The Forces Employment Charity (RFEA) has helped more than 19,000 veterans work towards new careers in the last year despite lockdown slowing job vacancies.

RFEA provides life-long and life-changing support, job opportunities and training to Service leavers, Reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

The charity’s work has received vital ongoing support thanks to a generous donation of £91,800 from The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and its funding partner, Greenwich Hospital, which provides support to serving and former members of the Naval Service and their families.

The funding is part of a successful multi-year partnership which continues essential employment support for Royal Marines and Royal Navy veterans across the country, with services encompassing all elements needed to be successful in a job search.

This includes everything from CV advice and interview skills to support with finding suitable employment opportunities, as well as motivation and workplace social skills. This funding is especially important as unemployment is rising in 2021 and the numbers registering for support in January 2021 were at an all-time high.

The charity that helps veterans find careers The charity also works with clients to identify any other underlying issues such as housing and debt, or health problems such as PTSD, which may act as a barrier to securing meaningful employment.

Employment and wellbeing support are going to be critical for recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and thanks to the backing of RNRMC, The Forces Employment Charity will be able to offer help to the increasing number of veterans seeking its support since the pandemic.

Nicki Bradley from Plymouth, a former Leading Naval Nurse in the Royal Navy, served from 1992 until 2006. After leaving the Service she struggled to transfer her valuable experience into skills that were recognised by civilian employers. RFEA was able to help her recognise the value of her skills and translate them into suitable job opportunities. With the support of her RFEA Regional Advisor, Nicki secured a job placement, which led to her being employed in her current role as a part-time administrator.

“After being made redundant and then being unemployed for three years, my new job means I am able to come off benefits and be proud to be earning my own money once more,” says Nicki. “I feel I have purpose again and can convey this feeling to my children. I can now improve on skills I already possess as well as acquire new ones through workplace development courses.”

If you are interested in getting in touch with the RFEA, or need any advice on employment matters, speak to your Support Officer. You can find out more about The Forces Employment Charity at www.rfea.org.uk