MORE than 30 veterans in the region have been helped back into work by a charity.

And nationally, The Poppy Factory has achieved a landmark figure of 1,000 following a summer campaign.

The organisation launched its Getting You Back to Work programme in 2010.

A specialist team helps veterans with mental and physical health impairments into new careers.

It is estimated there are at least 20,000 wounded or sick veterans of working age in the UK who are struggling to get back into employment after leaving the armed forces.

During the summer, the charity staged an initiative encouraging people to post good luck messages on social media for veterans on their first day in a new job.

Deirdre Mills, for The Poppy Factory, said: “We cannot thank the public enough for its support in getting behind our injured and sick veterans.

“We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude and we are so proud that everyone came together to help.

“Our focus is on helping each veteran harness his or her own unique skills and abilities and by so doing move into long-term meaningful employment. This means so much and will have a great impact upon their lives.”

Ex-service personnel who have been helped by the charity were invited to a special reception earlier this month at Clarence House, hosted by the Duchess of Cornwall.

Veterans seeking more information about the Getting You Back to Work programme should visit poppyfactory.org, e-mail gybtw@poppyfactory.org or call 020 8939 1837.