F4H (Future for Heroes)

F4H offers a Personal Change programme to that minority of service leaves and veterans (and spouses where appropriate) who find the transition out of the military a challenge. Fully included are wounded, injured and sick personnel. Our aim is to develop their ability to better manage the seismic shift and changes in culture experienced when re-entering civilian life. Our Course is designed to give our delegates the self-worth, confidence and understanding to reflect upon their experiences, skills and knowledge gained whilst serving and so enable them to determine how these might be applied to their future. We help them realise their ambitions to build a successful life or a second career. Life-enhancing endeavours, training and, importantly, future employment are the drivers for success.

www.f4h.org.uk/ Fundraise for us

admin@f4h.org.uk

07702596226

Registered charity no. 1126396

Member since August 2016

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For News see: https://www.f4h.org.uk/news/

https://www.f4h.org.uk/news/

About us

14,000 individuals leave the Services each year, many having been on operations. 41% of veterans thereafter feel isolated, 27% have suicidal thoughts, 34% feel overwhelmed by negative feelings (SSAFA, Oct 17). Nevertheless, most cope comfortably with their return to civilian life. However, many leaving get little or no help in dealing with the cultural, emotional and irrational changes (to them) that transition brings. Leaving the structure and discipline of the military ‘family’ can be replaced with fear of the unknown, a perceived lack of suitable skills and training, and unemployment. For our delegates, some will be at a loss as to what to do next. Individuals may find themselves alone, stressed, lacking confidence and lacking direction. The loss of identity and way of life can lead to disillusionment, homelessness, to dependency (with associated crime), and prison. For a small number, suicide can be their answer to exit the morass.

Our free, residential, motivational programme runs over 4 days at The Brathay Trust in Cumbria (www.brathay.com/development-programmes/personal-change). The Trust is paid for its facilities and some personnel; F4H provides remaining staff.

The Course is a mix of classroom-based discussions and outdoor, mainly sedentary, experiential activity designed to encourage discussion, personal reflection and thought. We work to enable delegates to discover and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves, to find a purpose, to set objectives and to begin planning for their future. Techniques employed aim to strengthen perceived areas of personal weakness, offer coping mechanisms to manage stress and to recognise its causes, symptoms and effects. Importantly, by reawakening dormant skills, individuals are encouraged to realise how capabilities and qualifications gained whilst serving can be applied to their future lives.

Delegates are encouraged to recognise their potential through building confidence and resilience in the face of major life changes. We help them reacquire their self-assurance and self-worth and to attain emotional adjustments needed to engage positively with society. We encourage development of social skills and relationships to accomplish a successful transition to civilian life. Delegates are motivated to establish a personal commitment to their future through training and employment.

Since 1991, it is thought 66,000 service men and women now need support for physical and/or mental health problems (King’s College, for H4H). Many of our delegates have 'well-being' issues ranging from anxiety, through depression, to being formally diagnosed with PTSD. F4H does not offer clinical intervention although most of our trainers and mentors are Mental Health First Aiders, allowing them to recognise, understand and empathise – to be able to consider specific referrals if appropriate.

We do not presume to be better than other charitable providers or replace that which is formerly provided, but to be an adjunct to them.