After being medically discharged from the Army, a RBLI Lifeworks course and ABF funding gave Lynsey the confidence she needed to embark on a rewarding career.

The daughter of a soldier, Lynsey decided to join the Army aged 23, after talking to a former colleague who was enjoying recruit training and the opportunity to take part in fun activities. Not happy in her job, she says, “I thought I can do this; for me it was an epiphany moment.”

In 1998, Lynsey joined the Royal Corps of Signals. She served in the UK, Northern Ireland, and Germany, with responsibility for the accounting of technical supplies. She was medically discharged eight and a half years later, with the rank of Lance Corporal.

After leaving the Army, Lynsey took time adjusting to civilian life, undertaking many jobs. She was at a low point in her life and taking some time off work when she heard about the RBLI Lifeworks course at a local veterans’ breakfast club meeting.

Last November, Lynsey attended a RBLI Lifeworks course at Arundel, covering CV writing, interviewing and group teamwork, improving her self-belief and confidence. She says, “It was perfect timing; I now have an updated CV; it was a fantastic course undertaken in a friendly environment. I feel inspired.”

The training also gave Lynsey the self-assurance to change her job and she is now working for a company as an accountant and quality control officer. She is moving to new employment shortly, as a Veterans Peer Support Worker.

Lynsey says, “I feel very blessed that I received funding from the Army Benevolent Fund to attend this course. I now have found my confidence again and am happy in my work. Without this Army Benevolent Fund grant, I would have remained stuck in a low mood with no belief in my abilities.”

Lifeworks is a free employment support programme which provides veterans and family members of those currently serving, with the training and help they need to find employment outside the Armed Forces.