HELPING THE TRANSITION FROM SERVICE TO CIVILIAN LIFE

H E L P I N G T H E T R A N S I T I O N F R O M S E R V I C E T O C I V I L I A N L I F E

HIRE A HERO

What do we do?We serve those who served us

How do we do it?By doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes

to provide individual support in the transition from service life

into meaningful civilian employment

Through…Trained Hire A Hero staff and volunteers working in partnership with other

charities and agencies to identify the support they need; this can include

access to job search, training, housing or rehabilitation support

Why…Because on leaving the armed services:

20% are diagnosed with depression;

Every night in London 1100 sleep rough;

70% are unemployed after one year

Who…A network of like-minded individuals and businesses

that want to make a positive difference to those who served

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S E R V I C E L E AV E R S

N E E D H I R E A H E R O T O

S U P P O R T T H E M T H R O U G H

T H E T R A N S I T I O N , T O F I N D

M E A N I N G F U L E M P LO Y M E N T

Belfast-born former officer in the British Army TimCollins OBE is one of the country’s most well-knownand vocal military officials. Most famous for hisrousing eve-of-battle speech to his troops in Kuwaitwhich still hangs in the Oval Office he is also knownfor setting up the Peace Support College in previouswar-torn Sarajevo.

Now retired from the military and in charge of anintelligence-based security firm, Tim Collins worksto raise awareness and gain support for army heroesstruggling to cope with civilian life.

TIM COLLINS OBE

“I have had the privilege of serving with theUK's finest soldiers; who, when called to do so,served their country unfailingly. We taughtthem to take on a fierce enemy which they didunflinchingly.

Its now our turn to serve them: many face anew enemy, for some it is their own struggle,for others it is the seemingly simple task ofbuilding a civilian life. The army buildsconfidence and self esteem, the transition tocivilian life can erode these very characteristics.

Service leavers need Hire A Hero to supportthem through that transition, to findmeaningful employment that can give back tothem the very characteristics that made themsuccessful in the Armed Services. I amdelighted to be an active supporter of Hire A Hero.

Gerry Hill the, CEO of Hire A Hero, is widelyrespected within UKSF and is a good friendand colleague: I know under his leadershipHire A Hero will make a critical difference tothe lives of those who served at the time they need it most.”

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Imagine for a minute if you will that one dayyou’re walking around your local shoppingcentre or riding on a bus or train, perhapsyou’re enjoying a drink in your local,whatever floats your boat really, when youclap eyes on the young man sitting in a shopdoorway, or maybe he’s just looking sorry forhimself, his appearance is shoddy and hemight even be sobbing or talking to himself,he might even be begging. Now then let meguess what your reaction might be, there’llbe some who just pretend he doesn’t existand they won’t look. There’ll be others who’lllook and then deliberately avoid him. Quite alot of people will think that he’s a typicalproduct of the age and he’s probably drunkor drugged and all hoodies should bewhipped anyway.

They’d be right; he is a typical product of theage, however, it’s an age that we have allcollectively helped to create. You see, this guyhas lost everything. Just a short time ago hewas earning the Queen’s shilling and doing hisduty as best he could.

In fact, not so long ago the very people whonow ignore or avoid him were sitting in front oftheir tellies in their comfy homes and thinkingthat everyone in the military should be given amedal! Now he has lost your respect and hisown self-respect.

This young man did not lose body limbs in someawful explosion, although he saw a few mateswho did suffer horribly (not to mention civilianstoo). His body wasn’t wounded; it’s his state ofmind that brought him to this point.

While serving in the forces he didn’t want formaterial goods, all his needs were taken care of by his military family, and we must notforget that we trained him to believe that hecould do anything. Then on leaving the Forces,all of a sudden something basic like gettingemployment or finding somewhere to live isunbelievably difficult. With no-one to fall backon, he is in a more vulnerable situation. We know deep down that we should be doingmore, but what do we do? We ignore him, we avoid him, we “tut tut” and move on.

