TESTIMONIAL – Mr Mark Littlewood – Armed Forces Community Support Hub           

Having enjoyed a 30-year military career, I was retired from the Army last year and as such, after a brief period of employment, began to find it extremely difficult to adjust to the civilian workplace as well as the civilian mind set in general.

As a consequence, I was introduced to the Armed Forces Community Support Hub. I expressed my concerns regarding my employability as I believed that I had become too institutionalised to be of any value to a prospective employer.

In turn I was introduced to Mark Littlewood, the Hub Manager and Key Support Worker. Having never heard of such roles, I was initially very sceptical and very disillusioned at the thought of having to explain my position to someone who I thought would “simply going through the motions” – and then I met Mark!

From my very first meeting with Mark it became patently clear that he was not “simply going through the motions” at all. Since leaving the Army I had at last met someone who actually cared about the individual and was absolutely resolute in his desire to re-establish my sense of worth that was lacking, spending a lot of time advising and helping me often at considerable voluntary expense to his own time and effort.

Mark is one of those very rare individuals who rather than merely sympathises, he more importantly empathises, and offers incredibly constructive advice and support which is far above and beyond his remit. I have often said to Mark that he has missed his vocation and should actually become a trained counsellor (for veterans) as his ability to “speak the same language” as servicemen is absolutely remarkable and is to be truly commended!

Mark not only coached me through the complexities of the DWP but also put me in touch with “Running Deer” who run a veteran’s programme which Mark is heavily involved with and was also key in helping me to move forward.

Latterly I have spoken to many ex-servicemen and women who have found themselves in the same situation and I am sad to report that they do not have the same sort of support in their areas, a situation which, in my humble opinion, is a travesty as there should be a “Mark Littlewood” in every region of the country.

Notwithstanding my previous comments, and at the risk of sounding sycophantic (and I’m sure Mark would offer an appropriate “Anglo-Saxon response” should he hear this!), I cannot express enough heartfelt thanks to him for taking the time to listen, offering practical real time help and support, which has since assisted me to fully integrate socially as well as mentally into the civilian world and I am now, with Mark’s help, employed as the Assistant Estate Manager at The Cricket St. Thomas Private Estate, near Chard, Somerset!

Mark is so passionate about making a difference and helping others that any accolade bestowed on him would be insufficient.

Thank you Mark – a true gentleman and one of life’s good people.

The Armed Forces Community Support Hub is a hugely valuable resource.

We have receive referrals from the VCP Armed Forces Community Support Hub and the majority of these have had a mental health assessment and gone on to receive treatment for their mental health. These individuals may not have been able to access assessment and treatment any other way. The encouragement, tenacity and support given at the Hub has no doubt assisted with this engagement.

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

From some of our Clients

·         I Have been treated with the utmost respect and steered towards the wright(sic) path to take and help to cope with some of my issues by given(sic) me the wright (sic) people to get in contact with. It gives me something to look forward to. Ex Royal Artillery

·         The professionalism was second to none from start to finish. Now I am back on track and looking forward to a bright future. Thank you. Ex Royal Air Force

·         I have received information and support with my issues and knowing there are people to help listen and direct me in a positive manner and support for my partner. Ex Royal Logistic Corps

·         ‘The Hub’ has been extremely helpful and supportive. They helped me identify and vocalise my needs and have assisted in identifying sources of funding and courses, which have enabled me to fulfill some urgent needs and given impetus for the future. Ex Royal Air Force

·         Having left the Coldstream Guards in 2002 I went on to do CP and Maritime Security. After the ‘bubble burst’ I found that I lost direction. The Hub Staff in Exeter was brilliant helping me to get back on my feet! A life-line that needs promoting. Ex Coldstream Guard

·         ‘The Hub’ has given me the extra support I needed whilst I was in a low place. If it weren’t for ‘The Hub’ I have no doubt that I would be in prison or have been to prison. I have found all the staff at The Hub very helpful and friendly. Ex Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

·         I have the utmost respect for the The Hub team and I recommend anyone in a similar position to mine to use the people and the range of support tools they have in place there. I can’t speak highly enough of them – I really wouldn’t be where I am today without “The Hub”. Ex-Royal Artillery