Our support on Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to show support for those who make up the Armed Forces community – from those currently serving to veterans, Reservists, cadets and their families.

We're committed to supporting members of the Armed Forces family, both as an employer and through our social purpose to provide housing, care and support. And we're proud to share stories like this one, from Chris Bennett, our Regional Customer Service Manager.

Having served for 16 years as an Artillery Observer and Adventure Training instructor in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Cyprus, as well as two frontline tours of Afghanistan, Chris speaks about his own experiences and the challenges of adjusting to civilian life.

“I retrained after leaving the Armed Forces and found work straight away, but after a few dead-end jobs with no prospects or purpose I was feeling pretty low and that I had made a massive mistake. I felt I had lost a family, a lifestyle and, more importantly, my purpose.

“After a few more jobs I was given the opportunity to work for Sanctuary as a Trade Supervisor. This was the best opportunity I could have hoped for. It provided me with work that is constantly evolving, camaraderie with my peers and most of all a purpose - to provide safe, secure and good-quality social housing.

“I’ve now been with Sanctuary for over six years and have progressed to a role as Regional Customer Service Manager with the Housing team. My work is rewarding, I’m constantly learning, and the experience I gained through my military career has proved invaluable.

“I’m proud to be part of an organisation with such strong values and a genuine commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces Family.”

Sanctuary signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017 and is proud to have been awarded Silver status under the Defence Employers Scheme. To find out more about the support we offer to veterans, visit Our offer to veterans | Sanctuary.