Up To 20,000 Veterans Struggle To Get Back To Work, Says Employability Charity

At least 20,000 wounded, injured or sick veterans are struggling to get back into work after leaving the Armed Forces, according to The Poppy Factory.

The Poppy Factory is the UK's leading employability charity for ex-servicemen and women with physical and mental health challenges.

Through their 'Getting You Back To Work' programme they've supported 1,000 veterans with physical or mental health challenges.

During a summer campaign, the charity urged members of the public to write 'good luck' messages for the veterans as they embarked on the first day of their new job.

The public has shown support on social media with the phrase '#1000messages' - with some celebrities also reaching out.

The Poppy factory has been providing employment for veterans since 1922 but since 2010, the focus has been on those with physical or mental health conditions.

Now the charity hopes to reach more wounded, sick or injured veterans across the UK.

They estimate around 20,000 veterans of working age in the UK who have physical and mental health challenges are struggling to get back to work after leaving the Armed Forces.

The Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, Deirdre Mills said she was proud of the support the public had offered:

"We cannot thank the public enough for their support in getting behind our wounded, injured and sick veterans.

"We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude and we are so proud that everyone came together to help. 

"Our focus is on helping each veteran harness their own unique skills and abilities and by so doing move into long-term meaningful employment. This means so much and will have a great impact on their lives."

In celebration of achieving the 1,000 milestone of getting some veterans back into work since 2010, a special reception was hosted by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House on 5th September. 

Chris O'Donnell, a veteran who received support from the Poppy Factory said: 

"I developed post-traumatic stress disorder following my time in the Royal Navy.

"The Poppy Factory helped me look for a career that would help me with my mental health.

"I can’t thank the Poppy Factory enough for the help and support they have given me.

"They opened my eyes up to what I can do and not what I can’t do.”

For more information on getting help from The Poppy Factory's 'Getting You Back To Work' programme visit: www.poppyfactory.org or call 020 8939 1837.