Back on Track for Veterans in Consett. Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be a major change. For some veterans, finding the right routine, rebuilding confidence, connecting with others and accessing practical support can take time.
That is why community-based veteran support is so important.
Back on Track is part of SMARTT Veterans CIC’s wider work to help veterans and their families access meaningful opportunities, practical support and stronger community connections in Consett and County Durham.
SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation based at Belle View Stadium, Consett, supporting veterans of all ages and their families. Its wider support includes education and training, employment support, mental health support, housing assistance and food poverty initiatives.
What Is Back on Track for Veterans?
Back on Track is designed around an important idea: helping people move forward at their own pace.
Leaving the Armed Forces can involve more than simply finding a new job. Veterans may also need to rebuild social connections, develop new skills, improve confidence, find meaningful activities or access support with everyday challenges.
A community-based programme can provide a place where veterans can:
- Meet other veterans
- Access information and advice
- Explore training opportunities
- Develop new skills
- Improve confidence
- Take part in community activities
- Get involved in physical activities
- Access wider support services
- Build new friendships
- Find opportunities to contribute to their community
The aim is to help veterans feel connected, supported and able to take their next steps.
Why Do Veterans Sometimes Need Support After Leaving the Forces?
Military service can provide a strong sense of purpose, routine, identity and belonging.
Leaving that environment can be a significant adjustment.
For some veterans, civilian life may bring challenges related to:
- Employment
- Training and qualifications
- Financial pressures
- Housing
- Family life
- Mental wellbeing
- Social isolation
- Confidence
- Finding a new routine
- Building new relationships
Not every veteran will experience these challenges, and everyone’s circumstances are different.
However, having access to a supportive community can make it easier to find information, explore opportunities and connect with people who understand military life.
Back on Track and Community Support in Consett
SMARTT Veterans CIC is based at Belle View Stadium in Consett, providing a community-focused base for veterans and their families. Back on Track for veterans.
The organisation’s recent funding includes support through The National Lottery Community Fund – Back on Track 2, helping strengthen activities such as veteran and family drop-in sessions, breakfast club activities, information and support, family activities, health and wellbeing activities, weekly physical activity and community engagement.
This approach is important because veterans do not always need just one type of service.
Someone may need employment advice today and social connection tomorrow.
Another person may initially attend a community activity before feeling comfortable discussing a personal or practical issue.
What Support Can Veterans Explore?
1. Employment Support
Finding civilian employment can sometimes be challenging because military skills and experience may not immediately translate into civilian job descriptions.
Veterans can benefit from support with:
- Understanding transferable skills
- Exploring career options
- Preparing for civilian employment
- Identifying training needs
- Building confidence
- Finding appropriate opportunities
Military experience can provide valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, communication, responsibility and problem-solving.
The key is learning how to communicate those skills effectively in a civilian environment.
2. Education and Training
Additional qualifications can help veterans improve their career opportunities.
SMARTT Veterans CIC provides education and training opportunities across areas including security, first aid, mental health, health and safety, food safety, customer service and other workplace-related subjects.
Training can help veterans:
- Gain recognised qualifications
- Develop new skills
- Improve employability
- Explore a new career
- Build confidence
- Update existing knowledge
Course availability can change, so veterans should check the latest information directly with SMARTT Veterans CIC.
3. Health and Wellbeing
Physical activity and community connection can play an important role in overall wellbeing.
SMARTT Veterans CIC, Back on Track for veterans programs provides several opportunities for veterans to stay active and connected, including walking football and other community-based activities.
The goal is not simply exercise.
Activities can also provide opportunities to:
- Meet people
- Build friendships
- Create a routine
- Stay active
- Reduce isolation
- Become part of a community
If someone needs professional medical or mental health support, appropriate qualified services should always be used.
4. Family Support
Veteran support is not always just about the individual who served.
Military life and transition can also affect partners and families.
That is why family-focused activities can be valuable.
SMARTT Veterans’ recent programme development includes family support and Active in Consett: The Family Way, a free weekly fitness programme designed to give veterans and their families opportunities to be active together.
Family activities can help create:
- Shared experiences
- Stronger relationships
- Social connections
- Healthy routines
- Opportunities to meet other families
- Positive community experiences
5. Community Activities
Sometimes the first step towards getting support is simply getting involved.
Community activities can provide an informal way for veterans to meet others without feeling that they need to arrive with a specific problem.
SMARTT Veterans offers opportunities including:
- Veterans breakfast club activities
- Walking football
- Family activities
- Community events
- Volunteering
- Drop-in sessions
- Physical activities
The organisation’s recent funding is intended to strengthen these opportunities for veterans and families across Consett and County Durham.
Back on Track Is About More Than One Service
One of the biggest advantages of a community-based approach is that veterans can explore different types of support in one welcoming environment.
A veteran might initially attend a breakfast club.
Later, they may become interested in training.
Another person might join a physical activity session and then discover employment support.
Someone else may simply want to meet people and become more connected to their local community.
There is no single path.
Everyone’s journey is different.
Building Confidence After Military Service
Confidence can be affected by major life changes.
For some veterans, the transition into civilian life may involve uncertainty about:
- What to do next
- Which career to choose
- How to use military experience
- Where to find support
- How to meet new people
- How to build a new routine
Small steps can make a difference.
Joining an activity, attending a community event, speaking to another veteran or exploring a training opportunity can all be positive steps forward.
Back on Track for Veterans: Supporting Veterans in County Durham
County Durham has a significant veteran community.
According to figures published by SMARTT Veterans CIC using 2021 Census data, County Durham had an estimated 22,615 veterans, representing around 5.2% of the population.
This highlights why accessible local veteran support is important.
Veterans should be able to find information and community opportunities without necessarily having to travel long distances.
For people living in and around Consett, SMARTT Veterans CIC provides a local base where veterans and families can explore support and community activities.
Who Can Benefit From Back on Track?
Back on Track and related community support may be particularly useful for veterans who are:
- Looking for a new direction
- Interested in training
- Exploring employment
- Feeling socially isolated
- Looking for community activities
- Interested in physical activity
- Supporting a veteran family member
- Looking for information about available services
- Interested in volunteering
- Wanting to reconnect with the veteran community
You do not necessarily need to wait until a problem becomes serious before reaching out.
Sometimes early information and community connection can be valuable.
How SMARTT Veterans Helps Veterans Move Forward
SMARTT Veterans CIC’s wider mission is focused on supporting current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families through compassionate care, essential services and meaningful opportunities.
Its support areas include:
- Education & Training
- Employment Support
- Mental Health Support
- Housing Assistance
- Food Poverty Initiatives
- Community Activities
- Family Support
- Volunteering Opportunities
This wider network means that veterans can explore different options depending on their circumstances.
Take the First Step
You do not have to know exactly what support you need before making contact.
Sometimes the first step is simply asking a question.
Whether you are looking for training, employment support, community activities, family opportunities or information about other services, SMARTT Veterans CIC can help you explore what options may be available.
If you are a veteran or part of a military family in Consett, County Durham or the surrounding area, please contact us here.or you can contact Consett AFC
