The welfare of war veterans is a major social problem; many end up homeless, unemployed, divorced and develop drug or alcohol problems and resort to crime, writes Graham Hopkins. It is estimated that 20 per cent of the population is made up of people who are ex-armed services themselves, dependants of veterans, or carers of veterans. Despite the political sensitivity of how the state treats veterans, this new website boasts an arsenal of targeted information, including service records, military graves, and how to claim a war pension. Although there is an ill-disciplined use of apostrophes, it stands to attention well.
This renovated site of the Lancashire Children's Rights Service - for and by children and young people being looked after - is home to rooms of fun, advice and help. It provides news (the council is to close six children's homes and children are offered help with the consultation) and information (an "advocate" is someone that can help you have a say about your life). This is a packed house worth visiting.
Despite the grave implications of its initials, this Research In Practice site seeks to "bring busy child care practitioners, managers and planners information about and access to good services of research evidence". They had better not be too busy as I waited a lifetime for this site to move. But I only had access to the open areas. Hopefully partners (at £9k a time) or members (£3k) get to zip about at death-defying speed. I can only applaud any attempt "to connect practice and research" - I'd just wish they'd connect it a bit faster. Jazzy logo, though.
