Neil served for 26 years in the Army and struggled to adjust to civilian life. With support from a Lifeworks course, funded by the ABF, he rebuilt his confidence and started to move forward again.

Neil was just 16 when he began his Army training. A keen outdoorsman, he went on to serve for 26 years, first in the Royal Corps of Signals and later with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2. Neil’s operational service included postings in Northern Ireland, Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. However, his flourishing career came to an end in 2019, when changes to rules regarding length of service meant Neil felt he had to leave.

Neil moved straight into a role with the London Fire Brigade, but soon felt frustrated and unfulfilled in civilian employment. Missing the teamwork and companionship of the Army, Neil began to lose his way. He felt isolated and angry, and became increasingly dependent on alcohol.

Things continued to deteriorate after Neil was charged with drink driving, which ultimately led to him losing both his job and his relationship. Reflecting on this period, Neil says: “My military career was cut off in my 40s, while I was still in my prime. I had been so self-disciplined, so self-reliant, so professional. Then my life started unravelling.”

The turning point came unexpectedly. The police officer who dealt with Neil was also a veterans’ advocate and signposted him to the support available. As a result, Neil was referred to the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), a veterans’ employment charity.

Neil ended up attending an RBVE Lifeworks course, which was funded by the ABF. The four-day course covered CV writing, interview skills and group work. Neil had lost his confidence and sense of direction, but over the course of the programme he began to turn things around.

Thanking RBVE and the ABF for their support in helping him get his life back on track, Neil says, “I had lost my pride in myself completely and felt lonely and miserable. But I feel I’ve achieved a lot on the Lifeworks course and my confidence has returned.

“I am currently undertaking my personal trainer qualifications and have already been offered employment in a local gym. I now know I am moving forward in my life.”