integration of this scale
providing benefits to both parties and residents of Catterick and wider Richmondshire through shared learning and experience
Representatives from the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Defence Medical Services (DMS)
and Technical Support Provider Aecom attended the event and were briefed on the progress of the project
Tilbury Douglas started construction earlier this year on behalf of DIO and has now completed the supporting structure
The next stage is to attach external cladding and curtain walls before installing the roof
The building should be wind and weather-proof in early 2025 when work will begin on the interior of the building
The building will meet both MOD and NHS building standards and has been designed with climate resilience and sustainability in mind
DIO’s David Salmond signing a steel beam on the roof of the new building
DIO’s Major Projects and Programmes lead for UK Strategic Command
We’re pleased to reach this significant construction milestone for this groundbreaking new facility
The success of the project to date is thanks to the working relationships built between the MOD
and we look forward to those relationships continuing to bear fruit as we focus on the next stage of construction
The building is expected to be completed in early 2026
with medical services moving in later in the year
Concrete being pumped from the ground to the roof level of the new building
To sign up for our newsletter or for more information regarding the progress of the Catterick Integrated Care Campus, please visit: Catterick Integrated Care Campus (CICC)
MoD urgently investigates after member of public finds documents reportedly including emails and shift patterns
The Ministry of Defence has said it is investigating after piles of papers with potentially confidential UK military information were found scattered along a street in Newcastle
The documents reportedly included army soldier ranks
Other papers contained information that appeared to relate to an armoury and an intruder-detection system
All of the documents appear to be connected to regiments at Catterick garrison
According to the BBC, the papers were found spilling out of a black binbag in the Scotswood area of Newcastle on 16 March. Photographs show the papers strewn along a pavement and against parked cars.
Read moreThey were spotted by Mike Gibbard, from Gateshead, who was parking his car as he headed to a fanzone to watch Newcastle United’s victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final
He told the BBC he was shocked by what he saw
Gibbard said: “I peered down and started to see names on bits of papers
underneath cars – spread all the way up the road.”
He said he found more documents on the other side of the road and was alarmed by the contents
He said to his wife: “This shouldn’t be here
One document was headed “armoury keys and hold IDS codes”
thought to stand for intruder-detection system
Others contained general medical information and ingredients order sheets
Another document was footnoted with the words “official – sensitive”. According to government guidance
the unintended disclosure of such documents “can lead to moderate damage (including to the UK’s longer-term strategic/economic position) and
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The documents were handed in to Northumbria police
A spokesperson for the force said: “Shortly before 3pm on Sunday
we received a report that potentially confidential documents had been found on Railway Street
“The documents have now been handed to the Ministry of Defence.”
an MoD spokesperson said: “We are aware that documentation allegedly relating to the department was recently handed to the police
“We are looking into this urgently and the matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by Northumbria police.”
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The papers, some marked “official – sensitive”, were discovered spilling out of a black bin bag in the Scotswood area on Sunday 16 March and are through to relate to units based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire
It is reported they contained details about soldiers’ ranks
weapon issue records and access information for military facilities
Among them was a sheet reportedly headed “armoury keys and hold IDS codes” – believed to reference an armoury and intruder detection system
Downing Street said “appropriate action” would be taken after the discovery
The find was made by Mike Gibbard, a football fan from Gateshead, who stumbled across the documents while parking ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool
Mr Gibbard said: "I peered down and started to see names on bits of papers
Government guidance states that some “official – sensitive” documents could pose a “threat to life” if compromised
The documents were handed to Northumbria Police
A spokesperson for the force said they were subsequently given to the MoD
a MoD spokesperson said: “We are aware that documentation allegedly relating to the department was recently handed in to the police
“We are looking into this urgently and the matter is the subject of an ongoing internal investigation.”
A Number 10 spokesman added: “The Ministry of Defence is currently looking at documents handed to the police
but the matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Army
I won’t be able to comment on any specifics while that takes place
but you can expect that appropriate action will be taken in response to any potential information breach
“It’s obviously important that that investigation is allowed to take its course.”
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Six of those deaths have been officially declared suicides. Hart had well-documented mental health problems. An internal army inquiry into his death acknowledged there were “missed opportunities” which “significantly” hindered efforts to help him.
The report made 13 recommendations for the service which provides primary health care for the armed forces.
Tortoise understands that when these recommendations were put to a senior medical officer, the officer is alleged to have requested that evidence collected as part of the inquiry into Hart’s death should be destroyed.
