Local businesses across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can show their support for the Armed Forces community in a number of ways, from their employment processes through to how they interact with and welcome their customers.

Employment

There are many active and serving personnel of the UK Armed Services across the local area. Your business can show its support by considering employment for:

• currently serving Reserve members of the UK Armed Forces
• family members of someone serving, or formerly serving, in the UK Armed Forces
• bereaved family members of someone who died on service in the UK Armed Forces
• service leavers and Veterans of the UK Armed Forces

Training - free e-learning

The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment from the nation to make sure that members of the Armed Forces Community are treated fairly and not disadvantaged as a result of their military service.

The majority of ex-servicemen and women have adapated to civilian life, using the skills and experience they gained whilst serving in the Armed Forces, however a few may be in need of additional support.

Those working on the front line of services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole play a key role in supporting our Armed Forces community. This includes recognising their transferrable skills and helping them to access employment opportunities, school admissions and transport, Adult Social Care and signposting to sources of support including service charities specific to their needs.

This course highlights some of the issues facing them, and how you can help support them. It also provides links to more information and support.

You can access the training for free on the Ministry of Defence website.

Supporting an employee from the Armed Forces community

Help for Heroes Recovery College Online provides free courses to give students knowledge and skills to manage their physical and mental well-being, so they can move forward in their lives with confidence.

The Recovery College was the first of its kind to be designed specifically by, and for the Armed Forces community.

All of their courses are co-designed and co-delivered by veterans, family members, and their Recovery staff. This means that the content has been created by people who understand or have experienced some of the challenges your employee may face.

Life in the Armed Forces brings with it a unique set of challenges and stressors. Unchecked, anxieties and feelings can get out of control – affecting our ability to perform at our best. The Ministry of Defence has created HeadFIT to maintain mental fitness and achieve peak performance. This mindset does not change when you leave the military and become a veteran, we know that mental fitness is as important as physical fitness.