In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Tony Hulton, Chief Executive Officer of Walking with the Wounded. Tony shares the critical work his organisation is doing to support ex-service personnel in the UK.
The discussion spans across various support services provided by the charity, including mental health, social work, employment support, and tackling digital exclusion. This episode offers valuable insights for those who care about veterans and their reintegration into civilian life.
Tony begins by introducing Walking with the Wounded, a national charity founded 14 years ago during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Initially focused on helping physically injured veterans re-enter the workforce, the organisation has since expanded its scope to address a broader range of issues.
Today, they offer three core services: Headstart, Care Coordination, and Individual Placement Services.
Headstart provides mental health and therapy services tailored for veterans, addressing not only PTSD but also general mental health needs.
Care Coordination, akin to social work, is specifically designed for those with armed forces experience.
Individual Placement Services offer employment support that goes beyond job placement to include ongoing assistance.
Tony explains the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Everyday tasks that civilians take for granted, such as applying for a passport or a rental agreement, can be daunting for those accustomed to the structured life within the military.
The organisation recognises that while many veterans transition smoothly, a significant minority encounter difficulties that often manifest 10 to 14 years after leaving the service. These issues can include unemployment, underemployment, debt, and family breakdowns.
Employment is a critical area of focus for Walking with the Wounded. Veterans possess valuable skills such as leadership, management, and teamwork, making them highly desirable employees. However, challenges can arise years after their service ends, as skills may fade and confidence may wane.
Tony emphasises the importance of ongoing support for veterans in employment, ensuring they can leverage their skills effectively in civilian roles.
About Tony Hulton
Tony Hulton is the CEO, Walking With The Wounded. Tony joined Walking With The Wounded in 2023 and is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the charity, bringing experience of the public, private and third sector.
He has held senior leadership roles in the technology sector with Daraz an Alibaba Group Company, as CEO of an award-winning international charity Vision for a Nation and as a civil servant with the Department for International Development.
Tony’s career has been focused on trying to solve some of the most complex social and economic challenges that affect vulnerable societies, and he has worked globally including in Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and across Africa.
His early career was in the British Army with operational tours in Iraq and the Balkans. He is the third generation of his family to have served in the Armed Forces and is passionate about ensuring veterans can thrive after service.
He has an MBA from Henley Business School, MA from the War Studies Department at King's College London and BA from London School of Economics. When not at the desk Tony can be found with his family or up a mountain.