Supporting the Frontline

Since 1943 we have supported those who serve.

Our Mission

To provide a high-quality medical welfare service to those who serve the nation

Who we support

DMWS Welfare Officer on the phone

Serving and Reservists

Scottish veteran smiling at the camera

Those who have served

Family of four walking along a path

Armed Forces Families

Police officers wearing high visibility jackets

Blue Light Services

A busy hospital ward

NHS Staff

Photo of Merchant Navy at Festival of Rememberance

The Merchant Navy

The difference we make

+

patients and families supported by DMWS since 1943

£

saved by the NHS with just two DMWS projects

days are lost each year to mental health illness each year

Announcements

  • DMWS CEO Announcement

    DMWS CEO Announcement

    After nearly 7 years as CEO of DMWS, Paul Gaffney has made the decision to step down at the end of March 2024. Paul has driven many achievements over the years, tackling challenges with intelligence, drive, and determination, taking DMWS from a single focus charity to a much more effective and dynamic organisation. Paul has…

    Read more

Mark’s story

DMWS’s Welfare Officer met Mark, a 35-year-old veteran, in hospital following an attempt to take his own life. He was homeless and had been living in a tent for a long time. He had lost faith in anyone being able to help him after years of failed support.

With dedicated support from the DMWS Welfare Officer, Mark started to gain trust and confidence. This included securing treatment from a Mental Health Hospital and securing temporary accommodation with high priority for permanent housing.

Mark has made brilliant progress, feeling valued and supported. He is now taking part in sailing and a local zoo project as well as getting support for PTSD. Most importantly, he doesn’t want to take his own life anymore.

Our Welfare Officer continues to help Mark with his housing position, as well as food parcels and support with getting the benefits he is entitled to. DMWS will continue to be there to support Mark as he makes plans for the future.

Man hugging a woman and smiling
Holding hands

Armed Forces Covenant

Support Us

DMWS is an elected member of the Cobseo Executive Committee 

Cobseo The Confederation of Service Charities logo

Cobseo is the Confederation of Service Charities which represents the needs of the whole serving and veterans community.

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award Winner 2019
The Order of St. John
British Red Cross
COBSEO Confederation of Service Charities
Winner of South West Awards Charity of the Year
Cyber Essentials Plus
ISO 9001 certification
Registered with Fundraising Regulator
OSCR Scottish Charity Regulator
Police Charities UK Logo
Soldiering On Awards 2022 Finalist award
Veterans Gateway logo
Medal which reads Course of the Year Winner 2023 Advantage
Pride in Veterans Standard logo
Disability Confident Committed