Category: Defence and Military Affairs

Stay informed about military affairs, including updates on defence policies, military operations, international affairs, veterans’ issues, and the armed forces deployments.

The Veterans’ Foundation opens major grants funding programme for 2025

Thanks to the enduring support of the UK public, the Veterans’ Foundation (VF) has substantially increased its grant giving year on year since inception in 2016.

The VF will offer another round of Major Grants funding in 2025. Major Grants between £100,000 and £200,000 are now available to eligible organisations. Expressions of Interest must be submitted via the VF website no later than midnight on 28 February 2025.

The first step in the application process is to review the Major Grants funding programme guidance and then complete the Major Grants Eligibility Quiz via the VF website “Apply for a grant” tab. If your organisation qualifies for this funding programme, you may submit a concise Expression of Interest via the VF website between 14 February and 28 February 2025.

The Major Grants funding programme will prioritise organisations that have a clear track record of delivering meaningful impact and with evidenced outcomes for our Armed Forces Community or where the case is particularly strong and benefit to beneficiaries is closely aligned with the VF objectives.

Please visit the VF Grant Application webpage to review eligibility criteria, guidance for applying for the Major Grants funding programme, and details about deadlines for submission with this funding round.

Please contact grants@veteransfoundation.org.uk with enquiries.

18th February 2025
Keeping the wheels turning

The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded a grant of £25,000 to Care for Veterans to support the organisation’s physiotherapy costs.

Most residents at Worthing-based Care for Veterans are wheelchair users. The charity works with them to maintain or improve their strength and build independence through physiotherapy-led activities, such as group cycling sessions.

The charity runs almost 200 cycling sessions a month using wheelchair-adapted bikes and supervised by a rehabilitation assistant. The bikes allow for cycling of the arms or legs with the ability to adjust the resistance. This means the cycling experience is targeted to help them achieve their individual goals.

Care for Veterans CEO, Peter Inkpen, said:

“We would like to express our sincere thanks the Veterans’ Foundation for choosing to support our charity. The impact that generosity has had here in our home is enormous. It helps our veterans to feel stronger – both physically and mentally”.

The charity has offered long-term, respite, rehabilitative and palliative care services to disabled veterans and their families since 1919. It receives no government help and must raise £1.5 million to continue the provision of these vital care services.

The Veterans’ Foundation is one of the country’s leading military charities. It was set up in 2016 to raise funds to help charities provide vital support to the armed forces community across the UK.

Veterans’ Foundation, Grants Manager, Louise Buchanan, said:

“We were delighted to be able to support this worthy cause, knowing that the funds go to help veterans with a variety of needs. Care For Veterans’ support makes a real difference to their beneficiaries’ lives.”

18th February 2025
Call for housing policy, practice, and evaluations

The FiMT Research centre is producing summaries of evidence and policy related to veterans’ housing.

They are calling all service charities and other relevant organisations to share any documentation/information relating to current and future policy and services regarding veterans housing, and any written evaluations of service provision you deliver.

Please contact Dr Mary Keeling at mkeeling@randeurope.org with the email subject “Housing Policy and Practice” by 14 March with any information you are able to share.

Your contribution to these summaries will help with the development of a comprehensive synopsis of current knowledge, policy, and service provision, the identification of best practice, evidence and policy gaps, and recommendations for improvements for the benefit of veterans and their families.

If you are interested in the previous summaries FiMT has produced on the Justice System and Post-Service employment, you can find them here.

17th February 2025
Sink your teeth into a trek through Transylvania!

Signups are now open for spaces in the Trek Transylvania 2025 in October, a new journey through Romanian mountains and vampiric castles organised by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Whether you are a fan of classic vampire novels like Bram Stoker’s Dracula or eager to explore the less-travelled corners of Eastern Europe, Trek Transylvania 2025 will be an adventure to remember. The trek will take place from 9-13 October, including the travel days to and from Bucharest.

Starting in Zarnesti, you will spend three days trekking through dense forests, mountain trails, and alpine meadows, taking in the serene surroundings of Romania’s Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountain ranges. During the trek you will spot monasteries and mountain huts, and on the third day you will even visit Bran Castle, the home of Count Dracula himself!

SSAFA’s treks are a fantastic way to meet new friends and make memories whilst traversing some of the most stunning locales on Earth. Last year’s destination was Vietnam, and over the course of several days Team SSAFA covered 110 kilometres of jungle, mountain, and village paths, getting a unique sampling of the local culture and surroundings.

Hannah Siddle, SSAFA Challenge Events Manager, added:

“We are excited to announce this year’s trek destination of Transylvania. Last year’s trek to Vietnam was a fantastic success – nearly £100,000 was raised for SSAFA, and those who came along were treated to unique experiences amid great company. The Transylvania Trek is sure to be just as much fun as the Vietnam Trek – so don’t miss out!”

You can click here for an exclusive video recapping the highlights from the Vietnam Trek. For more information and to register your interest for SSAFA Trek Transylvania 2025, click here.

17th February 2025
Supporting the submariner community
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has released the findings from new research into the needs of the Royal Navy submariner community and the impact of separation on family life.

The Trust commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to undertake further research following an event they attended in April 2024, hosted by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital.

Over two days, they heard from the Armed Forces community located in Helensburgh, Scotland, to understand more about the support available for Naval personnel and their families; and identify any gaps and opportunities.

The research highlighted that personnel and families can suffer poor mental health and emotional strain due to unpredictability, frustration, separation and feeling unprepared for deployment. This can also include a period of pre-deployment anxiety as well as the deployment period itself. Reintegration following deployment can also be a challenge as routines are disrupted. An enduring stigma around mental health can deter some from seeking the help they need.

This wasn’t limited to immediate family members, with extended family not feeling included in the support networks available.

Availability and accessibility of services was raised. Families reported a low awareness of support available and there was some hesitancy in accessing statutory services affiliated with the Royal Navy, in case of impact on the submariner’s career. There were added issues for those living in remoter areas, further from the base, with fewer activities and services available.

For the organisations themselves, the research found that collaboration could be better. Especially between military and non-military organisations, where there can be a lack of integration for military families into services designed for civilians.

Other issues included impact on the spouse’s career. However, those who took part in the research talked about the importance of coping strategies such as focusing on work, staying busy and maintaining routines.

Recommendations from the research included:
- Tailored mental health support
- Improved communication and practical advice for managing deployment challenges
- Fostering community connections and encouraging peer support initiatives
- Help with adjusting post-deployment, and the complexities of being away for a long time
- Initiatives that enhance career development for spouses
Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust said:

“Lots of work on these recommendations is already underway under our three-year Covenant Fund framework. Our Hidden Needs programme focuses on tailored and specialist mental health support, while our Apart not Alone programme centres on reducing the impact of long or frequent separation for military families.

“However, until now, we have not focused this support on any particular service or location. This important research has informed what will come next and we are excited to share more about that very soon.”

Dr Jasna Magić, Research Director, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen):

“This research has given submariners’ families a vital voice, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges they face due to long separations, uncertainty, and stigma around seeking support. By truly listening, we can shape support that genuinely meets their needs. We’re proud to have worked with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust on this important project and hope these findings drive lasting change for the submariner community.”

The Trust in encouraging anyone in a position to support this community to read the research findings and consider how they too can make a difference.

You can read the report in full on the Trust’s website
14th February 2025
UK leads major Ukraine Summit and announces £150 million firepower package

Defence leaders from across the world have gathered in Brussels as the UK convenes a major Ukraine summit at NATO HQ, demonstrating the UK’s leadership and unwavering military support for Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.

Over 50 allies and partners, including Ukraine, the US, Japan and Australia, met for the 26th Ukraine Defence Contact Group, chaired by Defence Secretary John Healey, the first time for any European nation.

Opening the meeting, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150m military support package to support Ukrainian troops fighting Russia on the frontline, part of the UK’s unprecedented £3 billion annual pledge to Ukraine.

This year, the UK’s total commitment has reached its highest ever level, standing at £4.5 billion, ensuring Ukraine can achieve peace through strength and underscoring the new 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine.

Chairing the meeting, Defence Secretary John Healey said:

“2025 is the critical year for the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage – military and civilians alike, and their bravery – fused with our support – has proved a lethal combination.

“Speaking as a European Defence Minister, we know our responsibilities. We are doing more of the heavy lifting and sharing more of the burden. While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous. We must step up further – and secure peace through strength – together.”

Speaking at a meeting, where he was joined by Ukrainian Defence Minster Rustem Umerov, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary Healey confirmed that the UK has sent a landmark 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, worth over £1 billion.

The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK is on track to provide more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine in a single year, with final deliveries due next month. The £150 million package includes thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles and air defence systems.

More than 50 armoured and protective vehicles, including modernised T-72 tanks will be deployed to Ukraine by the end of spring, building on the thousands of pieces of equipment the UK has already given to Ukraine. The air defence equipment will support more than 100 Ukrainian air defence teams, and has a 90% success rate of shooting down kamikaze drones, protecting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure including electricity sites frequently targeted by Russia.

Announced by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv last month, the UK and Denmark are also providing fifteen Gravehawks to Ukraine. The package also includes major new maintenance contracts to support in-country repairs to critical kit – helping keep Ukraine’s tanks and artillery in the fight and bringing broken equipment back into use.

The Government is clear that the security of the UK starts in Ukraine and is therefore committed to Ukraine’s long-term security as a foundation for the government’s Plan for Change. As part of the announcement, thousands of pieces of military equipment the UK has already donated to Ukraine will be repaired and better maintained through contracts worth around £60 million.

14th February 2025
Guide to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme

A short guide to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme and your legal rights has been published by Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP (BBK) and is available as a PDF leaflet on their website and from Fighting With Pride’s website.

Fighting With Pride (FWP) is extremely grateful to BBK for the time and commitment they have put in to providing this guide as a timely and helpful resource. It is intended to provide clarity on legal rights through general guidance on the FRS and any associated civil claims. It does not provide or substitute specific advice regarding individual concerns or questions. This should be sought from a solicitor and more information can be found at The Law Society.

FWP has also been working with RBL, Irwin Mitchell (IM), and Latham and White (L&W), to provide a multi-sourced approach to advice on the legal aspects of the FRS Scheme and individual rights, to help support enquiries and advise on stronger narratives for Impact Payments. Generic advice and guidelines regarding FRS application and other reparations is available on the FWP website.

RBL, IM and BBK have expertise in the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), including in regard to trauma, serious injury, legal and financial matters. Latham and White has international experience in LGBTQ+ and other human rights causes.

If you are seeking individual legal advice on your application, we strongly recommend you read the BBK leaflet first. RBL and BBK are offering Pro Bono support, and Irwin Mitchell is offering support for Appeals, at a pre-determined fee. More details of IM’s offer will follow in a separate FWP bulletin. L&W is considering a Pro Bono support offer available across a network of solicitors. An update on this is anticipated by mid-February.

They each have a good understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBT+ Veterans community and the support of individuals concerned about the costs of accessing legal advice or support. Please do speak to us first though, if you would like to discuss options.

Fighting With Pride will assist with making applications, or with any other enquiries regarding all aspects of the Government’s LGBT Veterans Reparations measures.

13th February 2025
New investment in Royal Navy fleet communications to boost jobs

More than 100 high-skilled jobs will be secured in the UK thanks to a new £250 million contract to upgrade the communications systems of the Royal Navy’s warship and submarine fleet.

Jobs at Thales sites in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Crawley, Reading and Bristol will be supported after the company was awarded the largest-ever contract for the provision of naval communication capabilities.

This large-scale investment helps to support the objectives of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy – to drive investment to UK-based businesses and boost defence jobs in every nation and region of the country.

The 10-year long contract for Maritime Communications Capability Support (MCCS), awarded by Defence Equipment & Support, will upgrade the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications, strengthening the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent and supporting global operations.

Contracts like this one are a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs.

It is estimated the new contract will also save the Royal Navy up to £30 million in costs over the next decade.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

“This new contract is a vital step in ensuring our forces remain secure at home and strong abroad. By enhancing the capabilities of our naval operations, we are reinforcing the UK’s ability to respond to threats wherever they arise.

“In an increasingly volatile world, robust communication is the backbone of operational success. In the face of global threats, the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure defence is an engine for growth, boosting British jobs, and strengthening national security.”

13th February 2025
New funding to support bereaved military families
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.

The Empowering Bereaved Military Families programme will seek to build a strong, collaborative network to meet the needs of those who have given most.

In late 2024, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to explore the needs, experiences and priorities of the bereaved Armed Forces community, as well as to map the scope of support currently available.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Trust, said:

“Using the findings from our commissioned research, we have ensured this new programme will facilitate partnerships across the bereavement sector, while creating a centralised list of all bereavement support available.

“We will seek to expand the support available to family members, including wider family members, and increase mental health provision for both adults and children. Ultimately, we hope this programme will support the development of a long-term bereavement strategy.

“In designing the programme, we have been mindful that the lived experiences of the military bereaved shine through, and we will expect to see this in the successful projects too.”

This is a two-stage programme, which will award a single grant of up £1.8 million to an organisation which will lead a portfolio of support for the bereaved military community.

The successful bid will need to achieve long-term, transformational change in the non-statutory support provided to bereaved military families. This includes achieving each of the following outcomes:
- Bereaved military families, including wider family members, feel it’s straightforward to access mental health support throughout the stages of grief.
- Bereaved military families feel that support is equitable, inclusive and holistic, regardless of the nature of bereavement.
- Bereaved military families feel a sense of connection to the community, should they wish to retain that.
- Strong collaboration between organisations working to support bereaved military families, and commitment to this as a sustainable way of working together.
- Better access to holistic packages of support, combining peer-led and professional support.
The Trust is now accepting expressions of interest. Full details are available on their website.

The closing date for submission is midday, Wednesday 2 April 2025, with successful stage one applicants invited to make a full application at stage two.
12th February 2025
Championing the Armed Forces Community through the power of sport

Help for Heroes has announced Cotton Traders as the official sponsor of the Community Sports Series 2025, its nationwide grassroots sports events that empower veterans and their families to transform their lives.

The British clothing retailer is the UK’s leading military charity’s longest-standing partner, raising almost £2 million since 2011.

Last year, more than 200 ex-serving personnel and their families were introduced to multiple sports at the fully accessible Community Sports Series events, ranging from powerlifting and pickleball, wheelchair basketball and walking rugby to badminton and boccia.

The inclusive weekends are designed to help veterans rediscover a love of sport and competition while connecting with their community.

Their popularity and rapid success have resulted in more Community Sports Series events being rolled out this year. Top venues are confirmed in Liverpool (for women only) in March, followed by Inverclyde, Cardiff and Birmingham.

Caroline Buckle, 45, served almost 18 years in the Army and was deployed on operational tours to Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. She was medically discharged in 2014 due to a leg injury, which led to nerve damage and a debilitating condition called ‘foot drop’ but has found a new identity through sport.

“I’ve done many sporting activities with Help for Heroes, and I’ve achieved coaching qualifications with the charity, so I can coach powerlifting and indoor rowing at Community Sports Series events,” she said.

“Now I can help other members of the Armed Forces community get involved in sports, keep active and find their confidence again,” said Caroline, from Barnsley who has competed at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa, where she was proud to represent England.

“By the end of a Sports Series weekend, people will have come out of themselves a bit and will be engaging within the group. By becoming a coach, I can pay it forwards, I am able to say ‘thank you’ to Help for Heroes by coming along and helping others.”

11th February 2025