Jacqui

Cool under pressure, Jacqui was an RAF air traffic controller, but when she started to lose control of her life, it was SSAFA who helped her navigate her problems.

From a military family, Jacqui was always destined to wear the uniform.

Proud to be in the RAF, she relished the camaraderie, the travel, the pressure.

Until one day the pressure consumed her, battling depression, she turned to drink.

Leaving the RAF and taking off her uniform didn’t take away her problems, just her support network.

Alone on Civvy Street, her problems grew; she struggled to find permanent work, taking out loans just to survive. With military friends spread far and wide, and after a relationship breakdown, she found herself alone with her baby, Faith.

Every day was a battle. Sometimes unable to afford petrol to get to her local foodbank, she somehow managed to ensure her little girl was warm and fed, even if she wasn’t.

It was the day she looked in her purse and saw she was down to her last 60p that Jacqui, ashamed and fearful of judgement, contacted SSAFA.

SSAFA Caseworker Cathy didn’t judge her; she saw a mother doing her best and in need of urgent help and immediately provided it.

Jacqui said, ‘I’d spent so long trying to get help, speaking to departments of different agencies, just to be sent somewhere else—it felt like I was on a roundabout I would never get off. Never before had I ever met someone who actually helped me—until I met my SSAFA caseworker. I wish I’d gone to SSAFA sooner.'

Cathy’s kindness enabled Jacqui to open up; hearing about her situation, she provided her with multiple food parcels before referring her to a debt charity.

Once her debts were consolidated, Jacqui had more money to live on, and she stopped dreading the letters on the doormat.

Cathy understood that leaving the military had destroyed Jacqui’s confidence and that community was key to improving her mental health. She invited Jacqui to weekly meetups with other veterans. It became Jacqui’s safe space; there the other women spoilt Faith and Jacqui could offload.

It gave Jacqui the confidence to re-enter the world, visiting mum’s groups and making friends. Soon she started studying and building a life for herself and Faith.

Jacqui has since met a new partner, and her life has changed beyond recognition. Faith is now a big sister! And Jacqui has the loving family she once dreamed of.

Jacqui isn’t alone anymore, but when she was, SSAFA was there.

When Jacqui needed a listening ear, we were it.

When she was lost, we showed her the way.

Because we don’t want anyone to battle alone.