More Midlands veterans on path to employment

Members of the ex-Forces community across the West and East Midlands will be offered one-to-one employment support by The Poppy Factory throughout 2025, taking steps towards new civilian jobs in the region.

This year the charity aims to help 140 Midlands veterans boost their confidence, explore new opportunities and start at least 60 new jobs. There are already 86 veterans in the region who are benefiting from employment support.

The work is backed by substantial new funding from The PA Foundation, which works with other charitable organisations to deliver social impact. It continues a partnership that began in 2023, with PA volunteers also offering training and expertise to the Poppy Factory team.

Last year, more than 900 veterans across England and Wales were helped through The Poppy Factory’s Veterans Employment Service, starting more than 300 new jobs. Of those who were supported, 65% reported improved job skills. More than half felt their stability, motivation, health and well-being had improved.

Two expert Employment Consultants are already at work in the Midlands, based remotely to help veterans in their own communities.  

Employment Consultant Hannah Kettles said: “The Midlands is a large area with high demand from veterans who seek our help to overcome barriers to employment. Our partnership with The PA Foundation is vital in enabling us to continue our work in this area and reach as many veterans as possible.”

Employment Consultant Molly Jackman said: “The support of The PA Foundation will significantly boost our ability to support veterans in the Midlands who face challenges in finding and sustaining meaningful employment. It helps us work to address the unique barriers that veterans often experience in civilian life, helping them successfully reintegrate into the workforce.”

Head of The PA Foundation Jack McMahon said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with The Poppy Factory and our support to the veteran community. We are proud to support this initiative to help even more veterans into meaningful work and on their way to living happy and prosperous lives.”

To register for the Veterans Employment Service or make a referral, visit poppyfactory.org/support