CAREER PURSUIT 2021

RESOURCES 73 RFEA’s work brings about life-changing transformations for thousands of veterans, and their families, every year. JenCrews, whose partner is aRoyalMarine, moved 500miles from her home in the south-east of England to begin a new life in Arbroath at the start of the pandemic. The relocation meant she had to forgo her existing role, and she sought to find a new role in the local area. Unfortunately, the impact of the pandemic on the job market, coupled with a lack of nearby support networks, meant she struggled to find a role. The impact of this was that she had to contemplate returning to her hometown, as her and her partner’s financial situation became increasingly untenable. She says: “I had been applying for jobs but without much luck when someone recommended RFEA. My adviser made me realise how much I had been underselling myself and showedme not only how to improve my CV and applications by reflecting more of my achievements, but also how to demonstrate to employers the positives that come with being a military partner, such as my resilience and adaptability, that make for great skills in the workplace. Thanks to the help I received, I have now secured a new role in the NHS. After I took the call to confirm I had been offered the job, I burst into tears with relief, knowing that the financial and emotional pressure I had been under would now be over. I have such immense gratitude to my adviser. Without her, I would not have found this job and I probably wouldn’t even still be living here. Instead, I now have a sense of belonging from doing such a rewarding job, in an organisation where I know I am making a difference.” ABOUT RFEA RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, reservists, veterans, and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. HOWTO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RFEA FAMILIES PROGRAMME ANDWHAT TO EXPECT: • Anyone seeking support or further information about RFEA’s Families Programme, generously funded by Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund, can find out more by visiting www.rfea.org.uk/families. • A families adviser will be in touch to find out more about your situation and how your job search is going. • We will carry out a ‘needs assessment’ which will help us understand any barriers to employment, relating to issues such as health, housing, debt, etc. If any additional needs are identified, your adviser will then be able to refer you to other organisations who can provide the relevant help required. • Our families advisers can then help develop your employability to present you to employers in the best possible way. We provide advice on what to apply for, how to find work, and how to develop a good CV, all based on our expert knowledge of local employers and the job market in your area. We can also offer support with Royal British Legion Employment Support Grant applications to secure funding for training. • We will also support you with interviews, both before and afterwards, to help you find employment opportunities that enable you to thrive. • The UK-wide programme is open to civilian spouses and partners of still serving and ex-Service personnel, including divorced, separated and widowed, in the UK and overseas, subject to eligibility checks. Website: www.rfea.org.uk Email: info@rfea.org.uk