19/10/2016 - Permalink

New veteran project helps ex-service person gain employment

Related topics: Adult social care / Health

An ex-service person suffering from mental health has now gained employment, thanks to a new project which helps veterans get back into work.

The “Home Straight – Supporting Veterans into Employment” project, provided by Shropshire Council’s Enable service and charity Walking with the Wounded, offers individualised support in finding the right job for each person, as well as time-unlimited assistance in the job, to both the veteran and the employer.

The scheme helps veterans to gain the skills and qualifications necessary to develop new careers outside the military – providing long-term security for themselves and their families.

Ex Lance Corporal Kevin Hunter, 58, left the Armed Forces in 1980. Following a serious incident which left him injured and traumatised, Kevin became withdrawn and depressed.

An ex-service person using professional skills, having been supported by Enable

The following is an account about Kevin’s experience and how he came to seek help and support through the veterans project.

Kevin had enjoyed his time in the Forces, but wanted to embark on new and exciting challenges. He joined the Northumberland Fusiliers (Territorial Army) on discharge from the regular Army, while he settled in to civilian life comfortably.

Kevin went onto become a maintenance manager at a grammar school – a role that he thoroughly enjoyed. Life was good for Kevin for many years after discharge, he was content; he had a great job and a happy marriage. Unfortunately, this changed when Kevin was involved in an incident one day that would leave him injured and traumatised without knowing where to turn.

As a result of the trauma, he soon became depressed and anxious about how his life seemed to be slipping away from him. In the process, Kevin was forced to give up his job – it felt impossible for him to return, as he would be haunted by flashbacks on such a frequent basis. This lead to him drinking increasingly, which resulted in the breakdown of his marriage.

After several months Kevin made the decision to contact his local Community Mental Health Team, who went on to put him in touch with the Veterans Mental Health Network. With support from the two agencies through counselling sessions and therapy, Kevin’s mood slowly began to lift enough for him to drastically cut down on drinking.

Months later, Kevin’s therapist got in touch with supported employment service, Enable, who work with veterans charity, Walking with the Wounded, to help ex-service people into civilian employment through their “Home Straight” project. Kevin had made huge progress and was keen to get back into work, and Enable was happy to help.

With the help of one of Enable’s employment mentors, Kevin finally felt like he was getting his life back and was well enough to complete job applications and attend interviews. He had several interviews where he disclosed his mental health issues to the potential employer – stating that with the help of medication, therapy and his employment mentor, his lifestyle had improved drastically.

Kevin said:-

“Without the help of the mentors on Home Straight I would not be in the position I am today. They helped build up my self-confidence and my belief that I could improve my life. I’m made up with the work they do and have done for me. My life has turned round and I am able to discuss my past without fear of returning to my old ways. I’m more positive because of the help they and the mental health team have given me…I know I’ll have the support as long as Enable are around.”

Kevin was eventually offered employment in a local nursing home. He made the brave decision to disclose his mental health needs, which has allowed the employer to fully understand and support him in his return to work. Kevin has also seen improvements in other part of his life – he and his ex-wife are now talking on a regular basis and are slowly rebuilding their relationship.

Kevin added:-

“Walking with the Wounded are doing a terrific job in helping Veterans back into employment. Having a job I enjoy and look forward to going to certainly helped me get my life back in order.”

Kevin says that taking the first step and seeking help was the hardest thing he has done, but now looks back and agrees it was also the best.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adults, commented on Kevin’s bravery to tell his story:

“I would like to thank Kevin for being courageous enough to tell his story, and commend him for gaining the strength to seek help. I hope his story resonates with other veterans who may have experienced trauma, and lets them know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Help and support is here to for them to get their life back on track.”

If you are a veteran seeking employment, or if you are a business interested in employing a veteran, contact Enable on 01743 27690007990 085334 or email enable@shropshire.gov.uk. 

Further information

Enable

Enable is a specialist organisation, designed to support people into work. Enable’s main focus is to assist individuals with disabilities and mental health needs to find the right job that suits them. Enable delivers positive, individualised recruitment, as well as a comprehensive package of ongoing advice, guidance and support to both the client and the employer.

Enable works with employers to find good quality staff. With over 20 years of experience, the organisation has a proven track record of ensuring that clients find a career path that suits their interests – helping them to remain motivated. Enable is a Centre of Excellence recognised by the Centre for Mental Health who encourage Individual Placement Support (IPS). This provides the framework to support people in their efforts to achieve steady employment in mainstream competitive jobs.

Enable firmly believes that employment improves health and builds self-worth, as well as bringing financial and social independence. This is something that the organisation works closely with each of their clients to achieve. With the help of innovative employment schemes and approaches, Enable constantly strives to perform above the national average.

Walking with the Wounded

Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) was established in 2010 to raise funds for the re-education and re-training of our wounded servicemen and women. WWTW helps fund training and education to help them find a career, so that they can support themselves and re-build a life in the civilian work place. Without just focusing on those leaving the services today – the lack of awareness of the impact of physical and mental injury dates back to the Falklands and Northern Ireland. WWTW aims to provide a support network to all injured veterans.