RFEA Families

RFEA FAMILIES PROGRAMME

Offering more support than ever to military partners and spouses

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – offers employment support to military spouses and partners (including separated, divorced, widowed and overseas) looking to take the next step in their careers.

Delivered by a team of specialist families employment advisors, the service currently offers career diagnostics, help with job searches, CV reviews, interview preparation and techniques, mentoring, confidence and self-esteem building opportunities, and wider needs advice including signposting to welfare and wellbeing support.

New for 2022, we are extending our services to help those interested in pursuing careers in tech and cyber through RFEA’s TechVets programme, as well as offering free coaching sessions. Lee Johnston, RFEA families employment advisor and military spouse, says, “The Families Programme advisors are all partners of serving personnel, so we each have a first-hand understanding of the issues our clients face. For instance, frequent moves to often isolated locations, as well as a lack of social support and existing employment networks available to tap into, can all be challenges that hit military spouses and partners particularly hard.

The pandemic has also added an additional level of complexity as many of the roles that offered the flexibility that is so important to our clients, such as those in hospitality or retail, have all been hugely disrupted. The good news is that there is help and other options available, and RFEA is there to support people with finding an opportunity that is right for them. Everyone has skills and the key is recognising what they are and how they can be transferred to a role.

I am so proud of every spouse and partner that has signed up for the Families Programme to achieve their goals, whether they be big or small, short-term or long-term, to do with finding that big job or helping improve their confidence and getting the guidance they need to make a change. This doesn’t feel like a job for me, because I am so passionate about providing the guidance and support that our clients deserve. We will continue to offer our support but also increase our reach, so we can access every spouse and partner that needs our help.”

Military spouse Jenny Monaghan sought support from RFEA’s Families Programme and has since secured the role of Marketing and Events Coordinator at Heropreneurs.

“My biggest challenge was the lack of confidence I had on returning to work after being on maternity leave and out of employment for two years. My CV was out of date, and I was struggling to find a job that would fit around our military lifestyle/family. I was so anxious about returning to work but my adviser, Lee, gave me the confidence to pursue the career I have always wanted.

She completely understood my concerns, given her military background, and empathised with my situation. She really listened (which was so refreshing), helped give me the tools to give my CV an overhaul and adapt to the job I was applying for. Not only was she my personal cheerleader when I was feeling nervous for my interview, but she gave me everything I needed to prepare for it.

Not only did I get a job that I’m so passionate about, but my mental health has significantly improved. This is something I never thought would be possible, but my confidence is going from strength to strength. I’m so excited for what our future holds.”

www.rfea.org.uk RFEATheForcesEmploymentCharity rfeafamiliesprogramme rfea---the-forces-employment-charity RFEA_UK

ABOUT RFEA

RFEA exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

How to find out more about the RFEA Families Programme and what to expect: • Anyone seeking support or further information about

RFEA’s Families Programme, generously funded by

Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund, can find out more by visiting www.rfea.org.uk/families.

• A families advisor will be in touch to find out more about your situation and how your job search is going.

• We will carry out a ‘needs assessment’, which will help us understand any barriers to employment, such as issues relating to health, housing, debt, etc. If any additional needs are identified, your advisor will then be able refer you to other organisations who can provide the relevant help required.

• Our families advisors can then help develop your employability to present you to employers in the best possible way. We provide advice on what to apply for, how to find work, and how to develop a good CV, all based on our expert knowledge of local employers and the job market in your area. We can also provide support with Royal British Legion Employment Support

Grant applications to secure funding for training.

• We can support you with interviews, both before and afterwards, to help you find employment opportunities that enable you to thrive.

• The UK-wide programme is open to civilian spouses and partners of still-serving and ex-service personnel – including divorced, separated, and widowed – in the

UK and overseas, subject to eligibility checks.

“Not only did I get a job that I’m so passionate about, but my mental health has significantly improved. This is something I never thought would be possible, but my confidence is going from strength to strength. I’m so excited for what our future holds.”