DMWS to support homeless veterans in partnership with Veterans Housing Scotland thanks to AFCFT - DMWS
DMWS are proud to have been awarded crucial funds from AFCFT under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme. In collaboration with Veterans Housing Scotland, an Edinburgh-based charity who provide affordable rented homes and wraparound for disabled veterans, both organisations will work together to support veterans facing homelessness over the next two years.
This grant has been awarded on behalf of the Office for Veterans Affairs via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, contributing to the aims of the government’s ambition to reduce veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping.
DMWS Chief Executive Paul Gaffney said: “No veteran should be left unsupported and without a home. DMWS welcomes this fantastic opportunity to bring focused welfare support to veterans who can be struggling with many aspects alongside their housing concerns. Working in collaboration allows us to bring together expertise and greater support that can bring huge improvements in mental and physical wellbeing as well as improved living conditions for veterans in Scotland.”
Kevin Gray MM, Chief Executive of Veterans Housing Scotland, said: “We are very grateful for this wonderful support from the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA). Our initiative will provide adaptable, comprehensive, and coordinated support services for vulnerable Veterans across a range of support needs. The support will enable Veterans to remain in safe housing by addressing issues affecting their tenancies, including medical welfare needs and non-clinical issues. Our collaborative approach will reduce homelessness through increased housing stability, and improved wellbeing for Veterans in Scotland, allowing them to transition to lower-level support.
‘”Dedicated VHS Visiting Officers and DMWS Welfare Officers will work together to identify and support Veterans who are on challenging and potentially chaotic housing journeys.”
DMWS are proud to be able to support our Scottish veterans alongside Veterans Housing Scotland. Thank you to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for making this project possible.
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: 28th July, 2023