There's help out there
The SPO Voice's mission is to Research, Rally, Represent and Redress.
The affect that a relationship with a military personnel has on an SPOs well-being is still not a priority for many. Many of us have spent years lost and confused, with confidence and self-worth eroding, not knowing that there were organisations out there, that could possibly help us.
The SPO Voice's mission stands relevant, alongside these organisations as we pull together to support SPOs. We need to get to SPOs the moment they fall in love, way before they commit, to help them understand the challenges that lie ahead and have them know that we are there for them.
To get to this place we need your help in getting to the policy makers, to get them to truly hear our cries. The more voices we have, the louder we sound.
We need those at the top, those who can make a difference, to understand and relate to the challenges that will be thrown at an SPO the moment they fall in love.
We need to help others not end up where we are. We need to forewarn, support, guide and ultimately celebrate the incredible women and men who are SPOs by not letting them be beaten down.
We need to work with employers to help them understand what they can do on a daily basis to support SPOs in their working life. We also need to create a world where employers can see the transferrable skills an SPO brings, and look beyond the gaps and short contracts in an SPO's CV.
We need Chambers of Commerce, Business Groups, Councils and more to get what it takes to build a sustainable business as an SPO and offer the support and guidance we deserve to grow our businesses.
We need fellow SPOs to hold us up, hold our hands, wherever we are in the world, to let each other know we are not alone; our feelings and painful experiences are felt and that as one voice we will make a difference to the way those in power see us and support us.
So, after that - if you're looking for some support with your career, having realised that things aren't too great as they are, here are some organisations that might just help:
Milspo
The Milspo Business Network is a global network of business leaders who are no longer limited by location and are building businesses that they deserve. The Network offers peer-to-peer support to all UK military spouses, partners and other-halves by using practical digital solutions that provide valid and functional training, networking and access to like-minded business owners. It's a network that inspires our often isolated but inspirational community.
RFEA – The forces employment charity
The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
X Forces Enterprise
Training, funding and support for ex-military, veterans, service leavers and their families:
- A range of courses designed to support different cohorts within the military community considering self-employment or business ownership.
- Government-backed loans for start-up businesses.
- Become a part of the Military in Business® community and network with like-minded individuals, peers and mentors who can help you develop essential business connections and knowledge.
Supporting the Unsung Heroes
‘Supporting the unsung hero’ is a business start-up course, mentoring programme and a friendly network of likeminded business owners from the armed forces community.
It has been developed specifically for Armed Forces families to provide them with the transferable skills and support required to start and maintain a business. We aim to make the course as much fun and as relaxed as possible to encourage you throughout the programme. We deliver training online and in MOD bases across the UK and overseas throughout the year.
Recruit for Spouses
A social enterprise dedicated to supporting, championing and assisting military spouses into gainful employment. If you have had a career break, are considering a change in direction or looking for some direction, register with us and let us help you take your next professional step.
We are a specialised recruitment agency bridging a gap between employers and military spouses - a hugely under-utilised pool of talent. They bring diverse perspectives and innovative ways of thinking. If you are a progressive business that values dedication, hardworking and tangible value to your company, we can help you.
MCN (military coworking network)
The MCN is a community of military partners working together to create a network of coworking office spaces on military bases in the UK & overseas. They also run an online community for partners everywhere to share advice, inspiration and create a network of contacts to help and inspire your career or business. Having a dedicated space where people can go to work and study together not only reduces social isolation; their off and online communities offer help and support to enable you to maintain flexible jobs which work around your military lifestyle.
FFJ - Forces Families Jobs
Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.
Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. You can use this website with confidence in knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.
This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.
E50K
e50K recognises that supporting a service person’s family network is just as important as supporting the person themselves.
- education: Establish & enable educational opportunities leading to employment and empowerment.
- employment: Recognise & support employment opportunities in isolated militarised communities.
- engagement: Engage & empower a community of support through co-design.
- enterprise: Identify & nurture community projects as a vehicle to enhance lived experience.
Our objectives for these unique military communities, is to establish a network of relevant and long-term sustainable projects enabling active participation in community life.
Veteran Owned
We exist to serve our community:
Supporting businesses owned by serving members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Spouses of either of the above.
Providing members of the public with a user friendly directory to locate Veteran Owned Businesses.