Let me explain why we ignore him and passhim by. It’s not because we’re cruel andheartless, it’s not because we don’t care, it’sbecause we simply don’t understand and don’trecognise that the people who served us nowneed a chance. The problem is that often wecan’t see the damage the way we can when thewounded are seen on TV. Quite often these guysjust carry on trying to get by, to do somethingbecause that’s the way they’ve been trained.You know, you don’t have to be ex-forces toknow that a roof over your family’s head and ajob to go to means an awful lot in terms of self-worth and dignity. However, to have had it andthen to have lost it through no fault of yourown is not easy. These people are entitled toour support and respect.

For once there’s a way to save our collectiveshame, to prevent that vulnerability and giveback that self-worth and dignity. Hire A Herowill help these guys through, so they can getback to a productive and happier life. Thecharity will reach out and support ALL of ourservice personnel in need from any place or anytime, injured or not. Like every other charity,we depend on the generosity of people, and weknow that by reading this you might be willingto help. Please give us a call, drop us a line ormake a donation – we need your help.

Arthur Croft spent eighteen years servingin the Army before being seriouslywounded by “a little **** with an M16 rifle”in 1972. After making the change frommilitary service to civilian life, Arthurclaims to be Brad Pitt’s body double, aproud patron of Hire A Hero and an ITconsultant when Brad doesn’t need him.

THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN FOR HIRE AHERO BY EX-SOLDIER AND PATRON ARTHUR CROFT

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HOUSING

FUNDRAISERS MILITARY BUSINESSES CHARITIES GOVERNMENT SUPPORTERS

NAVY AIR FORCE

INJURED SUPPORT

EMPLOYMENT

TRAINING

HIRE A HEROHOW WE WORK

LIAISON & SUPPORT

ARMY

• EARLY SERVICE LEAVERS • END OF TOUR SERVICE LEAVERS• RETIRED PERSONNEL • MEDICAL DISCHARGE

D O I N G W H A T E V E R I TT A K E S F O R A S L O N G A SI T T A K E S T O M A K E T H ET R A N S I T I O N I N T OM E A N I N G F U L C I V I L I A NE M P L O Y M E N T

PSA Training & DevelopmentEstablished in 1989, PSA has a long history ofemploying former service personnel. Mike Peckham,Managing Director says:

“PSA is a small business that is trusted to work with some of the UK’s mostrecognised brands. Our clients demand thehighest standards of care, performance andattention to detail from me and my team.Employing former service staff guaranteesthat we live up to those expectations.”


W O R K I N G W I T H

B U S I N E S S E S

T O C R E A T E

E M P L O Y M E N T

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

CASE STUDY: EMPLOYERS

Steve Gillson “I joined the Army at 18 and served with the Intelligence Corps, my role requiredresponsibility and I took huge pride in my work. When I left I failed to gain a singleinterview and felt like the army was a dirtyword to employers.

I eventually resorted to washing cars for cash, a huge blow to my self-esteem. My first real job with Jewson was tidying the yard. Now Imanage sales for the entire London region. I built my career with hard work anddetermination. I hope that by workingtogether with Hire A Hero others can benefitfrom the helping hand I didn’t have.

Rifleman Peter Gallant For seven long and frustrating months following hisdeparture from the army, Rifleman Peter Gallantremained unemployed and was finding it increasinglydifficult to even reach the interview stage in his jobapplications. Employers just did not seem to recognizehis transferable skills. Peter recalls his experience offinding work with the assistance of Hire A Hero:

“I was feeling really uninspired by my job hunt – in fact I thought I’d never find something, itseemed hopeless. Hire A Hero quickly sussed outwhat I’d be good at and found me a job thatsuited my skills. I was really impressed.”

CASE STUDY: EMPLOYEES

Composite Floor Deck GroupSince 2005 the Composite Floordeck Group has actively set out to employ ex-service personnel. CEO Matthew Smith explains:

“Like any business we are only as good as thepeople we employ. Our sector is both in theConstruction and Manufacturing Industry, as such we require motivated, self disciplinedindividuals who are prompt and capable offollowing procedure and structure. We haveconsistently found these attributes in the ex-service personnel we have employed.”