An inquest into his death started this week. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the allegations.
Well-placed army sources told Tortoise that they fear senior army leaders are so concerned about the organisation’s reputation that they don’t engage fully with some failings.
Of the eight soldiers who died suddenly and unexpectedly at Catterick Garrison between 2018 and 2022, four – including Hart – were from 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
An internal inquiry into Hart’s death recommended that the army investigate all recent deaths in this battalion, and possibly the rest of the units at Catterick Garrison, to consider whether there had been a cluster of suicides.
It also recommended an investigation into the professional conduct of Colonel Simon Bloodworth, an armed forces duty doctor who is alleged to have initially “refused” to see Hart for a consultation four months before his death.
The consultation did go ahead but it was described by the internal inquiry as “difficult”. Bloodworth determined that Hart’s concerns were welfare-related rather than mental health-related.
Hart is said to have left the consultation shaking and visibly upset, and later told family that he had felt “bullied” and that he was “never going to see a doctor again”.
Bloodworth did not respond to a request for comment. On Monday, at the inquest into Hart's death, he denied telling the soldier to “man up”.
Senior army sources said several doctors at Catterick Garrison don’t appear to take mental health seriously enough. They said the army continues to allow a “stigma” to attach to such cases, and that service personnel are afraid to raise mental health concerns in case it impacts their career prospects.
Tortoise reporting also revealed a pattern of similar failings among soldiers with a known history of mental health problems.
In January 2020 the body of Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan was found in his room at Catterick Garrison. He had been dead for roughly three weeks.
Planned welfare checks over the Christmas period had not been carried out and after the holidays finished his colleagues at Catterick Garrison believed he had left the base for a new posting.
A cause of death has not yet been determined although his wife Beth Mongan has expressed her belief, through a barrister, that he might have killed himself.
Mongan had previously attempted to kill himself and received help from the army. But when he moved battalions in 2017 his status on a suicide risk list wasn’t forwarded to his new unit. The same omission occurred in Hart’s case in 2013. In 2014 an inquest into the death of Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement called the failure to keep her vulnerability records up to date “unforgivably bad”.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the death of any person in the Armed Forces is a tragedy, and that it recognises the profound impact on families and friends. It said suicide prevention is a defence priority.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call The Samaritans at any time for free on 116 123.
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Credit: Family handout A soldier who took his own life at Catterick Garrison had been devastated by the death of a friend at the barracks six months before
Highlander Nicholas Hart was 33-years-old when he was found unresponsive in his barracks at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire in 2022
who had served with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse for several years
had been drinking heavily after the death of his friend
Former soldier David Twiname told an inquest in Northallerton
North Yorkshire: "The effect on Nicki was massive."
Mr Twiname said alcohol became a coping mechanism and Highlander Hart would buy beer and wine from a local superstore and take it back to his accommodation
The witness said he made a conscious decision to be with Highlander Hart as he was worried about his friend's mental health
Mr Twiname described a diagram his comrade showed him which demonstrated how his aim was to kill himself
but to do that he needed to get around obstacles
and has stopped drinking after Highlander Hart's death
Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach said a toxicology report found the amount of alcohol in his system would have put the soldier more than twice the legal drink drive limit when he died
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was hanging
A Service Inquiry Report has found that there were "missed opportunities" in the care he received before he died
He developed post traumatic stress disorder after a 2012 tour of Afghanistan
He served a second tour of Afghanistan in 2020
Highlander Hart sent family members a video in the aftermath of a previous attempt to kill himself in October 2021
He was referred to mental health specialists and attended an appointment two days before his death
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Naafi is to close its Catterick Garrison cafe after continued struggles for the much-loved forces brand
The move follows closures in Winchester, Scarborough and Lancaster which the organisation previously said were linked to "strategic adjustments" after a challenging time on the high street
has provided welfare-based services for military personnel for more than a century
The news has been met with frustration and disappointment
with Catterick-based residents launching a government petition to prevent its closure gaining the support of high-profile Armed Forces champion Antony Cotton
The Coronation Street star took to social media to say he was hoping to engage with Naafi bosses over the closure
adding that the location was a "vital hub for so many in the garrison"
BFBS Forces News understands Mr Cotton will meet senior figures from the organisation on Tuesday
Catterick's Naafi facility is a popular spot for military families based at the UK's largest military garrison and for veterans from across the region
some of whom travel a distance to spend time there.
something that sets it apart from many of its high street rivals
patrons of the business can bring their dogs into the building while enjoying the cakes and brews on offer
Naafi said it was willing to transfer the cafe to a community-led initiative should one emerge
and is even offering to contribute to the rent of the site
It said: "We recognise that this presents an exciting opportunity for the cafe to become a community-led facility
and we would be prepared to support a proportion of the rental cost."
