A grant of £20,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will play a significant role in delivering the SkillForce Veterans’ Support Programme during the coming 12 months. The funds will provide practical support to former Armed Forces Veterans who have ended up at risk of being in Police custody as they attempt to return to civilian life.
The Programme provides mentors who reach out to Veterans, developing their confidence, resilience and self-esteem, and helping them to make positive choices towards their future. The programme uses peer Veteran-to-Veteran support, offering opportunities for vulnerable individuals to engage with an experienced, professionally qualified ex-Service mentor who gives beneficiaries the time and space to talk about matters that are of concern to them.
CEO of SkillForce, Ben Slade, said:
“SkillForce has helped to train and find employment for over 700 former Armed Forces personnel. Since its inception, the organisation has sought to keep the tenets of the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that those who serve or have served are treated fairly – a promise it put in writing.
“The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund has generously given the means to take that further and to give something back to former Armed Forces personnel who have stumbled as they return to civilian life. It is a sad fact that for some who have given so much, the ability to sustain a happy and fulfilling life once their period of Service is at an end, presents a significant challenge.
“The Veterans’ Support Programme provides support from a Service Veteran who works collaboratively with other agencies to ensure that proper support is in place for those Veterans who have not transitioned well to civilian life.
“I am very proud of the work of the SkillForce mentors and I am delighted that SkillForce can continue to support the hard work and dedication of the Defence community.”
