Working Together To Ensure That Nobody Is Left Behind
Launching the Soldiering On Academy: Providing support for our Wounded, Injured and Sick military community.
by Debbie Boundy, Soldiering On Academy Development Manager
Making decisions about re-joining the workforce can be challenging but add in the complexities of living with a mental or physical health condition, and the employment landscape can seem overwhelming.
I’m proud to be joining The Soldiering On Academy, which was launched at the 2024 Soldiering On Awards as a beacon of support, purpose, and hope for our Armed Forces community: a place for those who’ve served and who now seek that extra hand in building a future worth looking forward to.
This isn’t just another academy; it’s a commitment, carefully built on the remarkable success of past work supporting our military personnel in settling into civilian life. Those successes reflect stories of lives transformed, careers rebuilt, and confidence renewed. We’ve seen it, we know it works, and now we’re taking it even further.
For many of those leaving military service, the journey into civilian life can be daunting and filled with unexpected challenges. The Soldiering On Academy understands these specific struggles. Through specialist, tailored support, we are here to walk every step of that path alongside them. Our mission is about acknowledging these experiences and shaping support that is lasting and sustainable.
For the last 10 years I have been fortunate enough to focus on developing and delivering courses for the military community where I have seen first-hand the positive impact of programmes that provide a safe space for learning, reflection, and forward planning. During that time, I had the privilege of working closely with the team at X-Forces Enterprise who developed and ran the successful Business Xperience programme. Using that programme as the catalyst for the new Academy and giving it life once more is what drives me, as is the opportunity to once again work with Ren Kapur MBE and Martin Wing, who share my passion for ensuring that nobody is left behind.
A pivotal moment in the Academy’s story came at the Soldiering On Awards on October 16, 2024, when the community gathered to celebrate, recognise and support. Amid the stories of courage and dedication, the community at the gala raised all the funds needed to kick-start the Academy’s first programme, set for delivery in quarter one of 2025. This incredible generosity stands as a testament to the strength and unity of the military family and a powerful reminder that the mission of the Soldiering On Academy is both shared and cherished. At this event we were inspired by the words of David Richmond CBE “It is so important that this really special, very particular niche cohort of people who suffered illness or injury as a result of their service have tailored support. When the bullets stop and it’s not in the news, the need doesn’t go away, but it does sit below the radar and it’s great to see that X Forces Enterprise haven’t forgotten that, and that the programme is going to be there for now and into the future…”.
Our first course in spring 2025 will provide dedicated time and space for Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) veterans to gain clarity on the options and opportunities available to them. Through the power of enterprise skills, we will enable individuals to develop the knowledge and understanding to determine if self-employment, employment, or further learning is the right option for them.
The Soldiering On Academy is different because it’s built to be deeply personal, moving at a pace that meets each individual where they are. For some, this may mean structured training programmes, while for others it could be hands-on guidance as they step into entrepreneurship. Whatever the journey, the Academy is here to create an environment where every member feels seen, valued, and empowered to realise their potential. These aren’t just careers being built; it’s about restoring dignity, self-worth, and a belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.
The Academy is designed to have a positive impact on wellbeing, to rebuild confidence and focus on the possible rather than the impossible. Often the self-discovery journey though self-employment and enterprise can be the realisation that it is possible to transform a passion or hobby into employment, from beekeeping, coffee roasting or dog walking, to crafting, medal mounting and so much more. Support networks are key when it comes to moving from economic inactivity to a flexible, satisfying future. Recognising who you have around you, what support you might need, and how you can tap into it, is vital. Whilst planning for the Academy, myself and Dougie Thomson reflected on working with individuals like John Geden – an extremely rewarding experience – creating a space for learning which fired up his energy and enthusiasm, and ultimately enabling him to bring his concept and business idea to life. Add to that the excitement of James Stott, The Magic Marine entertaining guests at the 2024 Soldiering On Awards and you can truly see ideas becoming reality. Welcoming previous delegates to share their experiences, individuals like James, Lee and Stu, would enable attendees to realise what is possible.
To every member of our Armed Forces Community who may need that extra lift, the Soldiering On Academy is here, ready, and waiting. With the commitment of our supporters and the strength of our community, we’re ready to bring out the best in you. It’s about walking that path together, valuing every story of service, and providing a chance for a fulfilled, empowered future. We’re here to make that difference – one life, one career, one future at a time. To our partners, a big thank you to the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and Anisha Worbs for supporting the thinking behind the Academy, and to the Royal British Legion for partnering with us on the residential delivery of the programme – we look forward to exploring the referral pathway with you alongside our other military charity partners Forces Employment Charity, Poppy Factory, Combat Stress, ABF, Greenwich Hospital, RMA the Royal Marines Charity and many others who wish to join in to support this deserving community. In the future we’re looking forward to working with Helen Helliwell and supporting the Invictus Games. Here’s to building many more partnerships.
To our new supporters, we would love to discuss the ways in which you can play a major role in delivering the Academy’s objectives and helping to create rewarding futures for those who have done so much to keep our nation safe and protect our way of life.
If you are interested in supporting the Soldiering On Academy, contact Debbie by email
