Armed Forces worker invited to Number 10

Lianne Bradbury, armed and uniformed services co-ordinator for the University, has been invited to Downing Street to meet with David Cameron and talk about her work.

The Conservative leader has invited Lianne to a reception to celebrate her work with the University on a project paid for by the LIBOR fund.

This is a £35 million funding pot created from fines levied on banks for attempting to manipulate LIBOR rates and earmarked for use in supporting the armed forces community.

The University made a successful bid for a share of the money for a scheme called Supporting the Unsung Hero.

The project offers a business start-up programme for the dependants of serving Armed Forces personnel, Reservists and Veterans to enable them not only to financially support their family but integrate them into the local civilian community.

The 10-month programme offers information and advice on self-employment, a business start-up course and individual and group mentoring with business advisers from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.  

The project will be delivered through the Wolverhampton Business Solutions Centre in conjunction with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and The Ministry of Defence Hive Information Service.

Further information on the programme can be found on the University website at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/supportingtheunsunghero.

On Tuesday (October 29), Lianne Bradbury will visit Number 10 and speak with the Prime Minister, updating Mr Cameron on the progress of the project.

Lianne said: “It is a very exciting opportunity for the University. The LIBOR fund has provided us with the opportunity to introduce the Supporting the Unsung Hero project, which has enabled us to strengthen out ties with the Armed Forces. 

“The programme will provide valuable skills and knowledge to our military families and allow them to integrate in to the local community. 

“The families that have already committed to the programme are excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity it provides for self-development and potential future stability for their military family.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Jones in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Monday 28 October 2013