Meseyside Veterans given second chance through LifeWorks

Out of work veterans in Liverpool have been given a second chance through RBLI’s LifeWorks programme after it was held in the city following backing from the Veterans’ Foundation.

LifeWorks, which has supported more than 1200 veterans across the UK since 2011, was open to ex-servicemen and women in Merseyside and the North West after the Veterans’ Foundation donated almost
£30,000 to the programme.

The week-long course, provides crucial employment, CV-writing and interview training and has seen 83% of participants find employment, training or volunteering within 12 months.

Almost 80% of the programme’s attendees also have a physical or hidden disability.

The Veterans’ Foundation, which has raised more than £1m since 2017, raises funds through a unique Veterans’ Lottery, which offers monthly cash prizes of up to £5,000.

RBLI, which celebrates its centenary this year, marked the programme’s end by presenting the attendees with a bespoke sign, made veterans in RBLI’s social enterprise Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company – thanking the Veterans’ Foundation for their contribution.

Iain Downie, Head of RBLI’s LifeWorks Programme, said: “Transitioning from the Armed Forces into the civilian world can be an incredibly challenging period for the service leaver.”

“Without employment, the lives of veterans can too often spiral downwards, resulting in a loss of independence, financial difficulties and drug and alcohol abuse –  this is simply unacceptable”

“However, now, with the generous support of the Veterans Foundation, we have been able to provide crucial employability skills to ex-service personnel in Liverpool.”