AN ARMED forces charity has launched a service connecting veterans with employment opportunities in the British countryside.

In what is being described as a ‘game changing’ opportunity for former service personnel. HighGround, which was founded in 2013 to provide horticultural therapy at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, is expanding its role to help service leavers and veterans find gainful employment in land-based sectors, such as agriculture, outdoor education and country sports.

The charity has appointed Tim Lever – who has just completed 30 years’ service in the Royal Marines – as its first rural employment manager, charged with overseeing the delivery of the ‘rural weeks’ that enable service leavers and veterans to learn more about the land-based sectors, as well as connecting them with potential employers.

Mr Lever will also work with rural businesses to highlight the benefits of employing former service personnel, and ensure that re-settlement staff within the armed forces are fully appraised of the opportunities available for service leavers in the countryside.

HighGround has already supported some 300 veterans and service leavers since the first ‘rural week’ was piloted, and Mr Lever’s appointment will enable future ‘rural weeks’ to take place across two rural colleges – and in the virtual environment – on a regular basis.

Speaking at the start of Armed Forces Week, HighGround’s founder and executive director, Anna Baker Cresswell, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be expanding our capacity to support veterans and service leavers.

“The British countryside is home to so many land-based sectors with exciting employment opportunities, many of which are ideally suited to the skills and experiences of former service personnel.

“I am so proud that HighGround is spearheading the campaign to connect our veterans and service leavers with these fantastic opportunities, and I look forward to welcoming Tim to our brilliant team in due course.”

Colonel Simon Chapman, who is Commandant of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone and has served with Mr Lever several times, said: “Tim will be an outstanding asset to HighGround, and the new service he will oversee offers genuine game-changing opportunities for service leavers and veterans.

“Connecting former service personnel to the meaningful employment opportunities in the countryside is a win-win. Service leavers will undoubtedly find it easier to transition to the varied working environment associated with land-based employment, while their adaptability and diverse skillsets will make them outstanding additions to the rural workforce.

“Tim is a fantastic choice to lead HighGround’s efforts in this regard, and I wish him all the best in his new role.”