Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund will be collaborating with veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress and RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity in a three-year partnership to improve the transition to civilian life for veterans and their families.
Working closely with Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund, the two military charities will focus on those most in need, with Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund providing grants to both organisations to deliver two groundbreaking projects over the three-year partnership.
RFEA’s grant will help extend their Families Programme, devised to help partners of current and former servicemen and women into employment. Many face unique challenges getting back into work, and the programme aims to help those affected understand how their skills fit potential jobs, develop their strengths, and utilise the charity’s extensive network of employers.
Combat Stress will use their grant to conduct pioneering research into a new Occupational Therapy intervention called ‘sensory modulation’. This practice helps veterans with mental health problems understand their senses and gives them coping strategies to ground and calm themselves in stressful or anxious situations. This prevents them from resorting instead to harmful behaviours and allows them to lead fulfilling civilian lives and careers.
Ed Butler, Chair of Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund said:
“Combat Stress and RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity are the perfect partners to work with as our aims are so well aligned.
“We are excited about the opportunity this impactful collaboration gives us to unite and address two significant issues facing the military charity sector. Through this unique approach, we can bring together the skills and expertise of these two outstanding organisations to better support veterans and their families.”
Alistair Halliday, RFEA’s Chief Executive said:
“Military spouses and partners face a unique set of complex challenges when seeking employment. We are incredibly proud of the difference our Families Programme has already made to those who have entered our programme and are extremely grateful for the support we have received to enable us to carry out this vital work. This funding means that we can now reach even more people through our programme and continue to enhance the lives of military spouses for many more years to come.”
Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress said:
“Veterans with complex mental health issues face a number of challenges after leaving the armed forces. The support and funding from Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund will allow us to increase our understanding of how the use of sensory modulation can enhance the lives and careers of veterans with mental health problems.”
In addition to the funding, the three organisations will work together closely with the Lloyd’s Military Network. RFEA will focus on developing employment opportunities across the industry, while Combat Stress equips Lloyd’s market companies and their staff with the tools and techniques needed to support the veterans and their families working in the sector.
For more information please contact Conor Walsh, Press Office Assistant, on 01372 587162 or at Conor.Walsh@combatstress.org.uk, or Kristy MacLeod, on 07778 842274 or at, kristy.macleod@rfea.org.uk.
About Combat Stress:
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For 100 years we’ve helped former servicemen and women deal with trauma-related mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our services have constantly evolved to best meet the needs of the veterans who seek our help. No one else does what we do. We are the only organisation in the UK that specialises in veterans with complex mental health needs. Our unique specialist services are life-changing and often lifesaving, helping veterans tackle the past and take on the future.
Find out more at combatstress.org.uk.
About RFEA:
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.
www.facebook.com/RFEATheForcesEmploymentCharity/
About Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund:
Founded in 1803, Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund is the oldest military charity of its kind. We are proud of our history and contributions to support the armed forces community on behalf of the Lloyd’s market. Today, we focus on improving the transition to civilian life for veterans and their families who need the most help. Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund unites support from the market to aid the successful transition to civilian life for veterans and their families to ensure successful futures.
Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund is independent of Lloyd’s, the world specialist insurance market and Lloyd’s Lloyd’s is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant, the Lloyd’s Military Network and wider.
Further details: www.lloyds.com/about-lloyds/responsible-business/community-involvement/lloyds-patriotic-fund
