More Features, click here

FROM RESETTLEMENT TO EMPLOYMENT

VETERANS GET READY .......... ready to start

Working in partnership with Barclays, Leonard Cheshire has launched the Ready to Start programme. Over the three-year period the aim is that 600 disabled people will enter into sustainable self-employment.

Leonard Cheshire has been caring for the disabled for nearly 60 years. When Group Captain Cheshire opened his own home to disabled veterans little did he know it would become a nationwide organisation. 

Working in partnership with Barclays and drawing on their vast experience of dealing with disabled people has enhanced the development of the Ready to Start programme. It’s an innovative and forward-thinking programme that meets the needs of disabled people seeking self-employment. It provides the right training, sign posting and support, essentials to enable disabled people to start their own business.

27 ‘Ready to Start’ programmes across England and Wales are being set up over the three-year period.   14 Projects have been launched so far including Newcastle, Banbury and Middlesbrough.

“I’m well aware of the demands and pitfalls involved in setting up your own business. It’s not an easy ride, but it’s one that can be made simpler with support and expert advice. Ready to Start not only provides training, but provides that vital support from experts – in the form of Barclays Buddy’s - that I believe is invaluable when starting up on your own.”

Chris Moon MBE, ex-Army Officer speaking at the National launch of the Ready to Start initiative
in October 2006

Charlie’s already started…

Charlie Hancock is a veteran based in Newcastle.  He is a mature person who last year had a ‘life changing experience’ from a potentially fatal illness which has made him re-evaluate his employment options, and he is now highly motivated to ‘work for himself’ in his job carrying out electrical testing. Charlie recognises that his illness means he needs to work more flexibly which being his ‘own boss’ would allow.
Charlie was the first person to be accepted onto the Newcastle Ready To Start programme, He has already prepared a ‘road map’ of the steps he needs to take and has a good understanding of the market place and relevant legislation.  He is currently undertaking modular training, through the support of Ready To Start, in business start up, raising finance, the pitfalls of self employment, tax options and accounting. He will shortly be meeting up with his Barclays buddy who will provide further support, encouragement and mentoring to assist Charlie in his quest to advance his knowledge in business start up.

For more information call 08456 717173,
email info@readytostart.org.uk
or visit www.readytostart.org.uk

• SABRE - SUPPORTING BRITAIN’S RESERVISTS AND EMPLOYERS
  
  
• VETERANS GET READY ..........
  
  
• ABILITY FROM DISABILITY - RBLI EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS
  
  
• FOCUS ON … THE RAF ASSOCIATION
  
  
• BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN CUSTODY AND THE COMMUNITY
  
  
• REMARKABLE CARE, FOR REMARKABLE PEOPLE
  
  
• TO REACH FOR THE SKY
  
  

Top of page

MOD RESETTLEMENT PROCESSES

All Service personnel leaving the Armed Forces have access to some assistance in making their transition from military to civilian life.  The level of resettlement support provided to Service leavers is dependent upon their length of service and the circumstances of their discharge. 

Those who have completed the minimum four years service may access the Employment Support Programme (ESP), which comprises an interview with a Career Consultant or one-day workshop, and thereafter a job finding service with access to an Employment Consultant for up to two years post-discharge. 

Service leavers who have completed a minimum of six years (five years if enlisted prior to 1 Sep 02), and all personnel who are medically discharged are entitled to the CTP Full Resettlement Programme.  The latter enhances the ESP through providing access to vocational training, coaching in job interview technique, CV writing, and dedicated career consultancy support aimed at improving the Service Leavers’s employment opportunities. 

CONTINUE ..........

FACT !

Of those 13,500 Service Leavers who access the CTP programmes each year, 70% secure employment within one month of leaving the armed forces rising to 94% within six months of discharge.

For more information on CTP visit www.ctp.org.uk