Military vets' project success in Exeter

A project where military veterans offer training to people who are out of work or socially isolated is seeing great success in Exeter with just under 50% of participants going into work or a work related activity

Active Plus is a community interest company, where military veterans who have physical injuries or have suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), deliver courses that build confidence, motivation and life-skills. This also provides opportunities for military veterans to develop their own skills, confidence and wellbeing.

Since August (2013), 97 people have attended nine Active Plus Works courses in Exeter, funded by Jobcentre Plus Devon Cornwall and Somerset through the Flexible Support Fund. Of those, 21 have undertaken vocational courses (for instance fork lift truck driving and IT skills), 10 have undertaken voluntary work experience and 11 have now found work.

Tim Cocks, Active Plus Director, said, “Military veterans begin their journey with Active Plus as volunteers. Some have physical injuries; many have PTSD or other forms of mental ill-health and are themselves vulnerable. Some have been unemployed for long periods, others just making the transition from forces to civilian life.

“All are authentic role models in that they have experienced unemployment, ill-health, change and personal trauma and have overcome challenging circumstances to reconnect with support services, each-other and society as a whole. They share not only their skills and expertise with course participants, but also their own personal journeys. In this way not only are they helping others but also themselves.”

One jobseeker to have benefitted from an Exeter course is Helen Bagwell. Helen suffered a nervous breakdown in 2012, after a long battle with depression. She was unable to return to work and lost her job - this also resulted in Helen becoming homeless. For nine months she was sofa surfing – until recently when she moved into a bedsit.

With her housing situation resolved she asked Exeter Jobcentre for support. She was put forward for some courses with Learn Direct and then - to tackle her lack of confidence and social anxiety - an Active Plus Works course.

Looking back on day one of the Active Plus course Helen said, “I couldn’t even say my name. I felt horrible and panicky. Fortunately, you have no choice but to get involved as the activities are designed in a way that encourages you and makes you communicate.”

She described the course instructors as ‘inspiring’ and added, “They have really been through things and experienced hardship, they’re one of us and they help you to overcome so much stuff.”

Over the six Active Plus sessions Helen grew in confidence and on the final day stood up and spoke at the presentation, something she had never imagined she would be able to do. She said, “I found it a really emotional experience – seeing how far I had come from day one. You guys will never know just how much you have helped me.”

Through Jobcentre Plus Helen then began work experience in retail at Savers in Exeter and now has paid employment. Carolyn Webster, District Business Manager, Jobcentre Plus Devon Cornwall and Somerset, said, “Thanks to Active Plus and the Flexible Support fund, Helen has been able to make a new start. We are really proud of her and of Active Plus.”

With original support from ESF (European Social Fund) Convergence, Active Plus delivered a pilot in Cornwall for jobseekers over 50. It was so successful it has been mainstreamed with Flexible Support Funding from Jobcentre Plus and rolled out to Devon, Dorset and Somerset for people of all ages looking for work. Active Plus also delivers courses that support active ageing, help young people re-connect with school and businesses to build effective teams.