Step Together Volunteering is launching a pilot project to support women experiencing medical discharge in the Armed Forces community.
Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, “Step ToGetHer” will seek to support female veterans and serving women who are on recovery duty, to improve their confidence and wellbeing through one-to-one coaching and peer support.
The project will be delivered by the charity, Step Together Volunteering. Their female Armed Forces Community staff team aims to help women improve their confidence, connections, support networks and skills, to help their transition into civilian employment or training, following service in the Armed Forces.
Women account for only 11% of the Armed Forces workforce, and female veterans and personnel on recovery duty (PRD) can find themselves feeling lonely and isolated.
Women are less likely to engage with veteran-specific services. Step Together Volunteering consulted with female veterans and PRD, who overwhelmingly felt that connecting with other women in similar circumstances to share experiences and advice would be helpful.
The Step ToGetHer project was created in response to the unique challenges faced by women within the Armed Forces Community, especially those who have been or will be medically discharged, to address the gender-specific needs they experience.
The pilot scheme will be overseen by two members of Step Together Volunteering’s female project team. Both of whom have lived experience of the Armed Forces Community.
Senior Project Manager, Laura Dobson, said:
“I am delighted that we are now ready to provide an extra level of tailored support to female service personnel going through the medical discharge process. Based on shared experience, empathy and respect, the project will be led by two facilitators with lived experience. They will be able to deliver opportunities for women to come together in confidence, share experiences, give and receive support”.
Established in 1994, Step Together Volunteering has been supporting members of the Armed Forces Community for almost 15 years, through bespoke one-to-one coaching and supported community volunteering placements.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Step ToGetHer project, or would like to find out more, please get in touch by e-mailing Laura.dobson@step-together.org.uk , visiting our website, social media or calling 0117 955 9042.
Step Together Volunteering supports Veterans and Personnel on Recovery Duty. Whilst this project is aimed at women, Step Together Volunteering welcomes and provides support for all genders within the Armed Forces Community.
