Strength in Support – Empowering service leavers to success.
During what should have been a routine training exercise, one young recruit’s life changed dramatically.
An injury in the field was followed by a diagnosis of Covid-19. The combination left Mark medically unfit for duty and, following a full review, they were medically discharged from service.
It was a devastating blow.
The career they’d worked so hard to build was suddenly put on hold, and with it, Mark’s dreams of progression in the armed forces. On top of that came financial strain and the heavy burden of worrying about their family back home.
The Corps, and its unique sense of camaraderie, had given Mark a feeling of pride and a sense of belonging, but all that remained was uncertainty and apprehension.
Struggling with this unexpected turn, this former Royal Marines recruit reached out for support, and that’s where RMA-The Royal Marines Charity came in.
This isn’t a rare story. Whether a service person has been serving in the forces for weeks or twenty years, the question is still often the same – Where do I go from here?
The Early Service Leavers Transition Support programme has been awarded a grant under the OVA Career Development Programme to support early service leavers and provide bespoke, sustained support to the most vulnerable Royal Marines recruits.
With tailored one-to-one support, RMA-The Royal Marines Charity helped to ensure the best possible outcome for this former serviceman’s transition. Together, they identified training needs, worked towards gaining the right qualifications whilst focussing on CV writing and interview techniques to strengthen job applications – all with the aim of building a secure and successful future beyond the military.
By working in partnership with trusted organisations that offer real employment opportunities, the charity can open doors, providing service leavers with a way forward and an understanding that their experience does matter and is transferable to the civilian world.
Recognising the common challenges faced by early service leavers, this project has introduced joined up strategies to maximise impact and deliver meaningful outcomes for those it supports. The project takes a holistic approach by addressing both emotional and practical needs and offers a one stop shop for guidance.
The peer mentoring programme plays a key role, pairing early service leavers with veterans who’ve successfully made the transition to civilian life. It’s about shared experiences, mutual support and building confidence for the journey ahead.
“Our project’s success is evident in the positive outcomes that have been achieved for our beneficiaries so far. By continuing to provide tailored support and fostering a collaborative approach, we can ensure that Early Service Leavers have both the resources and guidance that they need to give them the best possible chance to thrive in civilian life.”
Find out more
Read more about the projects we’ve supported under the Career Development Fund here