Giving Veterans the tools for employment

14th August 2017

As part of our focus on our SAMH employment work this week, we hear from an Employ-Able Employability Advisor helping veterans into work.

Blog by Emma Manley, SAMH Employ-Able Employability Advisor

I am a SAMH Employability Advisor with Employ-Able, a service run by Poppyscotland and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) that provides support, workshops, training and practical advice to assist veterans in their search for a job.

I support Veterans on their journey back into employment. At Employable we give veterans the tools to employment and better mental health.

I know that for veterans with mental health problems, work can be therapeutic and eases the adverse health effects of unemployment and isolation.

I love listening to clients’ own stories from their time serving in the forces. I am in awe each day hearing the experiences lived by the clients whom I support and the challenges they face.

There is a positive link between employment and mental health and people feel happier and more fulfilled when working. It is great to see a client move into employment, and see the positive impact it has on their life. 

There is no more gratifying feeling than when I have supported a client into a job, but with the good comes the bad. Journeys can sometimes be like rollercoasters for people. My job is to make sure the down days don’t persist, and to ensure that the good outweighs the bad. 

For some, the path into employment comes easy. For veterans struggling Employ Able can make a difference for someone who needs it.

Employ Able

SAMH’s Employ-Able programme, funded by Poppy Scotland, provides one to one support for veterans to help them to identify employment goals and to overcome any barriers to employment. If you’re an Armed Forces veteran who needs help getting back to work, Employ-Able is waiting to hear from you. Call Poppyscotland’s Employment Services Co-ordinator on 0131 550 1568 or email danielle.coll@poppyscotland.org.uk