DMWS to deliver new Armed Forces Welfare Service at Chavasse Clinic - DMWS

The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is proud to announce a new partnership with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust to provide dedicated welfare support at the Chavasse Clinic, a specialist musculoskeletal service for serving personnel, reservists, and veterans.

Thanks to joint funding, DMWS will deliver a four-day-per-week welfare service embedded within the clinic and reaching into the wider community. Our highly trained Welfare Officers will provide confidential, independent, and compassionate support to the Armed Forces community and their families, addressing the wider issues that often impact recovery, such as housing, finances, mental health, social isolation, and family challenges. We are also grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation, ABF Soldiers’ Charity, Royal Navy and Royal Marine Charity and The Army Central Fund for funding support.

The service will help ensure:

· Faster and smoother hospital discharge

· Reduced unnecessary readmissions

· Better overall healthcare experiences

· Improved wellbeing for patients and their families

In Sussex, between 10–12% of the population has an Armed Forces connection, with veteran populations above the national average in several areas (Census 2021). This new service will play a vital role in meeting those needs.

Abby Dryden, CEO of DMWS, said: “We are delighted to be working with University Hospitals Sussex to bring our specialist Armed Forces welfare service to the Chavasse Clinic. This partnership ensures that serving personnel, veterans, and their families are supported not just with their medical needs but with the wider challenges that impact recovery and wellbeing. Together, we can make sure no one in the Armed Forces community faces illness, injury, or recovery alone.”

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: 24th November, 2025