Thrive Together is the name for the second phase of the Veterans People, Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP) https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/veterans-places-pathways-and-people-programme/
Over a 3-year period from 2024-2027, Thrive Together aims to build sustainable and resilient networks to ensure Veterans receive prompt, effective and tailored support.
Whereas VPPP was fully focused on Veterans, this new phase of the programme will also include support to families.
For Veterans and their families, this will create an evolving nationwide network of physical and mental health support, with military charities and other organisations working together to ensure there are easy-to-access and joined-up pathways both into and out of services both statutory and non-statutory.
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have awarded grants totaling almost £7 million under the Thrive Together Programme (previously known as VPPP) which will step up support for vulnerable Veterans.
Nine grants have been awarded to the current portfolio lead organisations, enabling them to realise their plans under the newly named Thrive Together programme, designed to increase support to vulnerable Veterans and their families throughout the UK and enable this support to become self-sustaining.
Following a consultation process undertaken between April-September 2024 and the development of strategic plans, the portfolios are now in the delivery phase of the programme before moving into a transition and sustaining phase for the final 6-9 months ending in March 2027.
A further award is expected to be made in December for programme delivery in Northern Ireland.
In the East of England, portfolio lead The Bridge for Heroes will develop partnerships between statutory bodies, charities and the Veteran community across the region, creating a sustainable, accessible support system.
Delivering support in the South East, Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) will focus on creating connections and building futures. Their project Partnership in Mind will deliver joined-up support, harnessing the support available, identifying pathways and providing a full picture of what's available to those who have served and their families.
In Wales, Adferiad Recovery will provide mentoring, strategic oversight and funding to Veterans’ organisations, enhancing collaboration and implementing the findings from their consultation. The aim of the project is to improve access to peer mentoring, mental health, family support, LGBTQ+ support and awareness, improving the lives of Veterans and their families across the region.
In the Midlands and North East and Yorkshire, Defence Medical Welfare Services (DMWS) is proud to play a vital role in strengthening connections and improving access to support services for Veterans across both regions.
Joining the Dots will deliver a regional strategic plan to empower the Armed Forces community across the Midlands and enhance the health and wellbeing of Veterans through sector collaboration.
In North East and Yorkshire, their Collaborative Connections project will improve support pathways, service access, collaboration and empowerment for Veterans, their families and carers. Informed by regional consultation, DMWS will deliver a strategic plan to enhance Veterans' physical and mental health, in collaboration with Veterans, partners, third sector and statutory organisations.
The full list of awards made can be found on the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk
For the latest updates and announcements on Trust programmes, and any other funding opportunities the Trust has available throughout the year, sign up to their e-newsletter via their website - as above.
