Julius Wolff-Ingham, one of The Poppy Factory’s longest-serving Trustees, has been awarded an OBE for services to charitable fundraising. Julius joined our charity as a Trustee in 2014 and has …
London Veterans Partnership will strengthen support for capital’s ex-Forces community
London’s diverse ex-Forces community will be offered more connected support through a new partnership that unites organisations working with veterans who have mental health needs. Funded by The Armed Forces …
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 …
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 …
Field of Remembrance 2021: Photo gallery of plots
Here you can see our photo gallery of all 308 plots laid out at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Hover over each thumbnail image to see the plot …
Joining forces to support veterans
OCS Group UK and The Poppy Factory join forces to support veterans with health conditions into sustainable employment OCS Group UK, a UK facilities management company and part of the …
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 …
Veterans’ Minister and OVA Director discuss ex-Forces employment support at The Poppy Factory
The Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP, and the Director of the Office for Veterans Affairs, Jessie Owen, paid a visit to The Poppy Factory on Wednesday, …
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 …
Ex-Forces patients benefit from NHS-backed employment support
Ex-Forces patients who are being treated for mental and physical health conditions can now access one-to-one employment support through pilot projects backed by NHS England. Health professionals can refer veterans …
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 …
Armed Forces Week: Working together on job opportunities, equipment and training
As the UK celebrates the contribution of veterans during Armed Forces Week, we look at how a partnership between specialist charities is helping ex-Forces job seekers with health conditions to …
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 …
HSBC UK’s Great May Escape will help change veterans’ lives
HSBC UK workers have pledged to help change veterans’ lives this summer by stepping up to the challenge of The Great May Escape, a month-long fundraiser focused on wellbeing. Colleagues …
Employability Day 2021: Supporting veterans beyond Covid-19
This Employability Day (April 30) offers a unique opportunity to look back on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, while thinking about how to support people through the employment challenges ahead. …
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 …
Remembering HRH Prince Philip
As the nation comes together to mourn the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we are proud to look back at his regular attendance for nearly 70 years …
Stress Awareness Month: Helping veterans overcome stress
Many of us have experienced stress in some form or another. Especially over the past year, when so many things have changed. Our work routines have been disrupted and our …
New funding extends Drapers’ support for wounded and sick veterans
More wounded, injured and sick veterans will be supported into employment thanks to new funding awarded by the Drapers’ Company. The philanthropy organisation has agreed a three-year grant towards employment …
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 …
Annual General Meeting 2021
Our 2021 AGM will be held virtually on March 25. All members will receive an email invitation with a link to join. Please email admin@poppyfactory.org if you do not receive …
Veterans with health conditions supported into more than 200 jobs since lockdown
More than 200 jobs have been secured by veterans with mental and physical health conditions since the first UK lockdown, following employment support from The Poppy Factory. The charity has …
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, …
Funding will help more RAF veterans move into employment
RAF veterans with health conditions will be supported back into work throughout the challenges of the next 12 months, through further funding from the RAF Benevolent Fund. The Fund has …
Christmas party funds can change lives in 2021
With the office Christmas party likely to be online-only this year, companies are urged to use any savings to help change the lives of some of the most isolated in …