Defence Humanists

Defence Humanists is a growing body of non-religious servicemen and women, their Families, Veterans and MOD Civilian Staff.

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

We welcome the Third Reading of the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill, which aims to create an 'independent champion for those who serve and their families'. The Commissioner will hold defence to account and drive improvements to service life.

https://t.co/cg9Rhmrt68

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

Our President, Dr Roger Hutton, appeared on BBC Radio 4's flagship religion and belief series Beyond Belief, making the case for non-religious pastoral care for the armed forces, which the Ministry of Defence is about to introduce. https://t.co/aM77NQ7c2U

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

Congratulations on our President @rogerxhutton becoming a patron for @Humanists_UK. Let's hope it doesn't interfere too much with his retirement plan of skiing and Netflix box sets.

[Fighting With Pride @fightingwpride]

‘In denying LGBT veterans the promised Parliamentary debate the government is failing to match their courage - this is an unacceptable act of erasure.’

Terribly frustrating news for our community to wake up to. FWP will continue pushing for the debate our community deserves.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[NRPSN @NRPSN]

We are delighted that NRPSN practitioners can now apply to serve alongside religious colleagues.

This is a wonderful milestone and we can’t wait to work with each service to help build diverse, responsive teams to support military personnel.

https://t.co/kSVXnmnyxv

[Humanists UK @Humanists_UK]

@DefenceHQ With 40% of UK armed forces personnel defining themselves as having no religion, rising to 50% among younger personnel, there is a clear and increasing need for non-religious pastoral care. It simply means more people getting the care they need, when they need it.

[Humanists UK @Humanists_UK]

We have made history this morning.

@DefenceHQ has announced, for the very first time, that it will recruit non-religious pastoral support officers. The intention is to recruit three staff members – one each for the Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force.

https://t.co/OpKk5ZgmMg

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

@DefenceHQ This is about supporting the brave men and women of Britain’s Armed Forces through the many challenges of a Service career. And that, in turn, can only be good for the nation’s defence in these troubled times.

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

We have long aspired to be able to provide serving non-religious personnel with like-minded pastoral support. Now, that will become a reality, as @DefenceHQ has announced it will recruit 3 non-religious pastoral support officers. An historic achievement.

https://t.co/IRcEhBjmR7

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

@DefenceHQ We have worked closely and productively with the @DefenceHQ to achieve this and are grateful that they, with the full support of the existing religious chaplaincy, are taking this important step.

[Humanists UK @Humanists_UK]

Yesterday, our Chief Executive @andrewcopson laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, on behalf of non-religious armed forces personnel and their families. For the first time, the BBC announcer said faiths 'and beliefs' during the broadcast. An historic moment. #Remembrance

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

@andrewcopson @rnzz99 Would love to be able to reach out to a wider audience but there's always been hurdles that we've not been able to solve. We'll consider options again for next year. @HANDNetworkUK

[MOD HAND Network @HANDNetworkUK]

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them. #RemembranceDay2023 #LestWeForget

[Dr Roger Hutton @rogerxhutton]

A short blog on Remembrance.
https://t.co/Nz8TU0CcVm

[Office for Veterans' Affairs @VeteransGovUK]

Veterans can travel to & from services of remembrance by train for free anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November. 🎖️

Those attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph can travel to any London terminal for free on Saturday 11 November or on the day.

[MOD HAND Network @HANDNetworkUK]

Pleased to highlight our new monthly online check-in sessions - the HAND ‘High 5’ 🖐🏽🖐🏼🖐🏿🖐🏾🖐🏻 where you can connect and find mutual support.
The next one is on 19 Oct at 1230-1330.
Full info here: https://t.co/4XLY0tI2u4

[Kathy Syfret @MortenKathy]

Leaving this here for anyone who needs it, or feels that it is worth sharing.

Please remember that whatever you’re going through, this world is a better place with you in it.

#MentalHealthMatters

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

Our friends in the MOD HAND network represented the UK Defence Humanists at the World Humanists Congress.

[MOD HAND Network @HANDNetworkUK]

This year’s World Humanist Congress 2023 was focussed on improving democracy. Inspiring words from today’s keynote speakers on Freedom of Religion and Belief: @NazilaGhanea (UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB) and Abid Raja (Chair and founding member of @IPP_FoRB).

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

@Humanists_UK Thanks for a great weekend. See you all in Cardiff.

[Defence Humanists @DHumanists]

Thanks to @AdamRutherford for showing that we're all probably directly related to great military leaders such as Nelson, Wellington and whatever the RAF equivalent is. Maybe Biggles? #Humanists2023.