SERVICE personnel are set to benefit from a new mentoring scheme to support them transition into civilian life.

Armed Forces charity SSAFA have launched a two-year trial at Catterick Garrison in the hope that early intervention will prevent homelessness, alcohol or drug dependencies and mental health conditions.

The service is in response to research commissioned by SSAFA which found that some working age veterans were living in desperate circumstances.

The charity will work with the Ministry of Defence and the Army and Career Transition Partnership.

Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of the SSAFA charity, said: “Our research shows that the transition period is a pivotal time for those taking their first steps back into civilian life.

“If successful, we would look to roll out the scheme to all service leavers.”

The SSAFA mentoring scheme already provides such support for Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) personnel leaving the armed forces.

The trial at Catterick Garrison will widen the eligibility for SSAFA mentoring and help measure the effectiveness of the scheme.

Mentors provide emotional and practical support, ranging from help with writing CVs and securing housing, to encouraging new activities and hobbies in a bid to avoid social exclusion.

To find out more about mentoring for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, visit www.ssafa.org.uk/mentors