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.

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

(CONTINUED)

Early Service Leavers are those personnel who are either administratively discharged or leave voluntarily with less than four years service. 

Early Service Leavers generally have no access to CTP services but receive a mandatory resettlement brief and interview by a suitable qualified interviewer prior to discharge.  This includes an assessment of the individual’s vulnerability to social exclusion, discussion on accommodation post-discharge and sign-posting to the agencies and organisations that can provide support. 
           
Arrangements will be made to put Early Service Leavers in touch with Jobcentre Plus for employment, the Service leaver has immediate access to the “New Deal” programmes, and, as appropriate the Joint Service Housing Advice Office or the Single Persons’ Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services (SPACES) and ex-Services charities such as the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association for accommodation and welfare needs. 

Exceptionally, arrangements for additional support will be made for those Early Service Leavers assessed as vulnerable to social exclusion, which may include limited access to some aspects of CTP provision.

(BACK)