Some UK veterans can face difficulties finding work after returning to civilian life, but one ex-soldier wants to help them get back in the driving seat.
"Looking back to myself then, I wasn't well. I wasn't mentally right. Obviously I wouldn't do that now, and if I would have been a normal person, I wouldn't have done it then. My life was just a mess," says Darren.While in prison, Darren's PTSD was diagnosed and he received treatment, which changed his life. "I came out like me, I wanted to live, I wanted my life," he says.
He says ex-military personnel make good HGV drivers because they have discipline and are trained to think on their feet. Some already have experience of driving large vehicles in the forces. With an estimated shortage of more than 100,000 qualified HGV drivers in the UK and earnings of between £35,000-£50,0000, getting an HGV licence can mean a job for life.
Overall, his transition back to civilian life went well. "The hardest part was finding a decent job. When I came out, the only job I could get was a healthcare assistant. I ended up in that job for three years but the wages were terrible. I was only on £11,000 a year on a zero hours contract."He changed jobs twice, but things began to go downhill in 2017 when his dad was diagnosed with cancer.
The couple became carers for their sons, relying on a carer's allowance. But being out of work affected his confidence. "It knocks your pride big time," he says. "I like working, earning my wage."
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