Injured veterans and serving personnel will benefit from increased opportunities to connect with others, improve their wellbeing, and rediscover a sense of community, thanks to the Army Benevolent Fund’s grant of £85,000 to The Not Forgotten.
For some injured veterans and wounded service personnel, leaving the Army or adapting to life after injury can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a loss of camaraderie. Staying connected to others with shared experiences can play a vital role in improving mental health, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
To help address these challenges, our charity is continuing its longstanding support for The Not Forgotten’s annual delivery programme, which provides a wide range of social, recreational and respite activities for injured veterans and serving personnel across the UK.
Our funding will contribute towards a varied programme of events and activities, including sporting challenges, respite breaks, regional garden parties, community concerts, afternoon teas, visits to major sporting events, and the charity’s Christmas lunch programme. The Not Forgotten also supports those who are digitally isolated through the provision of technology and access to its recently launched Connect App, which enables beneficiaries to engage with other veterans in their local area and learn about upcoming events and opportunities.
By combining in-person activities with digital support, The Not Forgotten aims to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and foster a renewed sense of belonging among injured veterans and serving personnel.
One beneficiary who has experienced the impact of The Not Forgotten’s support is Rae, who was medically discharged from the Army in 2005 after sustaining injuries while serving in Bosnia. As her injuries worsened over time, Rae found both her physical and mental wellbeing affected.
In 2025, Rae took part in one of The Not Forgotten’s adaptive skiing trips to Colorado, an experience she describes as life changing.
“That trip has changed my life. Not only did I learn to sit-ski but I have also found my bravery. I am living again and not just existing. It wasn’t just the physical achievement, but the camaraderie and unbelievable example set by my new-found friends.”
Reflecting on her experiences with the charity, Rae added:
“This charity offers veterans like me a lifeline. The events help, of course, but it’s the people that truly count. The opportunity of shared experiences is bonding, healing and, for me, life-affirming.”
Colonel Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, said:
“The Not Forgotten is incredibly grateful and honoured to have received a grant of £85,000 from the Army Benevolent Fund, an organisation with whom we share a longstanding and highly valued relationship.
“This support is a powerful endorsement of the impact our charity delivers to more than 10,000 veterans across the UK each year, around half of whom come from the Army family. The confidence placed in us by the ABF gives us the certainty to continue delivering life-changing activities and events nationwide, whilst also helping to sustain our prestigious programme of events in London and across the regions.
“The Not Forgotten provides a unique offering to a very special community, and we are fortunate to be supported by an extraordinary network of donors and partners. The Army Benevolent Fund is a fundamental part of that community, and we are deeply grateful for its continued trust, friendship and support.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“Strong social connections are essential to wellbeing, yet some injured veterans and serving personnel can experience isolation after service or injury. The Not Forgotten provides invaluable opportunities for beneficiaries to reconnect with others, take part in enjoyable activities, and regain a sense of community and belonging. We are delighted to support a programme that continues to make such a positive difference to members of the Army family across the UK.”