30th April, 2021: Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) have been awarded Charity of the Year at the South West Business and Community Awards. The award recognises the work delivered by DMWS in the South of England supporting the armed forces, veterans, police officers, The Merchant Navy and their families and carers.

The judging panel credited the work of DMWS for being quick to diversify during the Covid-19 pandemic, remaining agile and linking in with many local and community support services and achieving positive outcomes for people in great need.

With over 1,000 nominations and 83 entries in the Charity of the Year category this is a significant achievement for DMWS.

charity of the year DMWS badge

What a fantastic charity Defence Medical Welfare Service is. It provided much needed support to a variety of the UK’s services. Moving their service online, doing doorstep drops of care and medical packages stopping vulnerable people from being isolated during Covid-19.

Paul Waite, Chief Executive, Aspen Waite and South West Business and Community Awards judge

DMWS have remained operational throughout the pandemic, I am incredibly proud of my team and the service they have delivered in the South of England, they have been there for people when they needed help the most. To win Charity of the Year award is a fantastic achievement and I am very happy that the work being delivered has been recognised.

Jess Liston, Regional Manager for the South of England, DMWS
DMWS Welfare Officer Leanne Horne and DMWS mascot Lenny the Lion representing the team at the South West Business and Community Awards ceremony
DMWS wins charity of the year photo
Hosts Paul Waite, Chief Executive, Aspen White and Natalie Gayle, Sky TV, presents Defence Medical Welfare Service with Charity of the Year at the South West Business and Community Awards 2021

The DMWS projects are supported in the south of England by a number of grants including funding from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Police Federation, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, The Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund and The Army Central Fund.

To read stories of how DMWS support those at their most critical time of need as well as the vulnerable during the Covid-19 Pandemic please visit our stories page on website

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Notes to editors

For further information contact DMWS Regional Manager for the South Jess Liston jliston@dmws.org.uk or 01264 774000

About Defence Medical Welfare Service

The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff, emergency services, The Merchant Navy & their immediate family when they are receiving medical treatment in hospital. DMWS’ practical and emotional support ensures that no family goes through the worry of illness or injury alone.

Since 1943 DMWS has also deployed to areas of conflict with the Armed Forces working alongside medical staff in the Field Hospitals.

The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an external provider of expert Welfare, Resilience and Mental Health First Aid Training for preventative and intervention strategies for people working in the welfare arena and anyone who wants to improve their knowledge and confidence in supporting others.

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) 

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

Twitter @theDMWS 

Facebook @DefenceMedicalWelfareService

Instagram @thedmws

LinkedIn

Published: 30th April, 2021
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