Building Stronger Futures for Older Veterans

Age Cymru Dyfed and Age Cymru are proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking three-year project, Building Stronger Futures for Older Veterans, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust from April 2024 to April 2027.

With approximately 650,000 military veterans over the age of 80, this initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by older veterans by developing a free eLearning course. The course will raise awareness among frontline staff in the NHS, local authorities, and voluntary sectors about the specific needs and best methods of support for older veterans.

The eLearning course is designed to be concise and impactful, requiring just 30-45 minutes to complete. It will be available in both English and Welsh, ensuring accessibility across Wales and beyond. Developed in Wales with a UK-wide reach, the course aims to create a consistent approach to veteran care. Thoughtfully designed to be engaging and empathetic, it will help professionals better understand and support older veterans at a local level. As a preventative training model, it focuses on reducing hospital readmissions by fostering stronger community connections.

The anticipated outcomes of this initiative include a unified UK-wide approach to veteran care. By ensuring that all veterans who enter NHS, local authority, or third-sector care are identified, have a veteran’s medical marker placed on their records, and are offered connections to local veteran support networks, the course seeks to strengthen support systems.

This will lead to increased personal connections within communities, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. Additionally, the initiative is expected to ease pressure on healthcare services by reducing hospital bed blocking and minimising readmissions, thanks to improved social well-being and third-sector support.

A Veteran’s Perspective

When asked about the importance of tailored support for veterans, one interviewee shared:

“I think in general, yes. Especially for those who served for a long time, as they are institutionalised and accustomed to having things readily available. Transitioning to civilian life can be a shock, and accessing services isn’t always easy. Pride often prevents veterans from seeking much-needed help.”

On the impact of the right support, they added:

“Human beings need to feel valued and included. To feel cast aside after years of service is one of the worst experiences. Veterans need to transition into something equally rewarding while still maintaining their connection to the Armed Forces community.”

This project is an important step in ensuring our older veterans receive the recognition, care, and support they deserve. By equipping professionals with the right knowledge and tools, we can create a future where no veteran is left behind.

Get in touch

For more information, please contact our project lead James Glass on james.glass@agecymrudyfed.org.uk.