Armed Forces Day this weekend will be receiving backing from a housing and social care provider with offices in Gloucester.

On the 24 June Mears, a company whose vision it to make a positive difference in improving homes, lives and communities and has an office in the Gloucester business park, will be supporting the Armed Forces Day after their commitment to signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2015, Mears have launched a Military Veterans Working Group, which actively helps ex-services personnel find work along with training, apprenticeships and work experience in both the housing and care sectors.

Senior Contracts Manager for Mears, member of Mears's Military Veterans Working Group and ex-royal engineer Andrew Farmer said: "I joined Mears last year after 24 years in the Army.

The transition has been easier perhaps than I expected. It was the first job interview I had - I was very open-minded and thought that if I didn't get the job it would be a good learning experience.

"But I did get it - the skills and experience I'd gained in the Royal Engineers were invaluable and also transferable into a 'normal' job.

"I thought I'd miss the comradery, but there is still very much the team mentality here at Mears and I still meet up regularly with my old Army mates"

The group met recently at Mears' Rotherham Training Academy with the military charity Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) to find ways to help veterans find jobs and training.

Andrew Farmer said: "We are very proud that Mears has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

"As an ex-service veteran, I understand the influence that public recognition and support can have on both serving and veteran personnel and their families."

For more details on Armed Forces Day, visit: armedforcesday.org.uk 

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