Cash injection to help veterans transition into civilian life

A charity that helps support veterans when they are transitioning into civilian life has received a cash injection that could allow it to give aid to more ex-service personnel.SkillForce has been given £15,000 by ABF The Soldiers' Charity to continue its great work.

SkillForce employs veterans to work as instructors in more than 200 schools across the UK. The positions help them to get used to civilian life and get them in work once they've left the Armed Forces. Currently, around 70 per cent of the instructors hired by the charity are veterans.

The funding it has been granted will be used toward a professional development and training programme. This will include behaviour management, coaching, mentoring, first aid and safeguarding, all of which are transferable skills for other positions in the future.

Ben Slade, chief executive of SkillForce, said: “We employ predominantly ex-services personnel as instructors on our programmes with schools because they are inspirational role models who have a profound impact on the children and young people with whom they work.

“We are committed to investing in their continued professional development as they transition from military to civilian life, and I would like to thank ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for their support.”

Transitioning from serving in the Armed Forces to civilian life can be incredibly difficult, especially if it is the only career you've known. Not only does your routine alter drastically, you also need to find another role that you enjoy. 

SkillForce aims to help veterans use the skills they've developed in the Forces to inspire children across the country and find a new place outside of the military. This most recent grant will ensure more veterans are able to benefit from the experience, further helping more children.

You can find out more about SkillForce, what the organisation does and how to work with it here