Podcasts series share lived experience of veterans who have made a successful change from military to civilian life.
Forces Children Scotland has launched a new podcast series that explores overcoming challenges when it comes to forging positive pathways in civilian life.
With over 220,000 veterans presently living in Scotland charities, like Forces Children Scotland, have observed younger groups of service leavers are emerging, who present much greater, complex support needs, compared to veterans in later life.
You simply have to serve 24 hours in the British Armed Forces to be classified as a veteran, and in the last year alone (01 January 21 December 22), 16,230 people have left the services, a 14.6% rise on the previous twelve months.
The podcast series explores the journey of three veterans, Steven Williams, Chris Gillan, and Fiona Forrest-Anderson, who have shared their personal stories to help others to make a successful transition to civilian life.
The episodes begin with a discussion about time in service and adapting to gradual or rapid change in terms of identity, routine, and structure after having left the military.
Having arrived on civvy street, the podcasts cover making a home in civilian life, finding meaningful employment, gaining civilian qualifications, overcoming mental health and wellbeing challenges, managing family relationships, and much more.
Reflecting on their personal journeys, the podcasts conclude by providing participating veterans an opportunity to provide useful advice, information, and signposting to those who plan to leave the armed forces in the near future.
The podcasts were produced at Rebel Loop Studios in Glasgow, thanks to funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund.
Please scroll down to watch our three podcast episodes.