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Thrive Together - Veterans Voice

The Bridge for Heroes: Portfolio Lead for Thrive Together in the East of England

The Bridge for Heroes is proud to lead the East of England portfolio for the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund’s (AFCFT) Thrive Together programme, previously known as the Veterans’ Places, Pathways, and People (VPPP) programme.

The VPPP programme aimed to create more sustainable, localised support for veterans within their communities. Through this initiative, 14 major projects were launched to:

  • Establish safe and welcoming spaces for veterans in their local areas.
  • Provide high-quality training for staff and volunteers supporting veterans.
  • Connect veterans to wider pathways, including mental health support and treatment.

Veterans Voice Consultation and Strategic Plan

Between April and September 2024, The Bridge for Heroes conducted the Veterans Voice consultation across the East of England. This involved veterans, their families, carers, and the organisations supporting them. The consultation findings identified key community needs, which informed a strategic plan submitted to the AFCFT to secure funding for the programme's next stage.

The AFCFT’s strategic goals for Thrive Together are to:

  1. Improve Help-Seeking Behaviour: Encourage more veterans and their families to seek support and reduce the stigma around mental health.
  2. Enhance Holistic Support Services: Offer tailored mental and physical health services that address veterans' diverse needs.
  3. Strengthen Support for Families and Carers: Provide improved services that support the entire family unit.

Veterans Voice Projects

To address these goals, the Veterans Voice project will implement seven targeted initiatives:

  1. Local Hubs and Drop-Ins: Expand local hubs and activities using existing community spaces to raise service awareness.
  2. Mobile Awareness Stands: Deploy mobile stands or pop-up drop-ins to promote services across the region.
  3. Transport Accessibility Programmes: Address transport barriers to improve service access and reduce social isolation.
  4. Mental Health Stigma Reduction: Create programmes that challenge and reduce mental health stigma.
  5. Self-Esteem and Identity Programmes: Develop initiatives to rebuild self-esteem and foster new identities post-service.
  6. Finding Veterans in Care Homes: Improve service awareness and reduce isolation for veterans in care homes.
  7. Armed Forces Network: Build a regional collaborative network to enhance partnerships and service delivery.

This collective effort reflects our commitment to supporting veterans and their families, ensuring their unique needs are met across the East of England.

GET IN TOUCH

REGISTERED ADDRESS

The Bridge for Heroes
52a South Clough Lane
King’s Lynn
Norfolk
PE30 1SE

contact@thebridgeforheroes.org

01553 760230

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