Getting Stronger, Getting Better

Of all the ex-Forces personnel helped by The Poppy Factor y, 80% have mental health conditions. Leaving the Army after 22 years working in logistics and having ser ved in locations such as Kosovo and Iraq, former Staff Sergeant Vicki Harris struggled to adapt to civilian life and also experienced financial difficulties. In 2016, she was diagnosed with PTSD.

“Joining the army was the best thing I did and I have no regrets. But I saw a lot more than I was expecting to, and I dealt with a lot,” says Vicki. “When I was discharged it was hard, a real struggle at times – from learning how to cook and having responsibilities to making choices about what I wanted to do. My PTSD really af fected my confidence and lots of little things, like having to choose what to wear.”

Vicki contacted The Poppy Factor y in 2017 after hearing about their Getting

You Back to Work ser vice. Employability consultant Kirsty assisted Vicki with her CV and inter view preparation and helped her research local oppor tunities. Ultimately this helped secure her current role managing impor ts and expor ts for an international shipping firm.

“Just picking myself up and asking for help was a massive thing. The suppor t from The Poppy Factor y just kept me going. They invested their time in me and I didn’t want to let them down. Kirsty has broadened my options, rather than me having tunnel vision. She’s given me the kick I need and said, ‘You can do this.’”

“There will be times when things are going to hit me and I’m going to go through a tough patch, but I know I’ve got to keep myself steady. Because of the suppor t I’ve had I want to give back, get stronger, get better and move on.”