Helping Armed Forces Personnel

By the Beresfords Marketing Team - 29th January 2016

Beresfords have signed up to an online Mentoring Scheme, which aims to help Armed Forces personnel plan and launch a new career in the property industry after they leave active service.

The scheme is being piloted by The Royal British Legion across the UK and has the full backing of Agents Giving, the Estate Agency industry Charity.

Instead of being asked to give money, estate agents have been asked to give time and sign up to an online Mentoring Scheme, which aims to help Armed Forces personnel plan and launch a new career within the property industry after they leave active service.

At any one time there are around 30,000 men and women, in career transition as they leave the Armed Forces, with around 20% expressing an interest in the property and construction industry. The opportunities to establish a network are limited or non-existent, however this Mentoring Scheme aims to enable Service leavers to gain experience and develop and use contacts through participation in mentoring activities. Service personnel and veterans can connect with a friendly face in the industry, build relationships and share advice and feedback over an agreed period via email, phone, social media and face-to-face.

Terry Holmes, Director of Beresfords, who has agreed to be a mentor, comments: "After spending their whole adult lives in the armed forces, it must be challenging finding a civilian role for some. I was at an event where the Armed Forces Mentoring Scheme was launched and it struck a chord with me so I offered to help there and then."

They can offer a huge range of skills to the private sector alongside a strong work ethic and not just in the property industry. If I can help even in the smallest way, it will be worthwhile. With the commitment they have given to our country, it is the least we can do to help them adapt to life after the services. Beresfords look forward to working with as many Armed Forces personnel as possible.