Poppy Factory Support

 

The Poppy Factory supports veterans facing barriers to employment, as well as their family members, on their journey towards sustainable work.

Their support is tailored to each individual and can include:

• Skills mapping and career planning
• Training and development opportunities
• CV writing and job application support
• Interview preparation
• Up to 12 months of in-work support once employment has been secured

Their Families Service operates exclusively remotely, enabling us to support family members across the UK. Their Veterans Service is delivered regionally, with consultants able to provide face-to-face support.

Through their Families Service, they can support:

• Spouses and partners
• Ex-partners (including those whose former partner may still be serving)
• Adult children of veterans
• Parents
• Bereaved family members

You can also find more information on their website: https://www.poppyfactory.org/supportservices/

Mission Motorsport: October newsletter out now

 

There’s plenty happening across Mission Motorsport this month, from new partnerships and fundraising initiatives to upcoming events and preparations for Race of Remembrance.

Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find:

Legacy Lap – a new way to become part of Race of Remembrance, wherever you are.
The unveiling of our third-generation Mazda Poppy Art Car.
Our new partnership with Gama Aviation.
The growing #YourRoR community.
Upcoming events, volunteering opportunities and fundraising challenges.

Every activity helps Mission Motorsport continue supporting wounded, injured and sick veterans, serving personnel and their families through recovery, rehabilitation and opportunities beyond military service.

To read online, please go to this link: Read the October newsletter

Supporting Wounded Veterans: Skihabilitation 2027 – applications now open

 

To find out more please go to: https://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com/sport-rehabilitation

LGBT Veterans affected by the pre-2000 Armed Forces ban - restorative measures applications close on 12 December 2026

 

 link to affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk 

Serving personnel and veterans who were discharged or impacted by the pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces have until 12 December to apply for restorative measures, including financial recognition. We’d appreciate your support in asking serving personnel to amplify the final call, so we can reach personnel and Veterans who may have been affected and are unaware of this.

 

Where relevant and appropriate, please support our final call for applications by sharing the communications toolkit in your newsletters, forums and social media channels. Please use a personal device to access and download campaign materials. 

 

The communications toolkit with campaign materials includes posters, social media posts, email banners, website and newsletter content and more. 

 

You can also find material and more information on defnet.

Civvy Street Oct/Nov Magazine is Out Now

 

To read the latest issue please go to this link: Civvy Street

Forces Employment Charity webinars: Pathways into Health and Social Care Careers for the Armed Forces Community – 20 to 22 Oct

 

Why attend? 

This series will help you understand where your skills, experience and ambitions could take you next. Whether you are preparing for your first civilian role, changing career direction or supporting a family member, each session offers practical insight into entry routes, employer expectations and meaningful career options across the sector. 

 

Event schedule 

• Tuesday 20 October 2026: Pathways into the NHS, 12:00 – 13:15

This session introduces the breadth of NHS career opportunities, with a focus on accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Wednesday 21 October 2026: Pathways into Social Care, 12:00 – 13:15

This session highlights career opportunities in social care, including accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

• Thursday 22 October 2026: Pathways into Pharma and Healthcare Support, 12:00 – 13:15

 

To find out more please go to:  Free health and social care careers webinars for military community

 

 

October Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

To read the Ocober issue (or any back issues) please go to this link: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

 

Easy Resettlement Magazine: Autumn edition out now

 

Have you read the Autumn issue of Easy Resettlement magazine yet?

 

In this issue there is information about employment events for service leavers, enabling you to meet future employers and network with companies and fellow service leavers.

ER mag also features the 162 winners of the MODs Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards and as always, you can find information from CTP and about ELCAS entitlements.

 

Please visit the Easy Resettlement website to read this issue online and download it for free: www.easyresettlement.com/magazine 

Army Pension Quick Reference Guide, Sept 2026

Armed Forces pensions can be complex, and understanding your pension and the benefits available to you is important at every stage of your career and beyond.

This document is provided for information and reference purposes only. It summarises aspects of Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) policy and related tax considerations but does not replace, amend or supersede Scheme Regulations, legislation, HMRC guidance, Veterans UK policy, or any official MOD policy document.

Army Pension Quick Reference Guide, Sept 2026

Department for Work & Pensions update: Do you know your state pension age?

 

With Pension Awareness Week 2026 ongoing, DWP are encouraging customers, service users, colleagues and stakeholders to take one simple first step: checking their State Pension age on GOV.UK. 

 

As State Pension entitlement is linked to National Insurance contributions, the Service community are reminded that spouses or civil partners who accompanied their Serving partner on an overseas assignment can complete a Gov.uk online form to request that NI credits are applied to their record for time spent overseas.  For further information, eligibility criteria and the online form, please go to:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas

September Quest Magazine is Out Now

 

To read this issue (and back issues) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/

Support for LGBT Veterans Impacted by the Armed Forces Ban (27 July 1967–12 January 2000) - Applications close 12 December 2026

Restorative Measures for LGBT Veterans Affected by the Armed Forces Ban (1967–2000)

The Ministry of Defence is delivering restorative measures to LGBT veterans impacted by the historic ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.

