OUR IMPACT

AS THE ARMY’S NATIONAL CHARITY, WE CONTINUE TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO SOLDIERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN NEED.

This is more relevant than ever as we adapt to meet the demands of the coronavirus pandemic. We remain in regular contact with our partners to coordinate and share key information; identify and put into effect new ways of working; and look at how we can best contribute to the good of the nation during these difficult times.

Individual grants, which will always be our priority, are still being processed as normal and we are working to ensure that those with immediate needs and in crisis can be supported. We are forever grateful for the support of SSAFA and The Royal British Legion as our key caseworking organisations. We are also continuing to make substantial grants to other charities and organisations to adapt their service provision in line with government restrictions. In late March, we awarded £250,000 to Combat Stress, and in April we awarded £450,000 to the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) as part of our partnership to deliver welfare support in hospitals.

Looking forward, our charity will continue to work closely with other organisations to limit the impact of coronavirus on soldiers, past and present, and their families. Our entire emphasis remains ensuring that the Army family is supported in the best way it can be.

HIGHLIGHTS

In the past financial year, we have

supported 70,000 members of the Army family

funded 89 other charities and organisations

reached people in 62 countries across the globe

given 4,534 grants to individuals and families

awarded 22% of our grants to the serving Army

In March, we awarded £250,000 to Combat Stress to adapt its mental health provision in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a charity, we judge it is of paramount importance that we actively support Army veterans who are battling mental ill-health at this challenging time. Combat Stress consistently responds to the evolving needs of veterans living with complex mental health conditions. Our grant will enable the charity to support the community through a range of services including its 24-hour helpline and video call therapy.

DMWS Welfare Officers are continuing to support soldiers, veterans and their families over the phone.

A team of specially-trained professionals is available day and night to provide free confidential advice and support to veterans.

In April, we awarded a further grant of £450,000 to the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) as an extension to our partnership which delivers a bespoke welfare service for the Armed Forces community in hospitals across Southern England. Throughout the pandemic, the DMWS has continued to obtain and respond to referrals from the military community; evolving its services in line with government guidelines.