SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, assists all service persons, veterans and their families in their times of need. One time that inevitably causes stress is the transition from a life in service to being a ‘civvy’. To assist those struggling with this transition, SSAFA has a dedicated Mentoring Team. Partly funded in 2023 with a grant of £25,875 from The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, to which SSAFA gives grateful thanks.
People react differently to leaving their life in the Forces behind; many are delighted by the prospect of a whole new way of life, but some struggle with the huge change that looms towards them. SSAFA’s mentors are there, ready to throw a lifeline whenever help is needed.
Over 20 years in the Royal Marines did not prepare Scott Cruickshank’s father for the irregular nature of civilian life. Soon after leaving the forces, he was made redundant from his job. The financial pressure of paying for housing and looking after the children whilst unemployed was causing great distress. This is when he turned to SSAFA. Scott’s father was so inspired by the help he received from the charity that he went on to become a volunteer caseworker. His son, Scott, remembers the help that SSAFA gave his family when he was young. Scott is looking at training as a SSAFA mentor because his cybersecurity company already actively recruits and assists veterans in their move from the Armed Forces, to a civilian career and he wants to give them more informed support.
Scott said:
“I want to give back and support people, in the same way my family were supported. It is really important to me to help people who are in the same situation that we found ourselves in.”
SSAFA’s Mentoring service is available to anyone in the process of leaving the Armed Forces, or who have left within the last two years – and their families. The service’s aims include helping to combat debt, enable financial stability, improve mental health and facilitate the transition to civilian life.
It is possible to be refereed, or self-refer, via a form on the SSAFA website. Go to https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/joining-civvy-street/transitional-mentoring-for-service-leavers
For more information about The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity visit: www.rnrmc.org.uk
