New initiative gives organisations a meaningful way to help members of the Armed Forces community build successful civilian lives
Building Heroes has launched Friends of Building Heroes, a new community of organisations united by a commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community as they transition into civilian careers.
The initiative offers SMEs, housing providers, contractors, consultants, local authorities and other socially minded organisations a straightforward way to help fund practical training, career guidance and ongoing employment support.
Each annual Friendship provides support equivalent to that received by two Building Heroes learners, helping Service Leavers, veterans, reservists and military families gain the skills, confidence and industry connections needed to build rewarding civilian careers.
Friends of Building Heroes is a supporter initiative that sits alongside, and is distinct from, the charity’s established corporate partnership programme. It enables organisations to make a meaningful contribution and become part of the Building Heroes community without entering a wider corporate sponsorship arrangement.
Chris Charles, Chief Executive of Building Heroes, said: “Many organisations share our commitment to the Armed Forces community and want to make a genuine difference, but a major corporate partnership may not be the right fit. Friends of Building Heroes gives them a simple and meaningful way to turn their values into action.”
The initiative launches with two founding Friends:
CareerForces, an Armed Forces-focused recruitment and employment organisation connecting military talent with civilian opportunities.
Bernicia, a social housing organisation supporting people and communities across the Northeast.
Andy Howe, Managing Director of CareerForces said: “CareerForces is delighted to be part of the Friends of Building Heroes community. We share a long-term commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community as they transition into new civilian careers. As part of the VGC Group, CareerForces can open up a wide variety of construction related opportunities for the Building Heroes cohorts
Andrea Malcolm, Bernicia Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We seized the opportunity to become a Friend of Building Heroes as it complements the work we do to support service personnel and armed forces veterans find and sustain a good home.
“We understand the challenges they can face making the transition from the armed forces into civilian life, and the Friend of Building Heroes initiative will prove vital in helping them access construction sector jobs, giving them the skills and self confidence to do so.”
Nicola Schneider, Deputy Chief Executive of Building Heroes, said: “We are delighted to welcome CareerForces & Bernicia as our founding Friends. Their support demonstrates the appetite among organisations of every size to stand alongside the Armed Forces community and help people take practical steps towards a successful future.”
Friends receive a digital supporter badge, recognition on the Building Heroes website and social media channels, engagement with our Industry and Workplace Placement lead for support with employment opportunities and connections, and an annual update demonstrating the difference their support is helping to make. They will also have opportunities to remain connected with the people, stories and progress behind that impact.
Building Heroes is now inviting organisations across the UK to join its growing Friends community
To learn more about becoming a Friend of Building Heroes, contact Nicola Schneider at [email protected] or call 0330 912 6200.