Thrive Together East of England

Portfolio Lead: The Bridge for Heroes

The Bridge for Heroes is thrilled to have been awarded the Thrive Together grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to support their new initiative, Veterans Voice. Building on the successful work of their Veteran Places Pathways and People Programme (VPPP), this grant will enable them to provide comprehensive support for Veterans and their families across the East of England.

The Veterans Voice project will focus on the following key areas:

• Strengthening Partnerships:
  Fostering collaborations with charities, statutory bodies, and community groups, to amplify collective impact. By working together, they can leverage each partner’s unique strengths and resources to better serve the Veteran community
• Enhancing Digital Access:
  Veterans Voice is committed to developing user-friendly online platforms that provide Veterans and their families with quick, easy access to essential information, services, and support networks. This includes ensuring that their digital tools are accessible to individuals with varying levels of digital literacy.
• Improving Awareness and Access:
  The goal is to make sure that every Veteran, along with their families and carers, is aware of the full range of support available to them. They will accomplish this through targeted information campaigns and outreach initiatives.
• Targeted Outreach:
  Veterans Voice recognise that certain groups within the Veteran community can be harder to reach, whether due to geographical isolation, lack of awareness, or other barriers. Their outreach efforts will include community events, personalised communications, and partnerships with local organisations to ensure that no one is left behind and that all of the Veteran community has access to the support they deserve.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
  Listening to Veterans, their families, and carers is essential for understanding their needs and improving our services. Veterans Voice will establish an ongoing feedback loop, where community members can share their experiences and suggestions. By making feedback a core part of their approach, they can better align their services with the evolving needs of the Armed Forces community.
• Tackling Stigma Around Mental Health:
  Breaking down barriers to mental health support is crucial for the well-being of Veterans and their families. Through awareness campaigns and activities, they aim to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed, and support is readily accessible.
• Improved Community Integration:
  Veterans Voice aim to provide resources and opportunities that help Veterans engage with local organisations, participate in community events, and build social connections. By encouraging community involvement, they can help Veterans develop a sense of belonging and purpose.

These focus areas were developed following an extensive consultation process involving Veterans, their families and carers, as well as workshops with regional statutory bodies. To capture a broad range of perspectives, two tailored surveys were conducted—one for Veterans and another for their families. This approach ensured that we accurately addressed the needs of those they serve. The workshops provided valuable feedback on the community’s needs and highlighted existing gaps in support services.

Get in touch

You can find out more at their website, or email vv@thebridgeforheroes.org.