https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/If you are already a veteran or in the process of transitioning or a family member this area provides a wealth of resources and signposting to key services and support. Come and see what is available. en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/m/resources/4894Thu, 21 May 2026 07:51:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:6554cbce-87a3-4d93-a104-bcbe40c8f89cRN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/female-veterans-transformation-programmeThu, 12 Jun 2025 08:49:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:13f34370-d3dc-46fc-8b1e-6803dfc5817fRN Forum ModeratorQuestion : What have Plymouth, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cannock and Winchester got in common? Answer : FVTP will be in those locations next month with Agora Photography taking photographs of Female Veterans. Check out the full post over in News and Updateshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/valour-networkTue, 06 May 2025 14:16:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:81104ffd-9e8f-45ab-b44a-75ba6a61f4fcRN Forum ModeratorAs nation prepares to celebrate VE Day, the Government announces new UK-wide veteran support system, called VALOUR. New VALOUR network will deliver easier access to care and support with new regional networks connecting housing, employment and health services in every corner of the UK. Backed by £50m of funding, VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is truly data driven. Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change. £50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – while harnessing the power of data to shape better services.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-karting-championships-with-mission-motorsportThu, 10 Apr 2025 10:59:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:c19782cd-d269-4c7c-9183-07fd5df8f451RN Forum ModeratorMission Motorsport would like to invite members of the Armed Forces community to take part in the Mission Motorsport Veterans Karting Championships , in partnership with TeamSport Karting. While the name might sound a bit formal, this series is all about fun, connection, and some friendly competition out on the track! Whether you’d like to join us for one event or several, you’d be most welcome. And no previous karting experience is needed—just come along and enjoy. Mission Motorsport , the Forces’ Motorsport Charity, supports the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military service by offering exciting opportunities in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. It’s all about helping individuals regain confidence, build new skills, and have a great time doing it. Registration is now open for all rounds —you can sign up via the links below or simply use the QR code on the poster. Here are the event dates and sign-up links: 29th April – Leicester : Sign up here 13th May – Newcastle : Sign up here 17th June – Crawley : Sign up here 15th July – Cardiff : Sign up here 16th September – Preston : Sign up here 7th October – Birmingham : Sign up here These events are free to attend and open exclusively to members of the Armed Forces Community. It’s a brilliant opportunity to reconnect, try something new, and experience the buzz of motorsport in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Events like this happen with amazing support from TeamSport Karting . To see what events Mission Motorsport are running please visit our website .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/calling-royal-marine-veteransMon, 17 Mar 2025 12:29:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:205e4474-edc6-4022-87d6-111f5cf77d5eRN Forum ModeratorThe Globe and laurel Magazine are asking former Royal Marines to undertake a 5 minute survey in it's support. You're time and feedback is very much appreciated. Please use the URL below to undertake the survey, thank you. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspxhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/leave-well/b/announcements/posts/service-leavers-eventsThu, 27 Feb 2025 12:10:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3202200e-3cab-4623-bd7f-370d5a70239eRN Forum ModeratorService Leavers Events (SLE) are a way to formally thank Service Leavers (SL) and their invited guests for their Service and their Families’ support of their Service. The Royal Navy recognises that the family/spouse/partner of a SL also endure significant disruption caused by Service life and wishes to thank them by inviting them to a Service Leavers’ Reception. All SLE will be hosted by a 2* with a drinks-reception-style event: Welcome with tea and coffee Presentation of Valedictory Certificates/Letters (optional) Personal citations for those who wish to receive them Light buffet and refreshments Networking opportunities with: RNR and RISTT teams (for those considering continued Service) Veteran support organisations such as RNRMC, RNBT, SSAFA, RBL, and the Royal Naval Association Eligibility: To attend, you must be in resettlement or preparing to leave the Service. ( Please note : those leaving under SNLR or CDT circumstances are not eligible.) Further details including how to register can be found in the Members Events and Activities Calendar by viewing your location of choice listing. ( Please Note - If you are not already a member of "Members Events and Activities" you will need to request to join prior to using the link above) Penventon Park Hotel (Redruth) - 16 Jul 2025 Ardencaple Hotel (Faslane) - 24 Sep 2025 China Fleet Country Club (Plymouth) - 8 Oct 2025 HMS Excellent (Portsmouth) - 12 Nov 2025 Commodore Hotel (Faslane) - 11 Feb 2026 HMS Cambria (Cardiff) - 19 Mar 2026 China Fleet Club (Plymouth) - 22 Apr 2026 HMS President (London) - 21 May 2026 Penventon Park Hotel (Redruth) - 17 Jun 2025 HMS Excellent (Portsmouth) - 15 Jul 2026 Commodore Hotel (Faslane) - 16 Sep 2026 China Fleet Country Club (Plymouth) - 14 Oct 2026 HMS President (London) - 18 Nov 2026 Check the Calendar for Updates to Dates and Locations.