The public are being urged to help our veterans back into work by adding their messages of support to a campaign starting Monday 25th June by The Poppy Factory, the UK’s leading employability charity for ex-Service men and women with disabilities.
The charity, which supports veterans with disabilities into work across the UK, is asking people to help it reach its goal of supporting 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into work by the end of the summer, by posting a good luck message to a veteran for their first day in their new job.
By including the phrase #1000messages in posts on social media during Armed Forces Week (25th – 30th June), people will be helping The Poppy Factory connect with more veterans with health conditions across the country, helping each one to harness their unique skills and abilities and move into long term employment.
The Poppy Factory’s Chief Executive Deirdre Mills said:
“The Poppy Factory has already helped over 950 veterans with disabilities back into work across the UK. By getting behind our #1000messages campaign and making us your charity of choice during Armed Forces Week, you can help us hit our target of supporting 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into meaningful and sustained employment by the end of the summer. This will mean so much to our veteran community and will have a great impact upon their lives.”
Speaking about his support from The Poppy Factory, veteran Steve said:
“About three years ago, I was diagnosed with having complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of my Service. I began to, very quickly, push people away; my family life and my employment. PTSD impacted my life in every which way. The Army taught me some amazing things in life, and with my condition those things were stripped away very quickly. But The Poppy Factory helped me pick that back up, piece it back together and move forward. Today, I feel healthier and I feel more engaged with my family. I also have a massive sense of purpose; my son has a dad back and my wife has a husband back”
The first day of a new job is nerve-wracking, especially when it’s doing something you have never done before, and for many veterans, this could be their first civilian job since leaving the Forces. A good luck message could really help give confidence to someone on their first day. People can share their messages by video or image on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #1000messages and tagging The Poppy Factory – Twitter: @poppyfactory / Facebook: @ThePoppyFactory / Instagram: @thepoppyfactory.
The Poppy Factory will also be at Richmond Station on Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th June asking for messages of support so please pop down and offer your support.
Notes to editors
About The Poppy Factory:
The Poppy Factory (TPF) is the country’s leading employability organisation for veterans with disabilities. From its base in Richmond, Surrey, the charity provides tailored support across England and Wales to help ex-Forces men and women with disabilities or health challenges to return to meaningful work.
TPF works with many businesses around the country to transform the way employers think about employing disabled people.
The charity has helped over 950 individuals into work since it started its Getting You Back to Work programme in 2010. The Poppy Factory aims to deliver the most effective support for its veterans and the service is built upon a solid evidence base. This has ensured that over 70% of veterans TPF has supported into work, remain in work for 12 months or longer (which compares significantly higher than other services).
If you would like to support us or know more about our work please visit www.poppyfactory.org
TPF also employs around 30 veterans and dependents with health challenges at its factory in Richmond, producing Remembrance products for the Royal Family and for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
For more information, please contact Joanna at joannaj@poppyfactory.org
