Aviation Action has provided support to more than 500 people since it was launched in May by Chris Wild, head of airfield operations at Manchester airport with support from dozens of industry colleagues.
The charity set out to support people, particularly within aviation, who have had their employment impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, or are struggling with other changes in their life and employment.
Aviation Action specialises in peer-to-peer support, and has already recruited 80 peers – all like-minded people within the industry. or with a strong industry background.
Its peer-to-peer programme includes support, advice, friendship and mentoring, and provides recipients with someone to talk to during difficult periods in their lives.
Besides peer-to-peer efforts, Aviation Action also has a network of 30 professional supporters who can offer dedicated support on a range of issues. These include mental health, finance, recruitment, redundancy and family support.
They are also running a series of online events and webinars on subjects including resilience, CV building, and even the importance of healthy eating.
Among those who have made use of Aviation Action’s services is Emma, a ground handler who lost her job during lockdown.
The charity provided Emma with advice on her CV and how to prepare for an interview, as well as helping her with mindfulness and how to structure her day in a more positive way when her normal work routine came to an end.
“Aviation Action set out to help me with my CV and preparing for interviews, however, the support has actually surpassed this and they have also helped me to develop myself mentally," said Emma.
"I consider myself a positive person generally, but during a stressful and uncertain time, it can be difficult for us to draw from our own ‘psychological toolkit’. Sometimes we need a little extra support, and that’s okay."