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/citizens-advice-solent-east---veteran-supportThu, 06 Feb 2025 16:28:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7e7f1cd3-f9e2-4415-90f0-a29b2ca8354fRN Forum ModeratorCitizens Advice Solent East has recently secured funding from the Veterans' Foundation to provide specialist advice for Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, and their Families. This generous funding will enable them to dedicate a specialist adviser with the expertise to provide tailored advice, addressing the unique challenges faced by those who have served. The adviser will offer advice on a wide range of issues, including benefits, housing, debt, family and relationships, and general social welfare. CASE Websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-heritage-an-introduction-to-4x4-drivingMon, 27 Jan 2025 17:02:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:2036c9fa-817b-4d17-8b23-c7d184a19a85RN Forum ModeratorDate: Friday 7 th February 2025, 0900-1500. Location: Bicester Motion (formerly Bicester Heritage, Bicester OX26 5HA Open to members of the Armed Forces Community (including service personnel, veterans, and their families), join us and gain valuable insight into the thrilling world of 4x4 off-roading. This introductory experience is designed to ignite your passion for off-road exploration and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on exciting journeys beyond the beaten path. You'll first be driven round the course, before getting behind the wheel under instruction to have a go yourself. You'll be able to choose from a selection of 4x4s. Hand-control vehicles available. Please register to attend here: https://veterans4x4feb25.eventbrite.co.uk .https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-outdoors-and-artemis---female-veterans-spouses-and-family-members-of-the-armed-forcesMon, 23 Dec 2024 14:43:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:d29872f0-8b2e-4f3e-b264-1d28deec11d7RN Forum ModeratorSome of our beneficiaries come directly to us, others are referred by GP surgeries, NHS Mental Health services or by some of the dedicated veterans’ and Armed Forces health organisations. Everyone we see is assessed when they arrive to determine their personal needs and interests so we can put together a personalised programme for each individual. We help our beneficiaries to work out what their own success will look like. For some it’s simply about helping them to sleep peacefully at night, for others it’s about rebuilding confidence and being able to reconnect with friends and family. And then there are those who want to learn new skills with a view to fresh employment or even setting up their own business. We encourage all our veterans to monitor their own progress so they can keep track of their ‘distance travelled’ while they’re with us. Beneficiaries register with us for an initial period of six months during which time we keep in contact with them and offer them opportunities we think they’ll like. At the end of that period, those who wish to can stay with us. Our beneficiaries are welcome to be part of our family for as long as they like. Meanwhile we’re working with other charities and partners, farmers and landowners to offer experiences and short courses to aid recovery or longer courses for those wanting to retrain. And we’ll help in other ways too, with links to organisations that can help with health, money or debt problems, housing or legal issues. We can offer advice for those setting up businesses or looking for employment. We also have 2 Facebook pages - 'Veterans Outdoors' and 'Artemis - female veterans, spouses and family members of the Armed Forces'. This is where we post adverts for all of the activities and events we have running. These are the following events we have coming up (in case they are of interest): Fitness/yoga 6 week course - starting Jan 25 Art course - 10 weeks - starting Jan 25 Fortnightly Dartmoor walks They support all members of the armed forces community - veterans, those still serving as well as their partners and spouses. All personnel will need to register with us first to be able to attend. You can do this by emailing info@veteransoutdoors.org.ukhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/thrive-together-programme---update-november-2024Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:07:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bb21afc1-fcea-4d19-8ee7-9a86639fd7bfRN Forum ModeratorThrive 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.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-hms-raleigh-re-visit-with-passout-experienceTue, 29 Oct 2024 11:40:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f1142654-39e4-4bb9-98b0-035ea0d42920RN Forum ModeratorDid you serve at HMS Raleigh and fancy a trip down memory lane – while encouraging a new generation of Royal Navy sailors? From spring term 2025, the gates to the Torpoint establishment are open again, allowing veterans back on site on some Fridays for a mix of nostalgia and a glimpse of tomorrow’s navy. Use the link below to see more information and how to book a visit: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/closing-of-veterans-gateway-websiteThu, 26 Sep 2024 14:51:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:ddb383c3-b978-41f1-b654-14c310282779RN Forum ModeratorThe Veterans’ Gateway website will retire on 30th September 2024 You can now find veteran support information on Gov.uk via the link below: https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans Find links to organisations that provide support to veterans of the UK armed forces and their families. Also find how to get a Veterans card.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/useful-publicationsWed, 18 Sep 2024 14:14:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a18fe6ea-87d1-4db7-93af-c524c4ef9919ASK INFO YeoviltonUseful Publications are also available to assist in finding employment and training. These include: Pathfinder https://pathfinderinternational.co.uk/ Quest https://questonline.co.uk/ What’s Next https://www.whatsnext.com/ Civvy Street https://civvystreetmagazine.co.uk/ Service Leavers Guide https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/service-leavers-pack Naval Families Federation https://nff.org.uk/families-transition-too/PathfinderUseful PublicationsQuestTrainingNaval Families FederationService Leavers GuideWhat's NextCivvy Streetemploymenthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/joining-forces-event---isle-of-wightWed, 21 Aug 2024 12:49:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7221891c-d4b3-4465-b7dd-132f65c08b55RN Forum ModeratorThe combined services of the Isle of Wight will be holding a Join Forces Event on Wednesday 18th September at the Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR. Thee event starts at 12.00pm and closes at 4.00pm. All Service Personnel, Families and Veterans welcome to attend.