Supporting Bereaved Military Families Through Collaboration and Compassion - DMWS

Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is leading the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme and working in close collaboration with Cruse Bereavement Support, Cruse Scotland, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and The Poppy Factory, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT). Backed by almost £2 million in funding across all partners, the programme aims to improve support for families who have lost a loved one during, or as a result of, military service by providing coordinated emotional, practical and mental health support.

Developed in response to research into the experiences and needs of the bereaved armed forces community, the programme brings together specialist organisations to deliver counselling, wellbeing services, peer support and practical guidance for the whole family, including children and wider family members. By connecting existing support services and placing lived experience at the heart of delivery, the programme seeks to create a more compassionate and joined-up system of care.

The long-term ambition is simple but significant: to ensure bereaved military families can access the right support at the right time, without having to navigate complex systems or repeatedly retell their story.

Hear More from DMWS CEO Abby Dryden on the AFCFT Field Notes Podcast

In this episode of Field Notes, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Chief Executive Anna Wright is joined by Abby Dryden, Chief Executive of Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), to discuss the challenges faced by bereaved military families and the vision behind the Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme.

Their conversation explores the research that shaped the programme, the importance of listening to lived experience, and the need for a more coordinated approach to supporting families through bereavement. They also discuss some of the often-overlooked impacts of loss within the armed forces community, including changes to identity, connection and support networks, and how collaboration across organisations can help improve outcomes for bereaved families.

For anyone interested in learning more about the programme, the partnership driving it forward, and the wider ambition to strengthen support for bereaved military families, this episode offers valuable insight.

Listen to the Full Episode: Shining a Light on Hidden Issues: Bereavement in the Armed Forces Community with Abby Dryden, CEO of DMWS

Listen now to hear Abby Dryden and Anna Wright discuss the importance of coordinated support, the role of lived experience, and the changes needed to better support bereaved military families.

Need support?

Sometimes things can get on top of you, and it feels like nobody can help. In the military you’re trained to push on, but you don’t need to struggle alone.

If you have worries about health, money and cost of living worries, housing, family, substance misuse, or just need someone to talk to, call DMWS’s helpline for free on 0800 999 3697.

Our support is available for tri-service serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and family members/carers.

Published: 27th August, 2026