Cass’s Story: A Personal Mission
Cass’s Story: A Personal Mission
At the centre of our work at Veterans Welfare Group is lived experience, Cassidy Little, former Lance Corporal, is a clear example of how familiar experiences transitioning out of the Armed Forces can greatly help other military personnel to do so, too. For Cass, supporting veterans isn’t just a job—it’s a mission rooted in empathy and personal connection.
Cassidy joined the Veterans Welfare Group team with a commitment to stand beside those transitioning from military to back into the civilian lifestyle. Having served as a Lance Corporal in the 42 Commando Royal Marines, Cass has experienced the camaraderie, the struggles, and the disorientation that many military personnel feel after they leave the Armed Forces. He knows that the battles don’t always end when service does.
“Veterans don’t need fixing—they need a map and someone to walk with.” — Cass
If you’ve suffered from an injury that was directly caused by your service in any of the branches of the Armed Forces, including types of injuries such as training accidents and negligence within the UK Armed Forces, the Veterans Welfare Group is here to guide you through each step of the process. – Call our specialist, veteran support team today to learn more about your pension options and post-discharge support.
From Soldier to Supporter
What sets Cass apart isn’t just his military service—it’s the way he uses that experience to make others feel seen and heard. He’s been through rehabilitation challenges, faced barriers in accessing support, and understands how hard it is to ask for help when you’re used to leading from the front.
How Cass’s Background Supports His Role
- Builds rapport quickly through shared military background
- Helps others manage expectations during challenging transitions
- Use his platform to raise awareness of veteran rehabilitation
- Offers clear, realistic guidance based on firsthand experience
Cass plays a key part in advocating for the Welfare Group. His journey allows him to meet others, offer insight without judgment, and contribute meaningfully to a supportive environment. This trust is built through shared experiences, understanding the nuanced challenges service leavers and veterans face, and providing practical, tangible support.
Walking Shoulder to Shoulder Into the Future
At Veterans Welfare Group, our focus is on building real connections through shared experience. We believe that veterans are often best supported by those who understand what they’ve been through — because they’ve lived it themselves. Cass understands that veterans don’t just need solutions; they need someone who genuinely comprehends their journey. As Cass powerfully articulated, it’s about “walking shoulder to shoulder” with veterans, not just offering advice from a distance.
Time and again, we’ve seen how peer-led support helps make the transition from military to civilian life more manageable. It’s not about offering quick fixes — it’s about standing alongside someone, sharing knowledge, and supporting them through every step of the transition back into civilian life.
Why Peer Support is the Future of Veteran Welfare
Looking ahead, we’re continuing to develop support that is rooted in experience and shared understanding. Our priorities include:
- Enabling service leavers and veterans to support one another
- Expanding peer-led initiatives
- Creating environments that value empathy, respect, and lived experience
Philosophy goes beyond traditional support models. They focus on managing expectations, providing clear, specific assistance, and creating a supportive environment where veterans feel understood and valued. By sharing their own experiences and creating a network of trusted support, Veterans Welfare Group is transforming how veteran welfare is approached through lived-experience by introducing past military personnel, like Cass, to their team.
