The Lifeworks course was really welcoming. We were a small number of veterans, led by Tim, who was also a veteran, so we had shared experience. The small course size meant it didn’t feel too daunting or overwhelming. Even though I was anxious about just getting into the room on the first day, it was easy to relax and focus throughout the week. I was relieved I didn’t have to travel too far to get to the course and because accommodation provided at no cost during the week I could afford to attend. Our course members differed in age and background, but we all needed support and there was no judgement at all.

The most important thing I got from the course was confidence in myself and my ability to be able to get back into a workplace. I learned that it was okay to re-enter working through a job ‘to survive’ rather than straight into a dream job ‘to thrive’. I learned how to cover the gap in employment and the fact that I was not working and how to make it match the roles I was applying for, even though they were very different from my previous employment

The course restored my self-confidence sufficiently that I felt feel worthy enough to apply for additional support from other service charities and my family and I have benefited massively from their provision.