AN ARMY veteran who hit rock bottom after leaving the military has turned his life around after volunteering with a local school.

Mike Harrison was discharged from the Army on medical grounds last year and quickly lost confidence and a sense of meaning for his life.

Without the daily routine of the army, Mr Harrison, 42, experienced loneliness and even had suicidal thoughts, but was able to re built his life after deciding to volunteer his time.

He followed his passion for the outdoors and was helped by a charity that gives wounded service people a second chance in society.

His first project was the forest school in Ivy Land primary school in Chippenham, where he met people with similar interests and was encouraged to re train as a crafts instructor.

He said:“A year ago, I was suicidal and at rock bottom. My life had gone from a successful career in the Army to a hopeless future of nothing. I had lost my identity and purpose.

“When I first heard about volunteering, I thought why bother as I need a job, but now I realise how volunteering can help.

“Volunteering has been amazing. I have made so many contacts and got so much experience and it’s led to a job. I just can’t believe how much I have got from it.”

Since starting his role Mr Harrison, from Swindon, has gone on to secure a job and is now a trained crafts instructor.

Step Together, the charity behind the Veterans in Volunteering project, helps 300 wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans in the community every year.

Veterans in Volunteering has now launched a second part to the programme, in which veterans can become advisors themselves and inspire other military people to seek help.

The charity is working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Help for Heroes and believes that this role could help many more people in positions like Mr Harrison's to regain their confidence and learn new skills.

To find out more visit: http://www.step-together.org.uk/