RAF Benevolent Fund awards £15K to support veterans with health conditions into employment

The RAF Benevolent Fund has awarded a grant of £15,000 to The Poppy Factory, a charity that supports veterans with health conditions into employment.

Four out of five of the veterans The Poppy Factory works with report a mental health condition. Its employment team offers one-to-one support, including help with CV writing, job searches, support with training, exploring new opportunities, interview preparation, overcoming barriers, and in-work support. The charity’s employment support is available to individuals who have served for one day or more in the Armed Forces or Reserves, and consider themselves to have any kind of physical or mental health condition.

Peter Ashcroft, Head of Community Welfare Programmes, said: "Partnership working is an essential part of the Fund’s support to the RAF Family, allowing us to get the expert help to the people who need it. The support The Poppy Factory undertakes is vital, even more so following a challenging two years due to the pandemic."

RAF Regiment veteran Frank, who started a new role as an HGV driver in January, said: “"Since speaking to The Poppy Factory, my new journey has really taken shape and things are starting to look brighter, so a massive thank you." 

Deirdre Mills, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said: "Employment support for veterans is as vital today as it was 100 years ago, when our work as a charity began. I am grateful to the RAF Benevolent Fund for standing by those veterans who need help moving into employment, and for continuing to support our specialist service in our centenary year."