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 continue 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 continue to 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. DMWS will provide welfare assistance to caregivers in the Armed Forces Community in Dorset. Our aim is to support their own wellbeing, enabling them to continue caring for their loved ones

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

“There are so many moments that stand out about my experience with DMWS, but if I had to choose one, it would be when my Welfare Officer simply gave me a hug when I needed one. I can’t remember the last time I’d been hugged before that”.

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.

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: 29th April, 2026