Navigator service

Make a referral

The Navigator service offers up to six months of personalised one-to-one support for veterans who may be experiencing isolation, loneliness or challenges with their mental or physical health that are making it difficult to move towards employment.

The service is free and open to veterans who self-refer directly, or who are referred by regional partners.

Navigator is designed to take a practical approach to employment, helping veterans move forward through hobbies, activities and opportunities for training or volunteering, rather than pushing people directly into job applications before they are ready.

The aim is for veterans to feel healthier, more independent and better connected with employment as the destination rather than the starting point.

Currently available in:

West Midlands: Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Leicester, Worcester, Daventry

North West: Cheshire, Merseyside, Stoke on Trent, Manchester, Bolton, Preston

North Wales: Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham

South Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, South Powys, Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, Cardiff, Vale, Bristol, the Wye Valley, Carmarthen, Llanelli

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Building confidence and motivation
by connecting with others

Navigator provides up to six months of personalised support for veterans experiencing isolation, loneliness, or challenges with their mental or physical health.

Through meaningful activities—such as hobbies, volunteering, or training—and by connecting with others, veterans can improve their wellbeing, gain confidence, and prepare for future employment.

Potential benefits include:

Increased confidence and direction through hobbies, volunteering, or education
A stronger local support network, including connections with professionals, charities, and community groups
Greater independence, with knowledge of where to turn for support if challenges arise
Progression to our Veterans Employment Service, taking the next step towards meaningful and sustainable work

Who do we support

The Poppy Factory Navigator Service supports veterans* who are referred by a professional and have an agreed goal. Participants should meet the following criteria:

Not currently in employment but wish to find work in the future
Would benefit from meaningful activities to improve health, wellbeing, confidence, and motivation
Are engaged with health services or professionals, or have a health condition that limits daily activity
Live in one of the following areas:

West Midlands: Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Leicester, Worcester, Daventry

North West: Cheshire, Merseyside, Stoke on Trent, Manchester, Bolton, Preston

North Wales: Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham

South Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, South Powys, Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, Cardiff, Vale, Bristol, the Wye Valley, Carmarthen, Llanelli

*Veterans will have served at least one day in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), or have seen duty within the Merchant Mariners on legally defined military operations.

Who can make a referral?

Any veteran can register for the Navigator service as long as they live in the locations stated above.

Any professional supporting the Armed Forces community can make a referral, including those working within the NHS or mental health organisations.

If you are a professional who would like to refer a veteran to the Navigator service, you can visit poppyfactory.org/navigatorreferral or contact our team: