The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) have been awarded further funding by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) to continue support for veterans affected by the recent developments in Afghanistan. The funding will be used to support veterans living in Somerset.  

DMWS welfare officers are seeing a marked increase in reported issues as a direct result of the developments in Afghanistan. Many service users we have supported in the recent past had made positive progress but have experienced significant setbacks due to recent events. The funding provided by the AFCFT will allow DMWS welfare officers to provide support to those affected. 

Thanks to ongoing work in the Somerset area, DMWS have an excellent working relationship with the NHS mental health team in Somerset; we also have experience working alongside the military in Afghanistan and we understand potential issues and cultural aspects which will help inform the interaction, activities, and engagements we make. 

DMWS welfare officers are already stepping into the breach using their skills and expertise to take the time to build the trust and rapport needed for veterans and their families to openly discuss their feelings and fears that they are struggling with.  

I would like to thank The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their continued commitment and support. Veteran welfare is a key component of our organisation, and we pride ourselves on being able to offer high quality support to those who need us most. The additional funding from the AFCFT will allow us to further our commitment to supporting the veteran community.

Paul Gaffney, CEO

For more information on The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust visit https://covenantfund.org.uk/

Grant Period: March 2022 – March 2023


Defence Medical Welfare Service Details:

The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (known as DMWS) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1087210) and in Scotland (SC045460) 

Registered Office: The Old Stables, Redenham Park, Andover, SP11 9AQ  
Phone: 01264 774 000 | Email: info@dmws.org.uk

Keep up to date with DMWS news and announcements via Social Media

Twitter @theDMWS 

Facebook @DefenceMedicalWelfareService

Instagram @thedmws

LinkedIn



Published: 30th May, 2022
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