The National Lottery Community Fund award DMWS funding towards expansion of services in the Scottish Borders - DMWS
We are delighted to announce receipt of an award from The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.
This generous funding will be used to provide medical welfare support to the Armed Forces Community, older people and their families, exclusively in the Scottish Borders. This compassionate, professional service will tackle non-clinical issues that cause poor physical and mental wellbeing.
Bob Reid, DMWS Head of Scotland and Military, said: “This timely funding will help us provide amazing welfare support to veterans, older people and their families in the Borders and craft supported referral packages involving a wide number of organisations, utilising local support wherever possible, so the beneficiary gets the right support. This will build on existing connections to help people confront issues, build resilience and resources to improve mental wellbeing and assist independence so positive outcomes endure.”
We provide unlimited support in-person, often in hospital, within primary care, and at home alongside GPs and Social Prescribers. Our experienced and highly trained welfare team spend time with beneficiaries to understand the non-clinical issues they are facing; this includes stress and anxiety, social isolation and loneliness, housing issues or homelessness, financial issues, substance abuse, and mental health issues including depression, PTSD, and dementia.
“Physical and mental health can’t be improved if underlying challenges such as inappropriate housing, homelessness, financial worries, substance abuse or loneliness remain. With the amazing support of the National Lottery Community Fund DMWS can tackle these issues for our veterans and older people in the Borders and work with them to improve wellbeing. We are thrilled to have this support and to be able to transforms people lives for the better” Michael Lowrey Welfare Officer, The Borders.
The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “This project, delivered by The St. John & Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. It’s all thanks to National Lottery players that we can help give charities and community groups throughout Scotland greater certainty during challenging times.”
DMWS are also looking for local steering group members to inform the service. If anyone from the Borders area is interested please email info@dmws.org.uk
Published: 9th March 2023
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: 9th March, 2023