Give Wounded Veterans a Boost on their First Day in their New Job by Sending a Good Luck Message

The public are being urged to help our veterans by posting a good luck message to a veteran for their first day in their new job.

The Poppy Factory, the UK’s leading employability charity for ex-Service men and women with disabilities, is aiming to support 1,000 wounded, injured and sick veterans into work by the end of the summer.

By including the phrase #1000messages in posts on social media during Armed Forces Week (25^th– 30^th June), people will be helping The Poppy Factory connect with more veterans with health conditions across the country, helping each one to harness their unique skills and abilities and move into long term employment.

The charity has helped over 950 individuals into work since it started its Getting You Back to Work programme in 2010.

Give Wounded Veterans a Boost on their First Day in their New Job by Sending a Good Luck Message

The Poppy Factory have also been collecting messages of support at Richmond Station

“About three years ago, I was diagnosed with having complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of my Service,” veteran Steve said. “I began to, very quickly, push people away; my family life and my employment. PTSD impacted my life in every which way. The Army taught me some amazing things in life, and with my condition those things were stripped away very quickly. But The Poppy Factory helped me pick that back up, piece it back together and move forward. Today, I feel healthier and I feel more engaged with my family. I also have a massive sense of purpose; my son has a dad back and my wife has a husband back”

The first day of a new job is nerve-wracking, especially when it’s doing something you have never done before, and for many veterans, this could be their first civilian job since leaving the Forces. A good luck message could really help give confidence to someone on their first day.

People can share their messages by video or image on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #1000messages and tagging The Poppy Factory: