The Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) have awarded grants totalling 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.
What is Thrive Together all about?
Thrive Together is the name for the second phase of the Veterans People, Places and Pathways Programme (VPPP) 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 focussed 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.
For organisations, the programme will foster a strong focus on collaboration and long-term impact further emphasising sustainability and enduring legacy. By promoting strategic and cooperative endeavours, Thrive Together will establish more robust and interconnected support systems. This ensures Veterans and their families have consistent, long-lasting and easily accessible joined up pathways to the support services they need to enable them to thrive.
Lead organisations are in place across the UK, with each region/country being represented. Here is a snapshot from a few of those areas:
Building a resilient support network
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. Taking direction from a thorough consultation with Veterans, their families, and key statutory bodies across the region, Veterans Voice will focus on improving support services, enhancing awareness, developing feedback mechanisms, targeting mental health stigma and expanding community integration through partnerships.
Darren Hickie, Programme Manager at The Bridge for Heroes, commented:
“The Bridge for Heroes is thrilled to have been awarded the Thrive Together grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) to support our new initiative, Veterans Voice. Building on the successful work of our Veteran Places Pathways and People Programme (VPPP), this grant will enable us to expand our network, collaborating with both funded and non-funded organisations to provide comprehensive support for Veterans and their families across the East of England.”
Strengthening support and signposting clear pathways
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.
Keith Gilbey, Portfolio Manager at VOS, said:
“Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is proud to have been selected to be Portfolio Lead in the South East of England for the next round of the Veterans Places, Pathways and People Programme (VPPP) – now renamed as Thrive Together.
“Having led the previous VPPP in the South East, VOS is only too aware of how important it is to create a network of reliable, and visible, contact points and pathways to ensure that Veterans can access the support they require in a manner that is suited to their needs.
“With 84% of Veterans, during our recent consultations, expressing that they are unaware of how to find support for their mental health and wellbeing, this new funding will go a long way toward assisting VOS, and its partners to build a more accessible, and importantly, more visible framework that truly supports the concept of ‘No Wrong Door’ – something that has long been an aspiration of the Veteran-support community”.
Providing strategic oversight in Wales
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.
Neil Lawman, V4P Service Manager, said:
“Adferiad would like to thank the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for Thrive Together funding. Their support enables us to lead a portfolio of projects that will enhance Veterans mental health services, strengthen family support, and standardise and modernise peer mentoring for Veterans across Wales. This will ensure they and their families receive the comprehensive care they need and deserve.”
A holistic model of care
As portfolio lead for both 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.
Abbie Dryden, CEO of DMWS, said:
“It is fantastic to be able to continue our collaboration and pathway development under the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Thrive Together Programme. Being selected to continue as the lead for the Midlands is an incredible opportunity, and we are particularly encouraged by the programme’s expanded focus on families and carers, alongside physical health support – an approach that aligns closely with DMWS’s holistic model of care.
“Those who have served, along with their families and carers, should never face mental health challenges, physical health concerns, or other complex issues alone. We are proud to have Gemma Warden leading this collaboration across the Midlands, bringing her expertise to drive meaningful change and ensure that those who need support the most feel empowered and connected across the Midlands.”
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.
“Although we are newer to leading this role in the region, we are eager to build on our experience and establish strong, supportive networks for those who have served, alongside their families and carers” Abbie explains. “This funding will help us forge vital connections, improve access to support services, and empower beneficiaries across the region to achieve lasting, positive outcomes.
“Deborah Vickery is leading this collaboration in the North East and Yorkshire where her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving meaningful change and ensuring that individuals feel supported and connected.”
