Reconnecting Veterans Project

Here at Age UK Bradford District (AUKBD) we have a history of supporting veterans and through this work we are aware that there is a significant unmet demand for support.

Our Reconnecting Veterans Project gave us the opportunity to build on our previous work with veterans with the brief of reaching out and engaging with as many veterans across the district as possible to find out what their needs were and any issues or barriers that they were facing in their day-to-day lives.

We focused on ensuring that they were able to get the information, help, support and advice they needed and worked with them to develop the activities that they wanted and needed to help them feel more connected, enabling them to live the life they want. We particularly focused on issues relating to social isolation, loneliness and hidden needs.

A year on, the Reconnecting Veterans Project has been both successful and meaningful. Mapping the district to find out what groups, organisations and services are existing directly for veterans has enabled us to make connections, build networks and develop partnerships.

There is without doubt a lot of support for veterans, but we found that the information about what is available and how to access it can feel quite fragmented.

There are still many veterans who are not aware of the Armed Forces Covenant and this is something that we have strived to raise awareness of, and we also endeavour to support as many groups, organisations and services about veterans and their needs. 

It is important to find different ways to engage with veterans to reach those who are not already accessing services or groups, and it is clear that for some veterans there is a matter of pride preventing them from seeking help. The fact that they have been taught to survive, to “get on with it” does make it harder to reach those who may be the most vulnerable.

What has become clear is that veterans like to meet with others that have served, there is a mutual respect, connection and camaraderie. We have supported and worked with official breakfast clubs at Keighley and Shipley, and we are also working with the Bulls Foundation (Ex-Forces Together) and Bradford College (NAAFI) on their weekly meeting groups.

AUKBD has a monthly breakfast club for veterans, and we have also set up the Monthly Open House for Veterans at the Alhambra and a monthly drop-in social event at Wibsey Library. Click here to see more information.

The work that we do supports a number of veterans, some of whom have multiple and complex needs. AUKBD are a champion and advocate for veterans, and we have received the Bronze Award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.