Dorset Armed Forces Carers Project supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - DMWS

DMWS are grateful to have been awarded a grant from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to support our Carers Project in Dorset.

This service is free to use and provides support to the Carers of the Armed Forces Community (serving, reservists, veterans) with issues and concerns including poor physical and mental health, loneliness, relationship issues, independent living barriers, money worries, and more.

This grant has been awarded under the AFCFT’s Hidden Voices grant programme and will support the service for the next year.

Why is this service needed?

Carers can be afraid to open up due to fear of letting their loved one down or guilt around showing weakness, and difficulties understanding what their issues are.

Jane* cares for her veteran husband and has received support from DMWS in Dorset through this project. She says: 

“People like me need people like DMWS. I’ve begun to realise just how many forces personnel struggle with their mental and physical health. This in turn affects their relationships with their partners, children and wider family. They are often struggling even to understand what is wrong, let alone how to deal with it. The support given by DMWS makes a real difference because they make change happen when you are in no state to make it happen for yourself.”

Abby Dryden, Chief Executive at DMWS, says “Our Dorset Carers Welfare Service is an important project in reaching people from the Armed Forces Community who care for a loved one. We are proud to be able to offer this service and be there for isolated people when they need us.”

Thank you to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for making this possible.

Do you care for someone from the Armed Forces Community?

If someone relies on you, you may be a carer.

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: 17th December, 2024