Introducing the Soldiering On Academy
With the launch of the brand-new Soldiering On Academy there will be renewed, bespoke provision for Wounded, Injured, and Sick veterans and their families who wish to rejoin the workforce.
Between 2015 and 2020, 282 Wounded, Injured, and Sick (WIS) veterans, service leavers, and their families were supported through a unique enterprise programme called Business Xperience, pioneered by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE). Affectionally classed as the platinum programme due to input on the materials from Help for Heroes, the training provided some attendees with the foundations needed for ‘lift off’ on their aspirations. For others, it represented a vital lifeline at an extremely challenging time and built confidence, brick by brick, that enabled them to begin their journey to professional independence at a pace that worked for them. The profound efficacy of the course was felt both in career development terms and in the positive impact on well-being.
The Soldiering On Academy, delivered by XFE, will revive enterprise training for those economically inactive members of the Armed Forces community seeking to enter the workforce. Often, physical or mental health challenges can seem like a barrier to moving forwards in life and finding purpose. This programme will allow veterans and their families, who have given so much to their country, to have a fulfilling life after
service. By focusing on lifelong enterprise skills, participants will be able to bridge the gap from economic inactivity to flexible futures.
The bespoke course content is designed to build confidence and foster an understanding of different sectors. Using the construct of a business, students will learn foundational skills and gain an understanding of how businesses work. This knowledge – coupled with XFE’s ongoing support and mentoring – can be harnessed to improve the trajectory of their career pathways, whether they choose to go into employment, a portfolio career, or self-employment.
The importance of XFE’s structured support for WIS veterans is underlined by a previous beneficiary, Russ Kirby, who built a new career in mounting and framing:
“After the course, I am in a much better place. It helped me to gain confidence in myself, and listening to the other attendees’ diverse journeys put things into perspective for me. The best part of running my own business is the independence. Working when it suits me and not being answerable to anyone.”
Prof. Gary Packham, Pro Vice Chancellor Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Anglia Ruskin University, commented:
“Enterprise skills are empowering, fuel creativity, and can help realise ambitions. For the Wounded, Injured, and Sick cohort, these skills – delivered through the Soldiering On Academy – could be transformative, and pave the way back into the workforce. With the track record of X-Forces Enterprise in this arena, beneficiaries will be guaranteed not only high calibre training but a holistic approach that is tailored to their needs.”
Nigel Seaman founder of Combat 2 Coffee
Nigel was diagnosed with PTSD in 2016, which was linked to his Armed Forces service. It was during his recovery treatment that Nigel came up with his business idea to support Armed Forces veterans who may be struggling with life outside of service through a mobile coffee shop and barista training courses. “I’m one of the 282 Wounded Injured and Sick that went through the Business Xperience programme with Help For Heroes. Three life events in three months caused me to have a breakdown relating to something that happened in Northern Ireland early in my service career. If it wasn’t for this programme, I probably wouldn’t be here now. The belief that was put into me by X-Forces to take something forward has probably saved my life, but also saved many others as well.”
John Geden, beekeeper and founder of Sinah Common Honey
John served in the Corps of Royal Military Police before becoming Detective Chief Inspector for Hampshire Police. John took early retirement having been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For therapy and focus, John channelled his energy into beekeeping and producing honey. “I needed a focus for my energies; I told myself that sitting in an armchair and feeling sorry for myself was not going to be an award-winning recipe for the future. However at the same time I had to be realistic and I needed to identify what I could do and what I couldn’t do. “The one key piece of support that I simply could not have done without was that given to me by XFE and Help For Heroes. Whenever I suffered a crisis of confidence there was someone with a sensible answer at the end of the phone. My military career taught me the benefits and necessity of team working, but as a sole trader you have to look wider to find that team.”
X-Forces (XFE) CIC
Registered Office: Level 5A, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF
Head Office: Mountbarrow House, Elizabeth Street, London, SW1W 9RB
Registered in England and Wales under Company Registration Number: 08034041
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