The public are being urged to help our veterans back into work by adding their messages of support to a new campaign by The Poppy Factory, the UK’s leading employability charity for ex-Service men and women with disabilities…
The charity, which supports veterans with disabilities into work across the UK, is asking people to help it reach its goal of supporting 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into work by the end of the summer, by posting a good luck message to a veteran for their first day in their new job.
By including the phrase #1000messages in posts on social media during Armed Forces Week (25th – 30th June), people will be helping The Poppy Factory connect with more veterans with health conditions across the country, helping each one to harness their unique skills and abilities and move into long term employment.
The Poppy Factory’s Chief Executive Deirdre Mills said: “The Poppy Factory has already helped over 950 veterans with disabilities back into work across the UK. By getting behind our #1000messages campaign and making us your charity of choice during Armed Forces Week, you can help us hit our target of supporting 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into meaningful and sustained employment by the end of the summer. This will mean so much to our veteran community and will have a great impact upon their lives.”
Speaking about his support from The Poppy Factory, veteran Steve said: “About three years ago, I was diagnosed with having complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of my Service. I began to, very quickly, push people away; my family life and my employment. PTSD impacted my life in every which way. The Army taught me some amazing things in life, and with my condition those things were stripped away very quickly.
“But The Poppy Factory helped me pick that back up, piece it back together and move forward. Today, I feel healthier and I feel more engaged with my family. I also have a massive sense of purpose; my son has a dad back and my wife has a husband back”
The first day of a new job is nerve-wracking, especially when it’s doing something you have never done before, and for many veterans, this could be their first civilian job since leaving the Forces. A good luck message could really help give confidence to someone on their first day.
People can share their messages by video or image on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #1000messages and tagging The Poppy Factory on Twitter: @poppyfactory on Facebook: @ThePoppyFactory on Instagram: @thepoppyfactory
The Poppy Factory will also be at Richmond Station on Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th June asking for messages of support so please pop down and offer your support.
