Quest Magazine: November Issue Out Now

To read this issue online, or any back issues, please go to: Quest Magazine - Armed Forces Resettlement since 1999

Defence Update: Veterans learning new skills to help build homes in London

A defence and Places for London partnership scheme is helping veterans use what they’ve learnt in the armed forces to build new careers in the construction industry.

Eight veterans are the very first people to take part in the brand-new ‘Building Beyond Service’ programme at the Earl's Court Skills Centre in London. They are learning how to safely operate plant machinery, which is the type of large equipment used on building sites – like diggers and excavators.

Building Heroes: Training Close to Where You Plan to Resettle

Training Close to Where You Plan to Resettle

One of the most important decisions during transition is where to build your next chapter. Building Heroes programmes are delivered through a growing network of academies, helping members of the Armed Forces community access funded training in different parts of the country.

For Service Leavers preparing to resettle, this can be especially helpful. Training in or near the area where you hope to live after service can provide a practical introduction to the local construction and built environment sector, as well as the chance to meet employers and understand the opportunities available in that region.

Building Heroes academies are currently active across locations including Darlington, Reaseheath, Ibstock, Heybridge, Wembley, Drayton, Andover, Salisbury and Plymouth, with programmes shaped by local employer demand, academy facilities and available course pathways.

Learners may gain hands-on construction skills, recognised qualifications, sector insight and employability support, while also building confidence alongside others from the Armed Forces community. For many people, this combination of practical training and peer support helps make the move into civilian life feel more focused and achievable.

Whether you are exploring a trade, considering a career in retrofit or infrastructure, or simply looking for a positive first step into the sector, Building Heroes can help you understand your options and take that next step with support around you.

Places on our upcoming programmes are limited, and some cohorts are already attracting strong interest. Our next courses begin from 9 November, with further programmes starting in January and continuing at each half-term across our academy network. Anyone considering training for a new career in the region where they plan to resettle is encouraged to register their interest as early as possible.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses

Easy Resettlement Magazine: Autumn edition out now

Have you read the Autumn issue of Easy Resettlement magazine yet?

In this issue there is information about employment events for service leavers, enabling you to meet future employers and network with companies and fellow service leavers.

ER mag also features the 162 winners of the MODs Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards and as always, you can find information from CTP and about ELCAS entitlements.

Please visit the Easy Resettlement website to read this issue online and download it for free: www.easyresettlement.com/magazine

September Quest Magazine is Out Now

To read this issue (and back issues) online, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/

Have You Experienced an Overseas Posting?

Your story could help improve support for military families.

RAND Europe has been asked by the Army Families Federation, RAF Families Federation and Naval Families Federation to carry out an important study on the experiences of UK military families during overseas postings.

MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

Discover My Benefits - Families

Building Heroes Programmes - Register Now for Autumn 2026.

Building Heroes will be welcoming learners back onto our funded training programmes from mid-September, with courses starting again across our national academy network.

Our programmes are designed specifically to support members of the Armed Forces community to gain practical skills, recognised qualifications and valuable insight into construction and built environment careers.

Depending on location and availability, our programmes include:

• Construction Multi Skills
• Green Skills and Retrofit
• Groundworks and Streetworks

We will also be launching new programmes in the new year, including Engineering and Welding.

MOD Veterans Services: New online form now available for referrals and self-referrals

A new online form is now available, making it easier and quicker to refer to Veterans Services, who provide information, guidance and welfare support to those who have left or are transitioning out of the Armed Forces.

The form offers a simple and secure way for veterans, serving personnel, and those supporting them to request assistance and supporting guidance. It removes the need to download and complete paper or PDF forms, allowing referrals to be submitted directly to the Veterans Services team who will build and manage your case.

Most referrals can be completed in just a few minutes if you have the relevant information to hand. This may include contact details for you or the person being referred, such as a telephone number, address, Service number, National Insurance number, and date of birth. If you have not served, you can still make a referral – just provide the details of the serving person or veteran you are supporting.

To find out more about the new online referral/self-referral process, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-a-referral-to-veterans-services

BRUNEI: Transitional mentoring for Service Leavers from SSAFA

SSAFA's mentors provide long-term, one-to-one, face-to-face support during transition and, for up to two years, post discharge. They work alongside the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and other key partners to provide this service.

The SSAFA mentor programme is well established in helping those who have recently left the forces, and their families, understand and prosper during the transition to civilian life. The mentors will provide reassurance in the face of an often daunting time. They will help you with confidence and relationship issues, particularly in relation to the differences between a military and civilian environment.

Please click here to find out more

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

Help for Heroes: Seeking Help and Recovery College Courses.

Help for Heroes have a new leaflet to explain how they can support, and how to access this. To view the leaflet please click HERE

There is also a range of courses available through the Help for Heroes Recovery College. Information and the prospectus can be found on the Help for Heroes website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/recovery-college/self-help-guides/

For further details on Help for Heroes services and how to get in touch, please go to: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/

Op ASCEND – Careers After Service

Op ASCEND is a free, government-backed service to support veterans in growing their careers.

Whether you’re a veteran seeking employment or an employer looking to attract skilled veterans to your workforce, find out what signing up to the Op ASCEND service can do for you.

For more information visit: https://careersafterservice.campaign.gov.uk

Career Transition Partnership: 2026 Employment Fairs – UK-wide dates and locations

CTP Employment Fairs are open to:

Service leavers
Veterans
Reservists
Partners and spouses

To find out more and to reserve a place, please visit: https://www.modctp.co.uk/home/list-events

Gov.UK Armed Forces Pensions Update: Pension Scams

The over-arching link for all Armed Forces Pensions information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans

Link to Pension Scams

Steps to stay scam safe