RFEA is pleased to announce that, from the beginning of 2018, UNSWIS (Universities in Support of Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Personnel, Veterans, and their Families) will be incorporated within its existing portfolio of programmes to assist wounded, injured and sick (WIS) Service personnel, Veterans and family members make the transition from military life to civilian employment.
UNSWIS was founded at the University of East London in 2012 and currently consists of a network of 50 universities across the UK. UNSWIS universities assist the transition process by providing short work placements, taster visits to university campuses, open days for small groups and individual advisory meetings to discuss employment opportunities and opportunities for further education and training within the university sector.
UNSWIS will retain its name and unique identity as a university based initiative. It will also continue to be an “open source” programme, accepting referrals from all its current charity partners and from all organisations which seek to facilitate the transition process. Its incorporation within the RFEA portfolio will provide a supportive operating environment for UNSWIS and greatly enhance its opportunities to develop the potential of universities to support WIS Service personal, Veterans and family members.
RFEA will deliver the UNSWIS programme through a new role within our team of Employment Relationship Managers. We would like to thank Help for Heroes for funding £47,520 for the initiative. Professor David Rose, Co-founder and Coordinator of UNSWIS will continue his association with UNSWIS in an advisory capacity.
Stephen Gledhill, CEO of RFEA said: “RFEA has worked with UNSWIS for many years and it has given new opportunities to the veterans we support. This is a wonderful opportunity to take forward the initiative and we look forward to working closely with Professor Rose.”
Claire Barnes, Head of Grants at Help for Heroes, said: “Help for Heroes is all about getting the very best support to the wounded servicemen and women and their families whose lives are changed by their injuries and illness. We are delighted to be able to work with other organisations such as RFEA to empower our veterans, give them a second chance at life, and ensure they get the speedy support and opportunities they so richly deserve.”
30.11.17
Notes to editors:
About RFEA:
For further information about RFEA, contact Sarah Stokes, Communications Manager (sarah.stokes@rfea.org.uk or 07805 725238)
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers and veterans, 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.rfea.org.uk
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