Former soldier, Rawnie, was a teenager when she served in Afghanistan. Ten years after her service, she experienced mental health issues which culminated in a breakdown. With the support of the ABF, she now has a job she enjoys, a safe and comfortable home, and feels optimistic about the future. 

Rawnie was brought up in Lancashire and left home to join the Army at 16. After initial training, she served with the Royal Corps of Signals as an electrician driver, supplying and maintaining power for the equipment required on field exercises. 

In 2009, Rawnie served in Afghanistan, when the conflict was at its height. She says: 

“I was only 19 and was serving in Helmand Province, where a lot of people died. Looking back now, this tour affected me and my life much more than I realised.” 

Four years after her posting, Rawnie decided to leave the Army. She had enjoyed much of her service but was experiencing some post-traumatic stress and had an injury that required surgery.  

Rawnie then went to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a veterinary nurse. This was the start of a 10-year career that gave her lots of opportunities. But the long hours and the emotional toll of the work affected her mental health. 

In 2023, she moved to South Wales for a fresh start, but reached a low point, which culminated in a breakdown. Rawnie said: 

“When I left the Army, I was struggling a little and finding it difficult to get help. So, I just got on with it, pretending nothing was affecting me. But this time I couldn’t ‘crack on’.” 

Finding a veterans’ hub near her home was the first step in Rawnie’s recovery. She started to receive support for her PTSD, and the ABF stepped in with a grant to cover essential electrical goods for her home that she was unable to afford. Rawnie also was referred to The Poppy Factory, which supports veterans into employment, and is funded by the ABF. 

With the help of Natasha, one of The Poppy Factory’s employment consultants, Rawnie’s self-belief improved and she eventually secured a new job at B&Q. 

Natasha said:  

“When we first met, Rawnie was lacking in confidence. We explored her skills, her passions, and the best ways I could support her. It’s been a real pleasure helping Rawnie on this journey, helping her see how many opportunities are there, and giving her a gentle nudge when she needed it.” 

Rawnie said:  

“A lot of veterans don’t like asking for help, they just get on with things. But asking for help can make things a little bit easier, and everyone has earned that support. 

“Natasha has helped me realise that I had a lot of skills to offer, and supported me to get my new role at B&Q. Finally, I feel settled, with a good social life and friends at work. My thanks to the ABF and The Poppy Factory for their support, and for helping me into a job that I enjoy.”