Mandy's march to helping veterans

Hi everyone, My name is Mandy Bartlett and I would like to share my journey with you and how I started at GL Communities.

I started my work through a project called ESHO (Employment & Skills Hub Outreach) this was a government funded scheme aimed at people who are economically inactive, this project and my job was designed to help veterans get back into work. I look forward to taking you through my journey over the rest of this post and showing you the amazing work that has been achieved and also through the voices of the veterans I have worked with.

My journey with GL Communities started in April 2024, GL Communities is a charitable organisation which dedicates itself to helping and supporting local residents.

I took up my role as Employment Support Co-Ordinator working with Armed Forces Veterans throughout Gloucestershire. My time was spent working with individuals to enable them to get back in to work, this was done by enabling them to access different training and education courses to enable them to gain the qualifications they needed, and then to progress them to volunteering and then build up their confidence to eventually go back into work. This was done with their well being in mind and catering to their individual needs.

From the very beginning of my journey, I immersed myself in as much networking as possible, recognizing early on the immense value of building strong, collaborative relationships. This proactive approach led me to work alongside a wide range of respected organizations, each of which has significantly enriched my professional experience and broadened the scope of my impact. These include nationally recognized bodies such as Help for Heroes, the Armed Forces Champion at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Young Gloucestershire, the Gloucester Forces Hub, Imjin Barracks, the Royal British Legion, and SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity.

Through these partnerships, I have had the privilege of supporting veterans from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 20 to 65. Each individual brought with them a unique story, shaped by their service and personal circumstances. Many were navigating complex transitions—whether reintegrating into civilian life, pursuing new career paths, or overcoming personal challenges. My role was to walk alongside them on their journey, offering tailored support, encouragement, and practical guidance to help them realize their aspirations and unlock their full potential.

What has made this work truly meaningful is not just the outcomes achieved, but the people I’ve met along the way. I have been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most inspiring individuals—both colleagues and clients—whose resilience, dedication, and character have left a lasting impression on me. Their stories have not only shaped the way I work but have also deeply influenced my own personal growth.

Throughout my career, I have consistently met and exceeded the goals I set for myself. Every milestone reached has been a testament to the power of collaboration, empathy, and perseverance. Above all, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, filled with moments of genuine connection, shared success, and the profound satisfaction of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

During my first year at GL Communities, I have progressed my knowledge and understanding working with veterans. My work has been very rewarding and I am always looking forward to working with new veterans and assisting them any way I can.

All my services and support I provide are catered to the individual, each individual unique and their journey will be one we embark on together.