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/m/resources/3936Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:46:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:f26fefeb-af70-4746-91b4-c682beb5a1ddRN Forum Moderatorhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-and-family-newsletter-issue-101Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:46:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:7bba3fb1-123a-4c19-9e2b-40790a11eb4dRN Forum ModeratorView the latest newsletter from I mproving Lives Plymouth. This issue covers: Fit and Fed on tour Fit and Fed is once again going on tour this summer, bringing free family fun days to parks and green spaces across Plymouth! West End Carnival Join us for an unforgettable day of Carnival entertainment on Saturday 24 August! You'll find dragons at the event, including a giant smoke-breathing dragon, accompanied by two smaller dragons, promising a sight that will leave you in awe. Firework Championship 2024 14 - 15 August 2024 - Plymouth Sound Veterans Hub - 5th Anniversary China Fleet Club Event - 13th September 2024 And a host of other dates of events, workshops and more for your diaries. See here for the full version: Veterans Newsletter - Plymouth Areahttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/mental-health-awareness-weekSat, 18 May 2024 11:15:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9d72be80-dda5-4e0c-88e4-1cf69b6d028fRN Forum ModeratorIt’s coming towards the end of #mentalhealthawarnessweek , and mental health is a topic that deeply affects the armed forces community. We’re all aware of it, whether due to having been affected personally, experienced it through a family member or simply because we haven’t been living under a rock. We hear it spoken about, see posters urging us to ask for help if we need it and signposting us to organisations offering various services, but when it’s in your home, when it’s you, or your husband, wife or child, it becomes much harder to see a clear path ahead. We’ve gone into more detail about these services this week across our socials and will continue over the weekend, but for now here is a list of places you can get real, tangible support when things get hard. Veterans - Help for Heroes - https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/.../men.../therapy-service/ Combat Stress - https://combatstress.org.uk/get-help Veterans Aid - https://veterans-aid.net/ All services & Families - Headspace - https://work.headspace.com/royal-navy.../member-enroll Relate - https://www.relate.org.uk/.../services/support-armed-forces Give Us a Shout - https://giveusashout.org/ The Warrior Programme - https://www.warriorprogramme.org.uk/ Families - Adfam - https://adfam.org.uk/.../adfams-local-services/military/ The Ripple Pond - https://www.theripplepond.org/how-we-help Togetherall - https://togetherall.com/en-gb/https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/veterans-outreach-support---veterans-places-pathways-and-people-programme-south-east-region-vpppseTue, 14 May 2024 14:07:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:eb233a26-9d9b-4f56-a618-f27e507a690eRN Forum ModeratorAs a valued service delivery partner, we really need your input to guide our plans for the next phase of the Veterans Places, Pathways & People Programme Southeast service ( VPPPSE ), set to launch later in 2024: You can see more details on the Veterans Outreach Support website here: Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People Programme - VPPP | VOS (vosuk.org) The best way to improve the community is to make changes it wants. we’re conducting surveys of Veterans and Veterans’ Support Organisations to collect opinions and ideas that reflect what people need from VPPPSE. This initiative was created by Veterans for Veterans - so hearing what matters to our service users and providers is essential for it to improve and succeed. We’d be grateful if you would ask any organisations you are working with to complete the Veterans’ Support Organisation survey: https://vosuk.org/consultation-support-organisations There is also an anonymous survey for Veterans to complete here: https://vosuk.org/consultation-questions-veterans We will also be holding an open public Consultation at the RMC on 22nd May. Details here: Veterans’ Public Consultation and Workshop Tickets, Wed, May 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite We thank you for your support in getting this important consultation out there. An online consultation event for organisations is being planned for 25th June. Details to follow.https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/defence-discount-service---veterans-privilege-cardFri, 03 May 2024 13:21:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:a38812c0-9c87-4fb2-8659-5f79d9774fdbRN Forum ModeratorThis video has been created to support veterans to learn more about Defence Discount Service and the forms of ID we accept when registering. Veterans can also ask a family member or friend to help with signing up. As a veteran you can get free access to thousands of discounts online when you sign up for your free membership from holidays, cars, days out, fashion, electronics and more. A Defence Privilege Card can also be purchased for £4.99 for access to discounts on the high street in stores, restaurants and venues and is valid for five years. View it using the link below: https://youtu.be/KMIHDeVl3Jo DDS Websitehttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/veterans/b/announcements/posts/forces-employment-charity---veteran-supportWed, 01 May 2024 08:37:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:33881e80-5462-4d3a-9796-480817504b28RN Forum ModeratorThe support we provide includes: Advice on career choices Researching the job market Job matching Advice on training Recommendations for courses and education Support for writing a CV Advice on interview techniques Expert industry knowledge and updates Events and employment fairs We’re here for all veterans regardless of rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Register today and let one of our expert Advisors help you achieve your career ambitions. Click Here