VETERANS who are receiving treatment for physical or mental health issues can now get help moving back into employment thanks to a new scheme in Wirral.

The new service, launched by The Poppy Factory at St. Catherine's Hospital, will give ex-service men and women who receive health treatment at The Stein Centre the chance to speak to the charity's employability consultant Lynne Evans.

Lynne will be able to talk veterans through career planning, training opportunities, CV writing and offer job application advice.

She told the Globe: “Everyone wants financial stability and a sense of purpose from their job.

"For many ex-Forces personnel, knowing how to go about job searching and CV writing in civvy street can be tough and they need help to get their feet securely on the ladder.

“The veterans I will be supporting may have complex mental and physical health conditions developed during or after their service, but having health challenges should not exclude anyone from the labour market.

"Our veterans have a wealth of skills to offer that should be sought-after by local businesses.”

Growing up in the borough, Lynne has previously worked for the likes of the Shaw Trust, Gingerbread and Merseyside Youth Association.

As well as working with veterans, Lynne will develop relationships with employers in the area who are interested in hiring ex-forces workers.

Lynne added: “I grew up in Wirral and went to school and college here so I know the area well.

"There’s lots of regeneration work happening on the waterfront, in the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as in the town centre.

"It would be great to see local veterans using their skills, knowledge and experience in new roles to help this important rejuvenation happen.”

The Poppy Factory’s award-winning Getting You Back To Work service has helped more than 1,200 veterans find meaningful work since 2010 throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The three year study from The Poppy Factory, delivered in partnership with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), is funded by The Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) and will be the first time this has been tried out in an NHS healthcare setting.

Veterans looking for employment support can refer themselves directly to Lynne at The Stein Centre by calling 07387 415429 or email LynneE@poppyfactory.org