Josh, My Veteran’s Story with AFC Fylde Community Foundation

The tough challenge of settling into life outside the army has been even greater during the Coronavirus pandemic.

AFC Fylde Community Foundation, working with the Veterans Foundation, have been supporting one local man throughout a particularly difficult year with extremely encouraging results.

Josh Senior, a local veteran living in Fylde, was referred to the Foundation by the custody suite at Lancashire Police. As ex-army personnel, it was flagged that he could benefit from the support provided by the Foundation in helping Josh prepare for his new life and integrate into the community. 

Since March last year, AFC Fylde Community Foundation have worked one-to-one with Josh providing weekly phone calls, face-to-face meetings where possible and Zoom calls, with the goal of assisting Josh to settle into civilian life. 

When referred to the Foundation, Josh was unemployed, getting into trouble with local police, and struggling to find motivation or drive to reach his goals.

Working with the Foundation’s Veteran Support Lead, Lee Geraghty, Josh was able to establish a daily routine, put plans in place and identify career goals and next steps following on from his time in the army.

As a result, Josh has achieved outstanding success going on to secure relevant career qualifications which will help him fulfil his career aspirations. 

 Lee, who is also ex-army, is delighted with the progress Josh has made. He said: “This year has been really difficult for everybody. We understand it can be challenging to stay motivated with everything else we are dealing with on a daily basis. But Josh has been fantastic. In the past three to four months he has really shown us incredible drive and determination, securing qualifications to help him get to the place he wants to be. 

“We have set out a clear plan with Josh, which he is incredibly happy with and this will help him achieve his goals professionally. Over the upcoming months we will continue to support him, and I am confident Josh will integrate into civilian life smoothly.”

AFC Fylde Community Foundation have a full range of veteran support available for those living on the Fylde Coast. Anyone who believes they could benefit, or knows someone who could, is urged to get in touch as soon as possible by Emailing lee.geraghty@Afcfylde.co.uk

For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date with all of our updates on Twitter @afcfct.