New charity to help veterans deal with life on 'civvy street'

A new charity has been launched to help former members of the Armed Forces adapt to civilian life. 'Live At Ease' is a pilot scheme which will be rolled out across the country by 2013.

This week, the Government announced a further 4,000 job losses. That is in addition to 2,860 losses announced in September.

It is not yet known where the redundancies will be - but, there are more than 300 military units in the Meridian region including the Royal Engineers in Maidstone; Shorncliffe Barracks in Folkestone - home of the Gurkhas, a regiment which has already seen redundancies; the RAF's big bases at RAF Odiham and Brize Norton; as well as the naval base at Portsmouth; and the garrison towns of Tidworth, Bordon and Aldershot in Hampshire.

'Live At Ease' will offer practical advice to families - as well as support for those with health problems. Our report from Elaine Willcox is followed by an interview in which Meridian presenter Stacey Poole talks to Michael Ivatt from the SSAFA - The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association about the challenges people can face when leaving the armed forces.

If you are a member of a military family affected by the redundancies, or you would like help with something, you can contact Forcesline on 0800 731 4880.