Stephen Haines, Group Operations Director adds:

“The reliability factor of the ex-servicepersonnel stands out a mile. If they say theywill be on-site for 7:00am Monday morning, I KNOW they will be there!”

Composite Floor Deck Group

C

David Cooper - Lumus

“I left the army after 20 years service, rising tothe rank of RSM in the Royal Engineers. Out of110 letters of application I gained just oneinterview. I thought I knew what skills that Ihad to offer, joining a small business providedme with an opportunity to realise new skillsand talents.

Today I am Director of business that offers 360 degree feedback in 17 differentlanguages across the world. I am grateful forthat one interview and the opportunities ithas given me.

SUPPORT AS A BUSINESSHire A Hero needs businesses to join ournetwork of support, this is not only aboutjobs, it is about engaging staff in the work ofthe charity. These are just some of the ideas:

• Become an active supporter bydisplaying the Hire A Hero logo to show that you guarantee to interview Hire A Hero supported service leavers

• Endorse Hire A Hero by adopting us as your charity for the year

• Introduce us to other like-mindedbusinesses to grow the network

• Mobilise your staff to become fundraisers and mentors

• Look for, and provide, employmentopportunities for Hire A Hero supported service leavers

HOW YOU CAN HELP


T O S E R V ET H O S E W H OS E R V E D U S

BECOME A FUNDRAISERThe charity is committed to making sure that service leavers are connected to the best possible source of help and support, all of which needs money. By becoming aHire A Hero Fundraiser you will be raisingmoney to ensure we fulfil our ambition ‘toserve those who serve us’.

The website contains resources to help yourun your own charity event and check lists tohelp you get started. We can also advertiseyour fundraising events on the website.Go to www.hireaherouk.org

BECOME A MENTORHire A Hero need individuals to train asvolunteers to work closely with serviceleavers with the transition into meaningfulcivilian employment; this meansunderstanding both the challenge andopportunity for the skills, talents andattributes of former service personnel.

We ask for a firm commitment to work with a specified number of service leavers and toattend our mandatory training modules.

SUPPORT US ONLINEIn this age of social media we value ourconnections with the media, businesses,other service charities and service leavers.You can access information via our website,Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Go to www.hireaherouk.org

By signing up to our newsletter andfollowing us on Twitter and Facebook we can show how much support there is for this important issue.

By providing regular comments and retweetsyou will be helping to spread the messageand help us gain support.

www.facebook.com/hireaherouk

Twitter @hireaherouk

www.youtube.com/hireaherouk

[email protected]

DONATE TO HIRE A HEROAs an individual you can join the network of support by making a one off, or regulardonation. By using the Gift Aid form on thewebsite we will be able to claim back taxthat will benefit the charity by 25%. Go to www.hireaherouk.org

Commercial Groupactively supportingHire A Hero

Stoke Park - providing opportunities


GERRY HILLMBE QGM + BarCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Gerry Hill MBE QGM + Bar spent just short of 45 years in the British Army, the last 34 of which were served in 22 Special Air ServiceRegiment. During this time he saw service inNorthern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, the Balkans,across the Middle East and Afghanistan.

While serving, Gerry received four gallantry awards- 2 Queen’s Gallantry Medals (QGM) and 2 Mentionin Dispatches (MID) as well as a Member of theBritish Empire medal (MBE) and a Commander inChief Commendation (CINC) for valuable service.

The knowledge and experience he gained over theyears and in particular in the latter years of hisservice have enabled him to recognise the value ofappropriate welfare support for the men andwomen of our Armed Forces and the problems theyencounter on leaving the services. Following hisretirement in February 2012, Gerry became fullyinvolved with the aspiring charity - Hire A Hero.

Through his involvement, charitable status was soonsubsequently granted - the first step in a long butvital process. Gerry has been married to Marie for 29years and they have 2 grown up children. He lives inHerefordshire and is a keen walker, field sportsmanand now watches, rather than plays, rugby football!

MIKE PECKHAMMA, B.Ed (Hons), FRGS, FRSAASSISTANT CHIEFEXECUTIVE OFFICER

As well as working closely with Gerry and the teamto make Hire a Hero a charity that makes a realdifference to the lives of service leavers, Mike is MDof PSA Training and Development and works in thearea of Strategic Support and Facilitation.

