Being part of a community matters.

As humans, essentially, we are pack animals. It matters to us what people think, it matters that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. People don’t do well on their own.

When we joined the military, we were taken in to the biggest clan in the country. We were moulded through the Basic Training process and the subsequent bonding process within our units throughout our careers. We became part of the fabric that mades up the good things about the military. It’s a known fact, just look at the recent advertising campaign by the military which focusses on Belonging.

But when we leave, it is often difficult to find that level of Brotherhood (or Sisterhood) that exists as the bond is forged through hardship not often experienced in “Civvy Street”. As such, many who leave are left lost and in search of that bond. If it isn’t found, it can put a terrible strain on the individual and sadly as is to often the case, leads to tragic consequences.

Finding a community of likeminded people is very important to Veterans, it could be a Breakfast Club or a Motor Cycle Club, a Hobby Group or a Sports Team, an Association or even the Legion.

Veteran Owned UK is growing in to a new community that offers a familiar bond for Veterans who are in business. You could own a business employing 75 staff or you could be Self-employed, it doesn’t matter. If YOU are the business then come and be part of this great community and get some of the belonging that we once felt as well as professional help and advice from those who are doing the same thing as you – running a business.

Either way, don’t be left out in the cold on your own. Find a group that suits you and be part of something. There’s no need to go through “Civvy Street” alone, be with people who want to do it together.