Naafi's Catterick outlet opened less than two years ago and is one of a few final high street locations the charity still operates
Other cafe locations in Gibraltar and Fareham remain open
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RBLI’s Lifeworks employability programme has supported veterans into employment through its four-day course
The outstanding success of the Lifeworks programme is proven as 83% of delegates find a job
or volunteering role within 12 months of completing the course
and school leaving age children of serving Armed Forces personnel and reservists
and family members of veterans who have settled in the area where the course is held can take the Lifeworks programme
The inaugural Lifeworks Families course will be held at Catterick Garrison from October 21st to 24th 2024
with sessions running from 10am to 2pm daily to accommodate busy family schedules
An additional Lifeworks course that is solely for veterans will run alongside the family’s course from 21st to 24 October at Catterick Garrison
Further Lifeworks Families courses will take place in Tidworth from 27 to 30 January
Edinburgh from 24 to 27 March and in Colchester from 12 to 15 May
delegates learn how to develop a CV that is tailored to the job they want
Interview skills are improved through a series of mock interviews that are facilitated by leaders from various sectors of employment
The course is reinforced with 12 months of forward assist support
featuring scheduled check-ins from the wider Lifeworks team to keep participants on target and advancing steadily toward their mission of securing employment
who served in the Parachute Regiment for 24 years in the UK and Afghanistan
“The Families course will run from 10am to 2pm daily to fit around busy family lives
We’re opening the Lifeworks training to family members of serving Armed Forces personnel as they often face unique challenges
such as frequent relocations and the demands of operational deployment
These disruptions can derail careers and limit job prospects
so it’s essential we acknowledge the impact and arm them with the tools to secure the right job — ideally one that moves with them
we also help each person to rebuild their confidence and sharpen their skills to ensure they secure meaningful employment
RBLI’s Lifeworks team includes Armed Forces veterans
Holistic support is provided by RBLI’s dedicated staff teams
including the charity’s Welfare and Housing specialists
Everyone enrolled on the Lifeworks course has access to a free vocational assessment
conducted by one of our psychologists and careers guidance coaches
To register for the Lifeworks course, or find out further information, please telephone freephone 08003196844 email us at lifeworks@rbli.co.uk or go to: https://rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/lifeworks/
By @Cobseo 55 years ago
©2004-2025 Confederation of Service Charities
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In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
Mind the Gap: Join the Place North Viability Gap Campaign
showing the new town square and community hub
With demolition under way and expected to be complete by December this year
North Yorkshire Council has given its backing for the project to proceed despite delays
The improvement of Catterick Garrison town centre was allocated £19m from the Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund programme
and progress on the project was reported to North Yorkshire Council’s executive yesterday
Core elements of the scheme include the creation of a new 20,000 sq ft town square with a community hub; upgrades to Coronation Park
and a community garden area; and associated infrastructure
ground source heat pumps under the town square
Wilmott Dixon was appointed as the contractor on the project in August
and has been working with Align in finalising the design and providing costs for the scheme
This stage is expected to be ready by this December
which will coincide with the completion of the demolition of four buildings
The estimated construction contract price is £14.9m
This will come from the £19m Levelling Up Fund grant
The mixed-use community hub will be a 13,500 sq ft
three storey building with rentable office space on the second floor
and F&B kiosks and seating on the ground floor
This 3,000 sq ft ground floor space will have a double height glass pavilion
and outside will have a 6,500 sq ft outdoor seating and retail area
the project is still deliverable within the original Ministry of Housing
and Local Government timescales that were attached as a condition to the LUF
the council is keen to ensure work can start in January 2025
By transforming Shute Road into an ‘attractive
and inclusive’ space via a new town square with a community centre
the council hopes to improve the town for residents
Cllr Kevin Foster said at the meeting: “I think it’s a great thing to happen for the people of Catterick Garrison
I don’t think [residents] quite believe it’s going to go on
they’re saying it won’t happen
but this is telling me it’s a long way down the road now and it is going to happen
I think it’s a great thing; we’re lucky to have it.”
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The funding will guide regeneration projects spread across 32 towns
with the aim of positioning them for future private and public sector investment
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