Charities prove their worth in getting veterans into employment

Armed forces charities supported at least 22,000 people into employment and helped over 3,300 individuals gain qualifications in the past year, according to new research.

Analysis by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) and the Directory of Social Change shows 78 charities provide education support, which represents 6.5% of all UK armed forces charities.

Of these charities, 59 also make provision for employment. In total, armed force charities spend around £25.6 million on education and employment, serving at least 35,800 beneficiaries from the armed forces community.

Educational and employment services covered in the report include: vocational courses; academic qualifications; work opportunities; and mentoring such as CV writing and job searches.

Direct grants to individuals and organisations are explored, along with partnerships and collaborations between charities and businesses.

The report highlights specialist primary provider charities and shows depth of provision, which can have a dramatic and positive effect on an individual’s chance of successful transition to civilian life.

Stuart Cole, project manager, said: “The impact that education and employment can have is measured in more than just qualifications or status; increasingly, these areas define our quality of life.

"We are proud to present an analysis of those charities which support the educational and employment needs of the armed forces community.”

Ray Lock, chief executive of the Forces in Mind Trust, said ex-service personnel and their families could make a successful and sustainable transition to civilian life if supported.

“The clearly detailed evidence in this report offers an important and unique insight into the education and employment support provided by the armed forces charity sector across the UK.”