Holly struggled after being discharged from the Army at 17 and felt she had lost her sense of purpose. With support from a Lifeworks course, funded by the ABF, she rebuilt her confidence and is now back in employment and moving forward positively.

Holly grew up in Portsmouth and joined the Army Cadets aged 13, which encouraged her to pursue a military career and join the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. However, only nine months later, she was discharged from service.

When Holly left the Army, she found it difficult to adjust. Being a soldier was all she had wanted to do, and she felt lost. Holly says, “It was a massive struggle when I found out I was leaving. I was really upset and felt alone.”

By chance, she heard about a Veterans Outreach Support event in Portsmouth and decided to attend. There, she met Sonia, a consultant at the Forces Employment Charity, which receives substantial funding from the ABF. Sonia encouraged Holly to take part in a Lifeworks course, run by Royal British Veterans Enterprise and funded by the ABF, to help rebuild her confidence and develop the skills needed for employment.

On completing the course, Holly secured three job interviews after months of hearing nothing. She has since found work in a bar and is enjoying her new life.

Holly says:

“The Lifeworks course built up my confidence massively. When I finished the course, I had three job interviews after many months of not getting any. I now feel confident and I’m enjoying life.

“I was shy but have now come out of my shell and am able to communicate with people of various ages and backgrounds. I have a purpose in life and a pathway.

“Thank you, ABF. With your funding support I was able to enjoy my Lifeworks course, build up my confidence, gain employment, and have a new life purpose.”