Based in the Royal Maritime Club in Portsmouth, Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) has been providing a monthly Drop-In facility for ex-serviceman and their direct family members since July 2008. This year, the facility has received the backing from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity with a £15,000 grant towards the operating costs of the service.
The Drop-In welcomes ex-service personnel from all services and operational backgrounds. It receives over 500 visits a year, with an average of 45 visitors each month. Approximately 37% of those who use the service are Army veterans.
A spokesman for the VOS said: “The monthly Drop-In offers a welcoming and relaxed place for veterans to meet socially and get help in all areas, from mental health problems to improving their education, finding a job and managing their finances. We are very grateful to The Soldiers’ Charity for their donation of £15,000 towards the operating costs of the Drop-In.”
Significant funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant LIBOR fund in 2013 enabled VOS to become a registered charity, in order to grow its expertise and capability. Today VOS has a permanent office and therapy room in the Royal Maritime Club and delivers weekly therapy sessions to those who need it most. Its work is funded by the generous support of the larger military charities.
Find out more about Veterans Outreach Support on their website.