Devon Craft and Chat Group for the Armed Forces supported by The National Lottery Community Fund - DMWS

DMWS are grateful to have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to continue our Craft and Chat Support Group in Devon.

This weekly group is held on RMB Chivenor and provides a space for people with an Armed Forces connection in Devon to come and enjoy relaxing activities, learn new skills and meet others.

People from the Armed Forces and their families can find it difficult to reach out for help due to lack of trust, being conditioned to keep issues behind closed doors, fear or embarrassment, and lack of understanding about civilian systems.

The group offers a space and non-threatening space for people to come together and enjoy creative activities. This is helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness and gain peer support, with our Welfare Officer on hand to address other issues where needed.

“I have enjoyed sharing life stories with the others. My mindset is much more positive knowing I have this group to look forward to each week… Thank you for this much needed opportunity; as a senior disabled lady it’s not easy to fit in sometimes but I have no worries about that here” – Quote from group beneficiary

We also invite local organisations to attend sessions and increase awareness of other services which has previously included a forest school activity as well a local veteran-led outdoor project.

Abby Dryden, Chief Executive at DMWS, says “The Devon Craft and Chat Support Group is an important project for the local Armed Forces Community. We are proud to be able to continue to deliver this project with the National Lottery’s support”.

This grant has been awarded under The National Lottery Community Fund’s Award for All programme and will support the project for the next two years. Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible.

If you a member of the Armed Forces Community in North Devon and would like to learn more about getting involved, please contact Gemma Derbyshire for more information:

• Email – gderbyshire@dmws.org.uk
• Phone – 07795538860

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: 18th February, 2025