More than 900 veterans made positive progress towards employment with help from The Poppy Factory in 2022-23, as shown in the charity’s new annual report and accounts.
The report highlights increasing demand for our Veteran & Family Services, with a record 531 veterans registering for support – an increase of 7 per cent compared to the previous year.
With help from specialist regional Employment Consultants across England and Wales, veterans with health conditions overcame barriers to start 301 jobs in 2022-23. Many more started work placements, began volunteering, entered full-time education and completed work-related training courses.
Two new services were also launched. The Families Employment Service has enabled family members within the Armed Forces community to access employment support for the first time, while Navigator is helping socially isolated veterans in the North West of England to connect with others in their communities, take part in activities and build confidence and independence.
Thousands of guests, corporate volunteers and supporters also visited The Poppy Factory’s Richmond home in 2022-23, as detailed in the report. They learned about the charity’s unique community and contributed to the vital work of the production team, making Remembrance wreaths and other items for The Royal British Legion. By doing so, they raised vital funds for wider employment support in England and Wales.
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said:
“This has been an important year of growth in which we have extended our support to more members of the Armed Forces community across England and Wales. At the same time, we continue to proudly fulfil our role in Remembrance through production work at our Richmond factory with the help of many wonderful partners and volunteers.
“Record numbers of veterans registered for our employment service and more than 900 accessed support across the year. Each of them has made positive progress towards employment and most have also improved their life stability, health and wellbeing. Our new Families Employment Service is already helping dozens of family members, while our Navigator service is helping veterans chart a new path away from the most difficult of circumstances.
“The positive impact of these services, and the personal successes of each veteran and family member, could not be achieved without the close collaboration of our many partner charities, agencies and organisations. These relationships will continue to be essential as we help the Armed Forces community tackle the challenges of the future.”
The annual report was agreed by trustees and members at the charity’s AGM in Richmond on 21 March. During the meeting, The Poppy Factory’s President, Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, presented a cheque to James Lambert, Trustee of The Royal British Legion. Funds raised on its behalf by The Poppy Factory, through donations at the annual Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, totalled £10,828.
