Helping Ex-Veterans adjust back to work!

We interviewed our Service Delivery Manager Jordan Robinson regarding her time in the forces. She is passionate about helping Ex-Veterans find work after finishing their service. As an Ex-Vet she has hands-on knowledge of what it is like to re-enter a new career or even start from fresh. She educated us on her service history and how since working for Stafforce, how we can help as an agency.

Jordan’s Service history

I joined in April 2007 going through 14-week phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright. I then went on to Phase 2 Larkhill, Salisbury and joined my Phase 3 regiment as a Royal Artillery Gunner (HVM).

Once joining my regiment, I went on to start 6 months with the Queen’s Guard (see picture to the right). We covered all areas such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St. James and Windsor castle. After the Queen’s guard, we started our deployment training for Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

I went over to Iraq (picture to the left) and was deployed out on the ground as a UAV Operator working alongside an American troop and Infantry. Through my career, I gained various qualifications in Communications, UAVs, also various driving licences and so much more that has opened up a wide variety of job opportunities in the civilian streets.  I travelled to places such as France, America and also visited places around the UK for various training. I left the Army due to starting a family and found myself entering the world of teaching. I taught children within alternative previsions from mental health, disabilities and from a care background. Supporting them within education and life skills.

I aim to work with veteran charities, working for an agency such as Stafforce means we can offer flexible working shifts to support their needs.

How Stafforce can help Ex-Veterans

Stafforce can help those just leaving the forces, by assisting them into work promptly and also work alongside their leaving process giving them experience outside of the forces upon leaving. Leaving the forces can be very daunting and scary as most soldiers leave home at 16 and join meaning this is the only way of life they know. In some, this can cause mental health struggles when leaving the forces alongside PTSD soldiers suffering from deployments.

By giving them the support, we can integrate them back into a group/team environment. Ensuring they feel confident, don’t feel pressured to work 5-7 days a week instantly and also support their needs with regards to goal setting and any health needs they are looking to improve.

This local charity, Valkyrie Wilderness, helped me last year when I found myself very down. I have suffered from PTSD/depression since leaving the forces and I found myself out of work and having a bit of a breakdown. This group supported me within a week getting back into work for my own feelings of independence and also worked with me on my anxiety and depression. They were and are always a support blanket for me. They organise veteran days which have various activities from outside agencies and days out for a chance to speak to others and support each other.

 

I am attending a Veteran Day hosted by the charity Valkyrie Wilderness on 23rd October to get the chance to speak with local individuals whom are looking to get back into work following their time in the forces.