Thrive Together Midlands

Portfolio Lead: Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)

DMWS remains deeply committed to supporting Midland’s Veterans and their families, building on the foundation laid by the Veterans’ Places, Pathways, and People Programme (VPPP). The Thrive Together Programme is a direct continuation of this important work, focusing on improving the health, well-being, and support systems for Veterans, their families and carers across the region.

Thrive Together Midlands Strategic Plan

Their Strategic Plan was developed through extensive consultations held in the Spring and Summer of 2024 with Veterans, their families, carers, and regional stakeholders from both the statutory and third sectors. This inclusive consultation process provided critical insights to shape a responsive strategic plan.

DMWS’s multi-faceted consultation approach included:

• In-person focus groups, led by social researchers and co-production experts, capturing valuable insights from beneficiaries, third sector organisations, and statutory partners.
• Online forums with polls designed for the VCSFE sector, enabling broad participation from stakeholders.
• Targeted outreach to engage specific groups, including Veterans, carers, and families, as well as third sector and statutory sector partners.
• External expertise, brought in for objectivity and deeper analysis.

For quantitative analysis, they engaged public health analysts from Wolverhampton City Council to review regional data, including Census 21, public health data, ONS datasets, and ICB strategies for Armed Forces inclusion. This analysis helped identify target areas for delivery and support.
Additionally, DMWS data was reviewed, analysing Midlands casework from 2022 to the present and undertaking a review of all VPPP 22/23 Case Studies. This holistic review provided a solid foundation for future initiatives.

Strategic Priorities and Future Plans

The strategic plan is designed to be flexible and responsive, evolving to meet emerging needs and challenges. Key priorities include:

• No Wrong Door: Veterans and their families will have access to support whenever they need it, without facing barriers.
• Warm Handovers: We will ensure Veterans experience joined-up care during referrals, reducing the need for them to retell their stories.
• Person-Centred, Multi-Agency Support: Bringing together different areas of expertise to provide tailored care for Veterans and their families.
• Strengthening Collaborative Networks: We are fostering partnerships across the statutory and third sectors to ensure seamless support for Veterans.

This collaborative approach ensures that the plan not only aligns with the national Thrive Together objectives but also directly reflects the needs and experiences of those we serve.

Looking Ahead

Currently, DMWS are leading a rigorous selection process to develop a portfolio of funded projects aimed at addressing specific gaps identified during our consultation, including:

• Lack of awareness of services
• Vulnerability and complexity of needs
• Lack of services for families, need for services for families

Through this next phase, DMWS and their partners will work together to help Veterans and their families:

• Seek help and reduce stigma, particularly around mental health.
• Access a range of tailored services that meet their diverse needs.
• Strengthen their support networks, ensuring the whole family unit receives the resources and care it requires.

Get in touch

For more information, visit their website or contact vpppv2midlands@dmws.org.uk.