Wirral veteran helped by The Poppy Factory support scheme

The Poppy Factory, a charity founded in 1922 to help injured veterans rebuild their lives through employment, has expanded its specialist pre-employment Navigator programme thanks to a £132,000 grant from the Veterans’ Foundation.

The grant, given last year, will fund two new full-time navigator positions over two years, enabling the charity to support more veterans facing complex barriers to work.

Amanda Shepard, chief executive of The Poppy Factory, said: "Our founder, Major George Howson, created The Poppy Factory to give injured veterans the opportunity to work, rebuild their independence and find a sense of purpose.

"His mission remains at the heart of everything we do.

"We simply couldn't have trialled, consolidated and launched Navigator without the significant support of the Veterans’ Foundation.

The Poppy Factory has expanded a scheme helping veterans overcome barriers to employment and rebuild their confidence. (Image: Veterans’ Foundation)

"Some veterans need help to rebuild their confidence, wellbeing and support networks before they can take steps towards employment.

"Navigator gives us the time to help lay those foundations."

The Navigator scheme offers up to six months of tailored, one-to-one support focused on building confidence, improving wellbeing, and reconnecting veterans with their communities.

In 2025-26, the programme supported 167 veterans, up from 100 the previous year.

Of those, 73 achieved personal goals, 39 progressed to The Poppy Factory’s Employment Service, and 13 secured employment.

Wirral veteran Ian Stowe went from homelessness to establishing an Armed Forces drop-in centre at Tranmere Rovers. (Image: Veterans’ Foundation)

One beneficiary, Ian Stowe, served for more than 20 years in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

After leaving the Army in 2023, he faced homelessness and unemployment.

With support from the Navigator programme, Mr Stowe regained his confidence and went on to establish an Armed Forces drop-in centre at Tranmere Rovers.

He said: "I'll always encourage other veterans to contact The Poppy Factory.

"Having someone alongside you who understands can make a huge difference."

The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded The Poppy Factory several grants since 2018, including two £5,000 awards for its employment service.

In 2024, a further £25,000 was given as a one-year salary grant.

The Poppy Factory continues to produce the iconic Remembrance wreaths and poppies used in commemorations across the country.