The Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), established to help ex-Service men and women make a successful transition back to civilian life, has awarded a grant of £182,361 to Stoll to deliver and evaluate an innovative two-year pilot outreach support programme for London-based serving and former serving personnel transitioning out of the Armed Forces.

In an extension of Stoll’s already successful London Outreach Service, this programme will see staff support military personnel in that vulnerable period when they move from Service to civilian life, and provide long or short term support as necessary.  The aim of this preventative programme is to ensure that every person involved achieves a successful transition and no longer needs assistance from Stoll or other military charities and organisations.

The programme anticipates supporting around 180 veterans and Service leavers over 2 years across the 33 London Boroughs and it will target those who are likely to face particular difficulties during transition such as mental health and housing issues.

Whilst support for those returning to civilian life is already provided by the Ministry of Defence, some personnel need additional assistance and may lack the confidence or initiative to seek existing support services.

Ray Lock, Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust said: “A small but significant minority of people leaving the Armed Forces face particular difficulties and challenges, including mental health issues and housing problems, which can noticeably hinder their transition back to civilian live. These people very often lack the confidence to seek the additional support and help that they need. The London Outreach Service is the perfect way for this vulnerable cohort to gain this support.

“By complementing the delivery of this innovative approach with independent evaluation, we intend to provide the evidence-base that will see the model extend across the whole country, and become adopted by the full range of service deliverers.  If we can prevent failed transition in the first place, the State will be much more able to satisfy any outstanding needs.”

Ed Tytherleigh, Chief Executive of Stoll, said: “Stoll is delighted to be undertaking this pilot project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Forces in Mind Trust for their support of the project. We at Stoll know there is a clear need to work with individuals as they leave Service to prevent them getting into difficulties. We are confident that this service will deliver this and save the individual considerable future hardship and the Service charity sector resources.”

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About Stoll: Stoll (formerly Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation) is a registered charity which enables vulnerable and disabled ex-Servicemen and women to live as independently as possible by providing a range of services. These include appropriate housing with support in London, a wide variety of health and wellbeing activities, outreach to Veterans living in the wider community, the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme and a monthly Drop-in of 20 Veterans’ agencies held in Stoll’s Community Hall. www.stoll.org.uk