DMWS are extremely excited to have been awarded a significant grant by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust through the Transformational Grants programme.

This three-year funding will support DMWS to deliver a programme engaging with underrepresented Armed Forces Communities in a healthcare context across the UK. We will work to consolidate and increase our understanding of issues, barriers and preferences, to create safe spaces, identify barriers to support and consider solutions, working across military, third sector and statutory health organisations to develop best practices. This will contribute to real systemic change for Armed Forces groups who may be struggling to access health and wellbeing support for a range of reasons.

Abby Dryden, Chief Executive at DMWS, says “This substantial grant from AFCFT will help us make a real impact for underrepresented Armed Forces communities across the four nations. Through this project, we will work together across sectors to learn, inform and co-produce welfare services which are accessible and inclusive for all members of the Armed Forces Community.”  

DMWS are proud to be able to deliver this project and make a real difference. Thank you to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for making this possible.

If you are a statutory or third sector organisation interested in being involved with this project, please contact Siobonne Brewster at sbrewster@dmws.org.uk

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: 16th April, 2024
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