Supporting Barry Seymour on his resettlement journey
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 03/05/2023
Barry left the Army in 2021 following a 26-year Service, due to a medical discharge. CTP then stepped in to ensure Barry had access to all the necessary support he needs:
“I attended a Career Transition Workshop+ at Phoenix House Personnel Recovery Centre in October 2021. I struggle with online courses or looking at computer screens for long periods of time because of strokes I suffered during my time in Service, but the CTW+ used a mix of different ways to deliver the information and I was able to take material home to read in my own time.
"The other thing I found really useful was the mock interview sessions, as these gave me the confidence and belief that I can be employable when I leave the military.”
As a key component of his support on the CTP Assist programme, Barry was assigned a Specialist Employment Consultant (SEC) to help him in his resettlement planning and preparation:
“Without the support from my SEC Nicole, and her positive encouragement to think outside the box, I have no idea where or what I would be doing now. I know for sure I wouldn’t be as far along in my road to recovery as I am.
"I was bored at home with a feeling of isolation and a loss of purpose. Nicole mentioned opportunities to work with Armed Forces Charities and specifically a 4-day residential course, ‘Future 4 Heroes’, based in the Lake District. Having attended the course, I now volunteer with them once a month and will be a mentor for other veterans moving forwards.
"It provides me with an opportunity to give back, have something to look forward to and have a laugh along the way.”
To help Barry realise his potential for employment within the civilian market, Nicole worked closely with him to organise some Civilian Work Attachment opportunities:
“I attended a few job shadowing opportunities that my SEC Nicole arranged. This was pivotal in enabling me to see what sectors I want to work in post discharge, as well as those I’d rather avoid. I now feel that I have a better understanding of a civilian work environment and what wouldn’t be conducive to my recovery.
"I’ve since realised that I’d like to work in a similar environment to the Army because that’s what I know, but it wasn’t until I thought about my experiences and competencies as skills that I could transfer to different industries and sectors, that the idea has become more of a reality for me.
"Trying to figure what’s next has been a difficult, but Nicole has given me the tools and space to work it out for myself while remaining supportive and available as a sounding board.”
What next?
Having been focused on his recovery first and foremost, Barry is now planning for the next chapter in his career, with a CTP training course booked for September 2023:
“While securing employment in the civilian market has always been my long-term goal, I first had to accept that I still had work to do in completing my recovery.
"Having given myself the time to do so, I’m now ready start looking at resettlement training. I’m planning on booking myself onto CTP’s Cycling Maintenance training course, as well as a Coaching and Mentoring course so that I can help other Veterans in my capacity as a volunteer.”
Advice
As a final piece of advice to fellow Service leavers, Barry says:
“Take your time with things and do the Personnel Recovery Centre courses while you are still serving - the staff there really understand your situation and can’t do enough to accommodate you and your needs. Roger Coates and Major Mort at Phoenix House were and are still an inspiration – helping me with mindfulness techniques that I now use every day. This Rolling Recovery Programme was made available to me whilst serving and although hesitant at first, it really has helped me with my recovery.
"Also, try not to be overwhelmed, take a breather when you need to and use the support around you. CTP have so many resources on the website for you to use and if you’re not sure on anything, all you need to do is ask.”
If you’d like to find out more about the wealth of training courses available through the CTP, please click here.