Evaluation Report: Stoll London Outreach Service (Transition Support)

Abstract: Most people transition from the Armed Forces to civilian life successfully. But when so many aspects of transition come together at the same time, such as the need for housing and employment, or transferring health provision, or growing a new social network in an alien environment, it is little surprise that for some, the challenges prove overwhelming. Providing tailored support to those most likely to struggle, as early as possible, is an approach we have been advocating since the publication of our Transition Mapping Study in 2013, a report supported by such luminaries as the Ministry of Defence’s Minster for Veterans, and Lord Ashcroft’s Veterans’ Transition Review Team. So funding this two-year pilot project with Stoll to help meet the needs of Service Leavers in the London area, offered us a substantial opportunity to examine the efficacy of such an approach, with a view to extending it to all parts of the United Kingdom, or at least to provide the evidence of why others should do so, if it generated positive outcomes. This independent report identifies the breadth of the issues that Service Leavers can face, from support with mental health issues to employment mentoring: and from the need for housing, to advice on benefits or finance. Stoll’s transition service was established to meet the needs of Service Leavers in the London area to help prevent homelessness and ensure the transition to civilian life is as smooth as possible. And the evidence shows the service works well in London. Our challenge now is to ensure that all Service Leavers have the appropriate support at this key point of life transition, regardless of their location. I commend Stoll for their innovation in running this pilot, and courage in inviting independent evaluation. By showing that complementing bricks and mortar with timely and targeted support services can transform the lives of vulnerable Service Leavers, this service offers a model that is worth funding, and worth expanding.