Hi there.
I was Medically Discharged from the Army in May this year. Serving 5 years in 40 Regt RA. I did not plan to be in civvie street and my 'transition into civvie street' was by NOT the most helpful from folks in the Regt nearing my discharge date. I completed the Drylining 4 week course at Aldershot Resettlement Centre and pursued a career in Plastering.... . I became self employed for a short time and then it went sort of down hill from there. I have tried on a number of occasions to contact my local RFEA situated at Carlton Barracks (TA) in Leeds and for one time only, went too see him and afterwards - it was nothing, no contact with me the slightest. My local Army Welfare Team (Civvie) have been a godsend. The picture now at this current time-- Im on Jobseekers Allowance- I have a small 10 month old child to care with along with the help of my partner (Nursery Nurse) and we simply cannot afford to live off my benefits and a single wage (with a mortgaged house also).
I see this as a neglect on the Armys Aftercare System. I was MD'd - 'due too no fault of the Army'- but in an RTA - which was not my fault (passenger) and I see this as- Just because the Army was not to blame for my MD- why should I feel too be shrugged to the side and left to fend on my own?! If it was the Armys fault then I would imagine they would be like ' flies around s*ite'- so to speak,- for the rest of my life.
Sorry for the life story mate!
as you have been out a fair bit- do you know of any solid contacts or possible jobs/careers?
Any help welcomed.
Many thanks.