Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) has extended Lifeworks, its employment programme for veterans and their families, to the West Midlands.

The move was marked on Tuesday 20 October with the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Joan Bell, who joined local partners, including Forces Employment Charity, DWP, SSAFA, the Macari Foundation, Help A Squaddie, Veterans in the Communities, Veterans Launchpad and Herefordshire Council.

It is estimated that around 1 in 25 adults in the West Midlands is a veteran. That is a large community with a lot to offer employers, and Lifeworks helps them find work that is right for them after service.

Lifeworks is free to veterans and their families. It begins with a four-day course covering confidence building, CV writing, interview preparation, training guidance, and links with employers. Support then continues for a year, with help applying for roles, preparing for interviews, and regular check-ins.

This year, Lifeworks has reached more than 1,000 unemployed veterans and family members. 80% of those who attended a course moved into work, training or volunteering within 12 months.

A new Midlands Engagement Officer has also joined RBVE to build referrals with organisations across the region.

Steve Parrott, Assistant Director Veteran and Employment Services at RBVE, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to work and to feel part of something. Lifeworks gives veterans and their families that chance, and stays with them until they get there. We are proud to bring it to the West Midlands, and grateful to all the partners who are helping us reach more people.”

Veterans, family members and organisations can find out more or make a referral by emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 319 6844 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5:30pm).

Photo caption: RBVE presented the Lord Mayor with a commemorative plaque made by veterans employed in its social enterprise factory.