Measures Available are:

• Non-Financial Restorative Measures: Includes letters of apology, replacement discharge papers, restoration of rank/commission, the Etherton Ribbon, and more.

• Financial Recognition Scheme - Dismissed or Discharged Payment of £50,000 for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged solely due to their sexual orientation or gender identity

• Financial Recognition Scheme – impact Payment of up to £20,000 to eligible LGBT veterans to recognise the broader impacts of the Ban, assessed by an Independent Panel.

Further information about the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, Non-Financial Restorative Measures, how to apply and support available can be found on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Financial Recognition Scheme payments are tax-free and will not affect means-tested benefits.

Eligible individuals must apply before both Schemes close at 23:59 on 12 December 2026

Alliance Manchester Business School: Advanced Management Achievement Course (AMAC)

 

The Advanced Management Achievement Course (AMAC) is a 3-week highly specialised programme designed for officers moving into management and executive careers.

 

AMAC has a long and successful track record in helping officers make the transition from a military career to the business world after leaving the Armed Forces.  It shares the language, concepts and practices of business which are often unfamiliar to delegates.  AMAC qualification is CMI Level 8 Certificate in Strategic Direction and Leadership.

 

Civvy Street Magazine – Aug/Sep 26 issue out now

 

To read this issue online, please go to: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=17a5e337-4e24-40f2-9d34-29ad2bc7e30b

 

Mission Motorsport August Newsletter

 

This month, you can read about the new Mission Motorsport Supporter programme, their latest visits to the Nürburgring and Prodrive, Mission Motorsport Racemakers at the British Grand Prix, and much more.

Combat Stress online event: The role of Peer Support in veteran recovery

Join the next Combat Stress Learning event on 23 Sept with Simon West, veteran and Lead Peer Support Coordinator, as he explores the power of Peer Support.

 

You will hear valuable insights and takeaway tips for how Peer Support could be relevant for you, a veteran you support, or a veteran you live with.

 

Suitable for professionals, organisations, family and friends alike.

 

To find about more about the webinar programme series, or to register, please go to: For Family and Friends – Combat Stress Learning

 

Career Transition Partnership: Next Employment Fair in Elgin on 6 Aug

 

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.

Next upcoming dates are:

Salford - 10 Sept
Bournemouth - 24 Sept
Belfast - 14 Oct
Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

Career Transition Partnership: Employment Fair in Salford on 10 Sept

 

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

Service leavers/veterans/Reservists: To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Family members: Register via email to CTP.events@reed.com

Alternatively register via the Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Link and click 'REGISTER' from the menu.

Next upcoming dates are:

Bournemouth - 24 Sept

Belfast - 14 Oct

Cardiff - 5 Nov
Telford - 19 Nov

To view all 2026 CTP Employment Fair locations and dates, please go to: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/2026/01/career-transition-partnership-2026.html

Office for Veterans’ Affairs: VALOUR employment opportunities – closing date 27 Jul

Please visit: VALOUR: corporate information - GOV.UK

Within the above link there is information about VALOUR, as well as links to all of the job vacancies that are currently available to apply for UK-wide.

Please note that external vacancies close on 27 July.

Building Heroes Programmes - Register Now for Autumn 2026

 

Building Heroes will be welcoming learners back onto our funded training programmes from mid-September, with courses starting again across our national academy network.

Our programmes are designed specifically to support members of the Armed Forces community to gain practical skills, recognised qualifications and valuable insight into construction and built environment careers.

Depending on location and availability, our programmes include:

• Construction Multi Skills
• Green Skills and Retrofit
• Groundworks and Streetworks

We will also be launching new programmes in the new year, including Engineering and Welding.

With some courses already fully booked for the first one or two cohorts of the new academic year, now is the time to register your interest so you do not miss out on your place with Building Heroes.

Our programmes are delivered across a growing number of regions, including:

• Darlington, County Durham
• Reaseheath, Cheshire
• Ibstock, Leicestershire
• Heybridge, Essex
• Wembley, London
• Drayton, Oxfordshire
• Andover, Hampshire
• Salisbury, Wiltshire
• Plymouth, Devon

With academies located across the country, there may be a Building Heroes programme close to where you plan to resettle. This means you can gain training in the region where you hope to live after service, while also meeting employers and industry partners in that local area.

If you are within your final 18 months of service, have already transitioned from the Armed Forces, are a Reservist, or are an immediate family member keen to upskill, our programmes can help you take a positive next step.

Our training provides:

• Valuable knowledge of the construction and built environment sector
• Practical skills and recognised qualifications, which may include a Diploma, Health and Safety Award and CSCS card, depending on the programme
• Funded training to help you build confidence in your capabilities alongside specialist tutors
• Employability support, underpinned by knowledgeable employability and career coaching specialists
• Confidence and insight to support transition into civilian life
• Access to our wider support offer, including guidance, employer engagement and links to our network of industry partners
• A pathway towards meaningful second careers after service

Places are limited and demand is already high for the autumn term, so we encourage you to register your interest as soon as possible.

To find out more and apply, please visit:
www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses