Veterans leaving the Armed Forces can have difficulty adjusting to everyday life, with many finding the change in pace, structure, and identity extremely challenging.
STEPWAY’s 7 Step Civilian Skills Program, funded by a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, is helping veterans and their families rebuild confidence, improve wellbeing, and regain a sense of direction. The course, currently held at the Salvation Army in Worcester, is open to all veterans and their families, no matter the length of service or when they left.
Dawn Turner, CEO of STEPWAY, said: “Lots of veterans and their families can find coming back to ‘normal’ life extremely difficult. It is a completely different way of living, and many people feel lost, isolated, or unsure where to turn. This course gives them space, support, and practical tools to rebuild their confidence and move forward.”
The 7 Step Civilian Skills Program offers structured sessions covering mental health, coping strategies, communication skills, healthy routines, financial awareness, and future planning. Participants are supported to understand their strengths, manage stress and anxiety, and reconnect with others who share similar experiences.
One veteran who joined the course was suffering with low mood and a lack of purpose and direction. By the end they reported feeling more positive, settled and better able to manage day‑to‑day life.
They said: “Each day has been very informative. I feel clearer about what I want for the future and how to get there.”
Feedback from the program shows that 100 per cent of participants felt more confident and positive about their wellbeing, clearer about their future goals and more able to manage daily life. Over 80 per cent reported improved motivation and sense of purpose, and more than 70 per cent said their emotional wellbeing and coping strategies had improved.
Councillor Satinder Bell, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Veterans make a huge contribution to our communities, and it is important that we support their wellbeing any way we can. The transition to civilian life can be tough and programs like this provide early help, connection, and practical support at the right time. We are proud to be supporting Stepway to deliver this vital service.”
Anyone interested in joining the 7 Step Civilian Skills Program or finding out more about STEPWAY’s support for the Armed Forces community can visit www.stepway.org.
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