He characterises his work as ‘working with seniorteams to help them to have the conversations thatthey need to have’ and has worked with the boardsand senior teams of many multinational clients inUK, Europe and Southern Africa.

Mike recently lectured at the UK Defence Academyon leadership in business. He is an Entrepreneur inResidence with the Business School at TheUniversity of Wales and the Trustee of severalcharities.

Mike is also a Director of Lumus™ a business thatspecialises in providing online 360 degree feedback.He is married and lives in the UK with his wife andtwo children; he is a keen climber, mountaineer,runner, skier and cyclist.

SYMONHINDMARCH-BYEBSc (Hons), PGCE

Symon has worked in the music industry for 20 years and in Education for the last 7, primarilyworking, teaching and mentoring inner city kids.

A key member of the Hire A Hero team, Symonconcentrates on employment and strategic businessrelationships. He is responsible for coordinating and facilitating employment opportunities betweenemployee and employee, as well as developingprocedures and implementing policy for the charity

MATTHEW SMITHMatt Smith is the CEO of the Composite Floor DeckGroup which has a range of Specialist Sub Contractcompanies that operate within both the UK andoverseas construction market. Having spent over 25 years in the industry and developing the groupMatt has gained many valuable experiences.

As well as being a key sponsor for Hire A Hero, interms of funding and providing facilities, Mattbrings experience on the overall concept of thecharity, having employed a number of service

personnel over the years. He fully understands theproblems service personnel will encounter onleaving the forces through to the benefits gained byemployers hiring them. With this knowledge andhis belief in what the charity stands for puts him inan ideal situation to help advise and mentor Hire AHero candidates going through the system.

He is married to Lisa and has 2 sons, Samuel andGeorge and is a keen motor cyclist and outdoorperson.

A N E T W O R K O F L I K E - M I N D E D

I N D I V I D U A L S A N D B U S I N E S S E S

T H AT W A N T T O M A K E A

P O S I T I V E D I F F E R E N C E T O

T H O S E W H O S E R V E D

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BIRMINGHAM

KILIMANJARO

H I G H L I G H T I N GC O M M I T M E N TA N D A D A P T A B I L I T YF O R A G O O D C A U S E


From the15th July to the 5th August,2013, a team of 11 intrepid explorers led by Hire A Hero sponsor, Sgt. Rohit "Mo" Mohan,assisted by engineer and mountain leader,Capt. Carl Fisher and supported by WO2 TerryTwining MBE of the Royal British Legion willbe travelling across 6,000 Miles and 9countries to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

As the long drive ends, the 19341 ft. climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro begins.The plan is for a team of mixed civilian andmilitary personnel to drive in a convoy of 3 Land Rover Discoveries from Birmingham in the West Midlands to Mount Kilimanjaro.Once there, the group will leave the vehiclesand climb to the summit without localguides. The expedition is scheduled to becompleted in 15 days, a feat which has never before been attempted.

The Hire A Hero Kilimanjaro team, made upof both men and women, will also see Welshrugby star and former captain of Wales'national rugby team, Garin Jenkins, join thegroup. All will be ready to push themselvesto the limit and to test themselves bothphysically and mentally. A strict selectionprocess is in place to ensure that participantspossess both the physical stamina andappropriate skills to complete the task. The team will demonstrate the variety ofadaptable skills service leavers have at their disposal.

It is not fame that these intrepidadventurists are seeking but the opportunityto raise money for 2 well-deserved charities,

Hire A Hero and the RoyalBritish Legion, and also toraise public awareness of the work done by the charities.

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H I R E A H E R O - S E R V I N G T H O S E W H O S E R V E D U S

Hire A Hero 5 The Parks, Haydock, Cheshire WA12 0JQ Telephone 0844 848 4399

[email protected] www.hireaherouk.org

For regular service updates and the latest news follow us

on Twitter @hireaherouk

http://www.facebook.com/hireaherouk

Charity No: 1143606

Documents

HELPING THE TRANSITION FROM SERVICE TO CIVILIAN LIFE