After serving for more than 10 years in the Parachute Regiment, Daniel found it hard to settle in civilian employment. With support from The Poppy Factory, he has gained a …
Sustainable energy gives Keith his second wind
Keith Watkinson enjoyed a successful Army career, serving in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq. Then he had equal success running his own business, until addiction and PTSD took …
Support helps Dorando smooth out plasterer training
Former soldier Dorando Orsi went through a turbulent time in the civilian world. With employment support from Remploy, The Poppy Factory, and Armed Forces Bikers, the 53-year-old from Ceredigion is …
Nurse Sarah delivers a new kind of care
Following a successful Army nursing career, mum-of-one Sarah Groves encountered tough times but was determined to get back into work again. Although it has been a long journey, she is …
A clean break for Phil
Phil enjoyed a long career in the Army and then the police. After considering retirement and his next steps, the isolation of Covid-19 left Phil feeling like he wanted to …
New job helps Gary find the right balance
Longstanding neck and back problems meant former soldier Gary Hiett could no longer do the heavy lifting work he had done for years. After being made redundant, he gained …
Richard uses his experiences to teach the next generation of soldiers
Richard joined the Army when he was 19 years old. The experience of losing comrades in Afghanistan and Iraq led to very difficult times in the civilian world. But with …
Adaptation is rewarding for ex-Forces patient David
A combination of health conditions and low self-confidence left former soldier David struggling to see a way back into employment in his 50s. After his GP referred him for employment …
Gary regains the power to inspire through fitness
Gary Hart, from West Sussex, experienced a lot during his time in the Armed Forces – first in the Royal Navy and then in the Army as a member of …
Steven is riding tall after recovery
Steven, 25, thought joining the Army would be the escape he needed. But after being discharged he found himself slipping further down the road of alcohol and drug addiction. With …
Army veteran Josh weathers Covid-19 downturn with hospital work
This week is Men’s Health Week, offering an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health and wellbeing. For many of the veterans we’ve supported …
John secures a new job at 60
Former soldier John could no longer continue with the tough building work that he had done for 30 years. Opportunities seemed to be few near his home in the North …
Liam turns his love of dogs into a business
Just one year after being recruited into the Royal Marines, Liam’s dreams of a long military career were cut short by a serious back injury. Then the 24-year-old from North …
Helping Tony and Lou get back on the road
Tony and Lou Jennings, from Telford, have faced life’s challenges together over nearly 30 years. When 57-year-old Tony lost his job, they were struggling with their finances and asked for …
Former soldier Norris helps people connect digitally
Norris, 34, was injured in Afghanistan and struggled to settle in a new job after being discharged. With employment support he has found a new sense of purpose with telecommunications …
Pandemic stories
Our employment support has helped secure more than 240 jobs for veterans with mental and physical health conditions since the first UK lockdown. See the impact of our work during …
Captain Tom Lane takes on 125km Highland challenge for veterans
A serving Army captain is gearing up for a gruelling challenge in one of the most remote parts of the UK on behalf of veterans with health conditions. Despite never …
Bob joins Ambulance Service at height of pandemic
After serving in the Royal Military Police, Bob experienced some difficulties in his civilian career that had a serious impact on his mental health. With support from The Poppy Factory, …
Supporting Musa to step out from isolation
Former Infantryman Musa Jallow, 39, was isolated and struggling with his mental health. He thought he would never have the confidence to work again. With employment support he is finding …
Michael’s long journey to a secure home and future
After leaving the Army, Michael Murphy, 40, was hit by a series of family tragedies and went through a very difficult time. With employment support he was able to find …
Donna overcomes challenges to join support network for South Wales veterans
Army veteran Donna Purnell, 36, from Ammanford, experienced mental health challenges and reached breaking point years after leaving service. With joint support from Veterans NHS Wales, Change Step and The …
RAF veteran Andy soars in new role after turbulent times
During a 12-year RAF career, Andy Jones worked on Tornado engines, joined a helicopter Search and Rescue crew and served alongside ambulance crews as a military co-responder. The father-of-one from …
Ronnie will run his own marathon to support fellow veterans into work
A veteran soldier from Lincoln is taking on a marathon-length challenge to help others who are wounded, injured and sick and struggling to get back into employment. Ronnie Smith was …
100 Lives: RAF veteran Jim gets new career off the ground after stroke recovery
Jim served for many years in the RAF and in public service until a stroke left him temporarily paralysed down one side, bringing a sudden end to his career and …
100 Lives: Building a strong foundation to weather challenging times
Former soldier Keiren, 30, was on a self-destructive path after developing post-traumatic stress disorder from his time in Afghanistan, but with support he was able to turn his life around. …
Steve seeks support to weather the storm
After serving a full 23 years in the Royal Navy, Steve enjoyed a successful career in the NHS until drinking, depression and debt took their toll. With support from The …
100 Lives: Gareth takes stock and moves forward
Gareth Norburn, 39, served in the Royal Military Police until he was knocked down by a car while out running near his Telford barracks. After extensive surgery and rehabilitation, Gareth …
1OO Lives: Life beyond The Rifles for Dean
Former soldier Dean Paget, from Pontypool, served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Afghanistan. After completing a 24-year career in the Army he struggled to fit into the civilian world. …
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