Reach out for support
A HELENSBURGH military spouse and charity worker has encouraged children with parents in the armed forces to reach out for support.
A survey carried out on behalf of the Forces Employment Charity revealed that one in six military spouses and partners worry about the impact that being from a military household will have on their children.
In response, it is launching a set of resources designed to help young people with at least one parent who has served in the armed forces prepare to take their first steps on the career ladder.
Meresa Lewis, from Helensburgh, who works with the charity as a families employment adviser, said: “As a military spouse and mum, I can really relate to the challenges my clients face.
“Frequent house and school moves are very common for Forces families.
“Similarly, growing up in a military family means you often have to create new relationships and networks quickly.
“Whilst factors like this can be a challenge, military families often develop incredibly desirable skills, such as brilliant people skills or resilience, as a result of overcoming them.
“Specialist advisors at the Forces Employment Charity are passionate about providing members of the forces community with the help they need to achieve their individual career goals.
“We encourage anyone from a Forces background to get in touch and find out more about how we can help.”
Following a successful pilot, the charity is now expanding its support so more young people can access free tools and information to guide them through the fundamentals of job seeking.
Resources range from crib sheets on topics such as ‘what is a CV?’, to FAQs for navigating support at college or school, tips about what military children have to offer, and more.
Videos will also be available featuring real-life stories of people from military families, talking about how having a parent in the Armed Forces has shaped them and their careers.
It is estimated that there currently are up to 124,500 military children in the UK.
Student Ruby Taylor is among those who have been supported by the Forces Employment Charity.
She said: “The Forces Employment Charity understands what I’ve been through.
“They’ve motivated me to try new things that benefit my future.”
Members of the dedicated team at the Forces Employment Charity come from military families and understand the importance of supporting young people who face an ever-changing situation.
The 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.
To find out more about the charity and the support services on offer, visit www.forcesemployment.org.uk.