Forces charity offers new tools to help military children
SUPPORT AIMED AT HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD BETTER FUTURES
ONE in six military spouses and partners worry about the impact being from a military household will have on their children, according to a survey.
In response to the findings, the Forces Employment Charity is releasing a new suite 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.
It is estimated that there are currently up to 124,500 military children in the UK.
Following a successful pilot and to coincide with the Month of the Military Child in April, the charity is now expanding its support so more young people can access free tools and information to guide them through the fundamentals of jobseeking.
The charity says resources range from crib sheets on topics like “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.
Members of the Forces Employment Charity team come from military families themselves, and therefore understand the importance of supporting young people who face an ever-changing situation, from frequent moves, education gaps, and separation from parents and social networks.
Leanne Dunmill, a military spouse and armed forces families case worker at the Forces Employment Charity, said: “As a military spouse and parent myself, I understand first-hand the unique way of life that is being in a Forces family.
“Frequent house moves and having to get by without having close networks nearby are really common situations for military families. “When it comes to children growing up in a military family, their education can be affected owing to having to change schools, sometimes mid-way through a year. This can lead to gaps in education, and it can be hard to make new friends over and over again.
“In the long term, this can have a negative effect on long-term career prospects.
“The Forces Employment Charity’s Families team is passionate about ensuring that everyone in the military community gets the support they need to achieve their chosen career goals.
“The Month of the Military Child is a great opportunity to highlight the support available, and we encourage anyone from a Forces background to get in touch and find out more about how we can help.”
Student Ruby Taylor is a military child who has been supported by the 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.”
The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long and 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.
For more information visit www. forcesemployment.org.uk
Children’s education can be affected owing to having to change schools. Case worker Leanne Dunmill