Employment support for
Forces Families
If you’re 18+ and your career has been affected by a family member’s time in the Forces, the Families Employment Service can help you build a brighter working future.
Specialist, adaptable support is delivered over the phone, email and video call by the Families Employment Specialists at The Poppy Factory. The Service is a partnership between The Poppy Factory and The Ripple Pond.
Who do we support?
Any adult family member supporting or caring for a member of the Armed Forces community who has, or has recovered from, a health condition. This includes ‘chosen family’, separated partners and parents of veterans.
The service is suitable for anyone who is unemployed and looking to move into employment, or who has difficulties in their current role as a result of their circumstances and needs help to keep their job or move to a new one.
Who can make a referral?
Family members can refer themselves. Alternatively, professionals can also refer to the service.
Types of support
The Families Employment Specialists will work directly with the family member, with wraparound support provided by The Ripple Pond. After an initial assessment and information-gathering meeting, goals are agreed, and a tailored action plan might include:
- Skills assessments and identifying transferrable skills
- Confidence building and raising aspirations
- Helping participants recognise their value in employment
- Advice on volunteering or training
- Introductions to other services offering benefits and financial advice, if required
- Support in connecting with healthcare professionals
- Introductions to other services and support networks, such as parents or carers networks
- Job application skills and preparing for interviews
- In-work support for those who are in employment
- Advocacy with employers and support with flexible working requests
- Encouragement and reassurance
- Help seeking funding for relevant training
- Partnership working to support in other areas, where appropriate and with consent
“Caring for a partner or loved one who is unwell affects the entire family. It’s clear that many adult family members now caring for veterans with health conditions would benefit greatly from focused employment support. Working closely with The Ripple Pond, we’ll help family members overcome barriers and unlock their potential.”
Debbie Boughtflower
Director of Operations, The Poppy Factory
"Life seems to be getting ever more challenging. This initiative is designed to empower family members who are supporting physically, emotionally, or psychologically injured veterans, by offering them the opportunity and support to find employment – or to improve their current situation.”
Rodger Cartwright
Director, The Ripple Pond