Beyond The Battlefield

10/10/2026

💛 World Mental Health Day — how are you today, mate?

At Beyond The Battlefield, we remind you: you’re not alone. Share your number below, have a brew, and check on your mate. A little conversation can make a big difference.

All Three Services. One Community.

25/09/2026

Beyond the Battlefield welcomed a visit today from Davy, George, our friends at Scrabo Residents Association and the community psni team for the Ards area. It was our pleasure to do a tour of the veterans homeless centre in Portavogie. We talked about our founder and chairman Robert McCartney and the great work and services delivered by the team for our homeless veterans and how we find solutions to progress them into permanent housing, employment, education and reintegration back into communities. We also talked about the Office of Veterans Affairs in London and the funding administered to us through Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and what Beyond the Battlefield have achieved for Northern Ireland veterans and their families. We have received the funding support of the AFCFT allowing us to deliver our portfolio of services to N. I. and beyond. Once the Centre was up and running we had further funding for much needed Night Welfare Staff. Annemarie also talked about our current building project in terms of additional funding and accommodation for homeless veterans. We explained to the Scrabo Residents Association the step by step process of what happens when a veteran presents as homeless and the hard work and passion that goes into turning their life around for future stability and for them and their families to reintegrate. Davy, George and the group we received from Ards today were good fun, really relaxed and told us of the importance of their good work with their own community in Ards Scrabo Residents Association. Some of the courses they attended in terms of support and skills for their group and the great work they do for residents in Scrabo, was a pleasure to hear of.
It was my absolute pleasure to host this group today and heartwarming to see some dear friends from Ards! Thanks to everyone in your Association today for your generous donations to support Beyond the Battlefield veterans centre. I hope and trust you all come back someday soon!
Robert McCartney Chairman & Founder
Annemarie Hastings
Chief Executive Officer.

17/09/2026

🏠 A HOUSE ISN’T ENOUGH — IT HAS TO BE SAFE.

On Monday, Beyond The Battlefield met with elected representatives to explain our housing and homelessness project ENHANCE, which is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust discuss one of the biggest challenges facing some of our veterans — safe and suitable housing.

Representing Beyond The Battlefield:

Ben Smyth – Housing & Welfare Support Officer
James Knox – Head of Policy & Public Affairs

Meeting with:

Peter Martin MLA – North Down
David Brooks MLA – East Belfast
Cllr Eva Cahoon – Mid Ulster District Council

We discussed and agreed wholeheartedly Housing a veteran isn’t simply about finding an empty property. It’s about finding somewhere they can safely call home.

• Location matters.

• Family support matters.

• Community and personal circumstances matter.

• And above all — the veteran’s safety and wellbeing matter.

An available house isn’t necessarily a suitable house.

We need a housing system that listens to the individual veteran, understands their circumstances and recognises genuine concerns about where they can safely live.

At Beyond The Battlefield, we’ll continue advocating for veterans and working with elected representatives, housing providers and other organisations to push these issues forward.

Veteran’s don’t want just a roof over their head.

They want somewhere safe, secure and supported — somewhere they can rebuild and move forward. 🇬🇧

Ben Smyth
Housing & Welfare Support Officer
Beyond The Battlefield

10/09/2026

🌍🌏🌎 WORLD SU***DE PREVENTION DAY – 10 SEPTEMBER 🧡

Today is a reminder to check in on the people around us.

For veterans, serving personnel, families, friends — and anyone fighting a battle others cannot see — you do not have to face it alone.

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply ask:

“Mate, are you alright?”

And then stay long enough to hear the answer.

🧡 Talk.
🧡 Listen.
🧡 Check on your mates.
🧡 Be there without judgement.

If you’re struggling, reach out. If you think someone else is struggling, reach in.

One conversation can make a difference.
One check-in can save a life.

Together, we can save lives.

08/09/2026

Membership for the NIDAA is now live for further information click link below

Northern Ireland Disabled Anglers Association at membermojo.

08/09/2026

Please see below for information on the Disabled Person's Allowance and how to apply.

08/09/2026

Please see below for information on the Lone Pensioner Allowance and how to apply.

03/09/2026

100 days until applications close.

If you were affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban between 1967 and 2000, there isn’t much time left to put your application for recognition together.

If you need help, support is available to talk through the process, answer your questions and help you with your application.

Don’t wait. Get the support you need and start your application now.

Applications close: 12 December 2026.

Visit: gov.uk/affected-by-the-ban

26/07/2026

☕ TUESDAY COFFEE & SCONES ☕

Looking for good company, a friendly chat, and a warm welcome?

Join us every Tuesday at 10:00am at Harbour House – Beyond The Battlefield, Portavogie.

Whether you’re a veteran, currently serving, a reservist, or a veteran or serving member of the emergency services, you’ll find a relaxed, supportive environment where you can enjoy a coffee, a fresh scone, and connect with others who understand.

Partners, family members, and friends are also very welcome to come along, because support is stronger when it’s shared.

No appointments. No pressure. Just a friendly place to meet, chat, make new connections, and support one another.

📍 Harbour House – Beyond The Battlefield
64 New Harbour Road, Portavogie, BT22 1EB

📅 Every Tuesday
🕙 10:00am

📞 Call, Text or WhatsApp: 07395 316743
📧 [email protected]

All Three Services. One Community. Together, We’re Stronger. Everyone is Welcome.

Please like, comment, and share to help us reach someone who could benefit from joining us. You never know who might need a brew, a chat, and a reminder that they’re not alone. 🇬🇧☕💙