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 weight …
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 …
11 Elevens Remembrance Challenge raises over £20k
A group of dedicated military supporters have raised over £20,000 in support of The Poppy Factory and The Forces Children Trust. The 11 Elevens Remembrance challenge team ran 11km each …
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 …
New pilot will combine housing and employment support for veterans
Veterans with health conditions who are supported by leading housing provider Stoll will also be offered employment support from The Poppy Factory through a new partnership launching this week. The …
New Chair and Vice Chair
The Poppy Factory’s Board of Trustees plays a vital role in overseeing our work as a charity and helping to shape and guide our strategy. On November 5th we saw …
Field of Remembrance 2020: gallery of plots
Click on the images below to see individual numbered plots at the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance. To find the number of a particular regiment, association or organisation, view our …
The Duchess of Cornwall attends Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall today (Wednesday, November 4th) attended The Poppy Factory’s 92nd Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey for a short opening service. Her Royal Highness, Patron of …