Getting Ready to Leave the Armed Services

Research and analysis

Preparedness to leave the UK armed forces: Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK

Published 22 August 2024

Across the UK, under half of veterans (43.2%) felt prepared or very prepared for life after service in the UK armed forces and over a third (34.7%) said they felt unprepared or very unprepared. The percentage of veterans who felt very unprepared decreased as age increased.

When compared with their counterparts, some veterans were more likely to have felt unprepared to some extent for life after service (for example, veterans who were disabled, discharged on medical grounds, who did not live in owner-occupied or shared ownership properties, who witnessed or took part in enemy operations, did not serve as officers or who said they were bullied, discriminated or harassed during their service).

Across the UK, training or additional training was the most cited type of information, advice or guidance that veterans felt would have improved transition to civilian life (46.7%), a family counselor and alcohol support services were the least cited (both cited by 3.5% of veterans).  For more on this article click here

We Also Served

Women have served within the Armed Forces for over 100 years. Their contribution has been extraordinary but the prevailing military culture, together with evolving terms and conditions of Service, have left their mark on the health and well-being of many. Whilst it is right, therefore, to recognise the progress that has been made, there is a pressing need to evidence the impact of past policies and actions. This timely report is the first major step in addressing this.  To read more click here to read the full report

What is Op Courage?

 

What is Op Courage?  In this film, you can hear from veterans who share experience from using Op Courage and how this has supported them through their personal journey's.

This covers what the service is for and how it works, along with how it has helped veterans.  Don't suffer in silence and seek help and support, along with the networks and veteran charities in place that can change dark days into lighter days.  Op Courage has been built to support the veterans and have the experience to support veterans suffering with Mental Health illnesses. 

OP Courage operates in all of England and the South West with links to websites and the wider coverage 

Op COURAGE :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk)

Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

See the Op Courage Map for details

Service Champions Training

The award-winning Service Champions Training enables you to learn more about the Armed Forces community and become a Service Champion for your practice. The Armed Forces community is made up of Serving Personnel (Regular or Reserve), Veterans/Former Service Personnel, and their immediate families or carers.  The CPD accredited training is delivered via MS Teams, and it is designed for staff who are interested in helping their service/organisation, to become more Armed Forces community aware.

Training is available for Primary Care Armed Forces Champions.  Please click here for more details.   

Watch the Video for the Forces Connect App

 

Armed Forces Connect App

Free app to support the Armed Forces community: download it today!

The Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community can access key information of services available nationally or locally in Gloucestershire.  The app has been produced based on pathways produced by the Armed Forces Network and makes it one of the easiest ways to access information for veterans in or out of the County.

If you or a member of your family has served in the Armed Forces, or if you support members of the Armed Forces community then the Forces Connect app is designed for you.  The app links users to local and national organisations offering immediate help and support across a wide range of services in just four simple clicks. From crisis support to searching for an NHS dentist, starting a business to advice on housing.  There are no charges or adverts and you won’t be asked for any personal data.  Over 20,000 people across the UK are already using the app.  To download the app, search “Forces Connect” in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. Helping you succeed throughout your working life.

Register with us; forcesemployment.org.uk/register

Register with TechVets; techvets.co

Families Programme; forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/families-programme

Military Women Programme; forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/military-women-programme