Support for Veterans
Military veterans are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed as the general population in the UK.
For some veterans the physical or mental injuries they have sustained following combat or the real social isolation some experience in the civilian world following the security, camaraderie and routine of a life in the armed forces can make securing a stable and settled career especially challenging.
Our employment programme helps veterans who have struggled to find permanent employment because of difficult personal circumstances such as physical injuries, mental health problems, substance misuse issues, homelessness or having a criminal record.
We work with local forces charities to identify veterans who may benefit from our help and source support from local businesses to broker job opportunities for military veterans.
Our support typically includes:
- Personalised assessment to identify support needed and establish goals
- 1-2-1 mentoring, support and training to build skills and confidence
- Development of a ‘working mindset’ – essential workplace behaviours
- Support to secure employment & in-work support
- Access to training, including accredited courses
Our goal is for veterans to progress into sustained employment and gain long-lasting positive changes in their personal circumstances as a result of having a regular salary and routine, the opportunity to learn new skills, increased social interaction and improvements in confidence and feelings of self-worth.
If you work with veterans, are a potential employment partner or would like to discuss developing a veterans employment programme, please email Jill Eckersley, Skills & Justice Manager below:
Do you work with veterans?
We believe in the power of collective action and work in partnership with a range of employment teams from the public and private sector to source the support individuals need. We send a monthly email to our partners outlining the free opportunities available at Groundwork, making it easy to refer into our provision.
Our experience:
Grow, Cook, Eat engaged veterans in fun and informal sessions where participants developed new skills around food growing and cookery, whilst also improving social skills, which in turn help improve their mental and physical health.
Fred was struggling with various aspects of his life due to PTSD. After gaining support from the Groundwork team he managed to get his finances under control and overcome his anxiety; taking public transport and volunteering at a community garden.
Armed Forces Covenant
At Groundwork Greater Manchester, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces, Reserves, Veterans, and their families through all aspects of their employment. We are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served and their families are treated fairly.
