DMWS awarded funding under AFCFT’s Thrive Together programme across Midlands and Northeast and Yorkshire - DMWS

DMWS are delighted to have been awarded funds under the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Thrive Together programme (previously VPPP) to deliver empowering programmes for veterans and their families over the 30 months.

We are thrilled to be able to further build and expand on our success as Portfolio Lead in the Midlands and more recently the Northeast and Yorkshire. Through the Thrive Together programme, we will work with dedicated focus on improving mental and physical health, reducing stigma around asking for help and building pathways to support for veterans and their families.

DMWS will use our expertise to drive awareness, foster collaboration, strengthen stakeholder engagement, connect statutory sectors, support Covenant Duty delivery, provide training, and engage national, regional and local bodies.

Priority areas of focus have been identified through in-depth consultation work across the two regions, working to address specific gaps in support, ensure focused delivery and measurable outcomes across key areas of need. These areas will be:

• – Vulnerable Groups: LGBT+, Justice System, Substance Misuse, Gambling
• – Families & Carers
• – Entry to Services & Outreach
• – Physical Health
• – Suicide Prevention
• – Capacity & Capability Building
• – Digital Access

Projects will be launched to address these needs with delivery partners to be announced in the coming weeks.

Alongside managing the portfolio and partners, DMWS will also recruit new Health and Wellness Community Caseworkers across the Midlands and Northeast and Yorkshire to provide support via phone and online, filling gaps where statutory services end or beneficiaries fail to meet access thresholds. This person-centred support will integrate with local community resources to ensure a joined-up approach to veteran care.

This programme work is rooted in proven approaches to support, developed through the VPPP programme:

• – No wrong door – ensuring veterans and their families can access the support they need, when they need it
• – Warm handovers – supporting veterans and their families during referrals to ensure joined up care and reduced need to retell their stories  
• – Person-centred support through multi agency working – bringing in different specialisms to ensure the best care possible for veterans and their families

Through this next iteration, DMWS and partners will Thrive Together to help veterans and their families to:

• – Seek help and reduce stigma around needing support for mental health
• – Access support which addresses a diverse range of needs through tailored services
• – Strengthen support networks and provide resources and services that meet the needs of the whole family unit

Abby Dryden, CEO of DMWS, says “It is fantastic to be able to continue our collaboration and pathway development under the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Thrive Together Programme. Being selected to continue as the Lead for the Midlands with extension to the Northeast and Yorkshire is an incredible opportunity, and we are particularly encouraged by the programme’s expanded focus on families and carers, alongside physical health support—an approach that aligns closely with DMWS’s holistic model of care. Those who have served, along with their families and carers, should never face mental health challenges, physical health concerns, or other complex issues alone. We are proud to play a vital role in strengthening connections and improving access to support services that address these needs. This collaboration not only enhances mental and physical wellbeing but also empowers individuals and families to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

We are proud to have Gemma Warden leading this collaboration across the Midlands and with Deborah Vickery in the Northeast and Yorkshire. Both Gemma and Deborah will drive the programme forward with passion and expertise to deliver meaningful change and ensure that individuals feel supported and connected.”

Thank you to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for making this possible. To learn more about the programme, visit New awards to build sustainable and resilient support networks for Veterans.

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.

Notes to Editors:

About Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)

Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an independent charity providing medical welfare to those who have, and continue to, operate on the frontline. We place trained professional welfare officers in locations throughout the UK and Cyprus to deliver much-needed additional support for those who are on the clinical pathway. DMWS is committed to providing the highest level of welfare support to those in need, promoting their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Whether it is a new or pre-existing issue, our service is for anyone undergoing treatment for a health-related issue. By providing support in a range of settings, our staff are committed to promoting and preserving the health and wellbeing of those who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities. In addition, they are committed to enabling them to reach their full potential. This can speed up discharge from hospital, help patients recover more quickly, and reduce the likelihood of readmission or the need for onward referral.

DMWS has a long and proud history of supporting the military in times of need, offering expert help and advice to those affected by health-related issues. Through its comprehensive services and outstanding dedication, DMWS has become an integral part of the armed forces community, offering invaluable support to the armed forces community at their critical time of need. 

More can be found out on our website at https://dmws.org.uk       

Published: 11th October, 2024