How can you ensure you fulfil your potential in civvy street when your soldier leaves the army? SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides a mentoring service to help motivate, support and empower you as your family embarks on your new life outside the military.
The charity’s network of mentors provide long-term, one-to-one, face-to-face support during transition and for up to two years after your soldier has hung up their uniform for the final time.
Mentors can help with confidence and relationship issues, particularly with the differences between the military and civilian environment. They also support those of you who may need to leave the family home following a relationship breakdown.
If you would like to find out more, head to ssafa.org.uk/get-help
John’s story
After 14 years of service, John, who is married with four children, was medically discharged after sustaining life-changing injuries in an accident. He felt as if he had been stripped of his identity and was becoming isolated.
Due to his injuries and mental health, the family were put under considerable stress. John was registered for council housing, but it was a slow process and the family received an eviction notice just before Christmas. The additional strain on the family resulted in a near separation and the children had stopped engaging with him and calling him Dad.
John turned to the SSAFA mentoring service. His mentor provided the support, encouragement and advice he needed. By providing a listening ear, John’s mentor became a sounding board and was able to support the family too. He also received advice and guidance to attend court regarding the eviction notice. It was overturned and extended until after the festive period, when the family were finally offered a home.
John and his family were supported for 14 months. Their mentor was able to help them navigate the system, guide them on how to work with the council and witness them move into their new family home, all whilst ensuring that John was receiving the specialist support he required. He’s now able to look for work.
“Thank you for giving back my Dad,” said one of John’s sons.