Paying it forward

An inspiring Cornish organisation enlists the help of veterans to provide training for those most in need.

Established in 2011 by Cornish Fire Fighter, Tim Cocks, Active Plus delivers employment courses to over 50 groups around the county. His goal was to have the courses delivered by wounded, injured and sick (WIS) military veterans, themselves unemployed and suffering from ill health.

With funding from the National Lottery, after demonstrating that the loneliness and isolation within these groups of veterans only served to exacerbate issues around employment and ongoing negative effects on mental health, Tim and his team have been able to deliver countless projects in local Cornish communities to older and isolated people. 

Over the next few years, Active Plus’ success of developing WIS veterans to support people in local communities resulted in European and Lottery funding, helping them to target those furthest from employment. 

Active Plus was one of the smallest organisations nationally to be awarded this funding, and enjoyed one of the highest success rates! By the time the European funding had come to an end, Active Plus had helped thousands of unemployed and lonely people, plus several hundred veterans.

Fast forward to now, and the scene has changed. A new Managing Director, Laura Truckle, sits at the helm. A young and proud Cornish woman, Laura is leading a team of veterans of which 90% have some health issues. She has overseen the demise of European funding and created new opportunities within the county in order for Active Plus to continue its innovative work.

The new opportunities include delivering projects all across Cornwall, helping groups including young people, unemployed individuals, those who are economically inactive, as well as older, lonely and isolated people. All projects are delivered by veterans, many of whom have seen active service and suffer from PTSD or physical injuries, and all are guided by the young but tenacious reins of Laura, who is determined to keep up the good work.

EXPERIENCE

From Leadership, Team Building and Resilience, to Confidence and Motivation, head online to find the right Active Plus course for you and get started on
your journey.

Active Plus
www.activeplus.org.uk