Cabinet Office
- NewVeteransMobilityFundwill deliver grants to former armed forces personnel withmobilityneeds
- Governmentfundingto be awarded by Help for Heroes in partnership with Blesma, The LimblessVeteranscharity
- Fundingwill enableveteransto access vitalmobilityequipment such as wheelchairs and scooters
A new 2.52 millionVeteransMobilityFund(VMF) is set to provideveteransacross the UK withmobilityequipment to improve their quality of life.
Thefundwill deliver grants and equipment toveteranswithmobilityneeds linked to their service. This includesmobilityaids that are not usually available through the NHS, such as specialist wheelchairs andmobilityscooters, and different orthotics such as splints and braces.
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust, funded by the government, has awarded 2.52 million to Help for Heroes, in partnership with Blesma. The charities will deliver high quality support toveteranswith physical disabilities through grants across five years.
Minister forVeterans Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:
I want to make this the best country in the world to be aveteran. To do that, It is only right that those who have served our country should have access to high quality support that allows them to get back to what they love doing.
Ive met so many inspiringveteranstoday who have told me how the previousfundhelped them to make small steps to regain their independence and zest for life.
If you havemobilityneeds linked to your time in service, please get in touch with Help for Heroes to find out more.
The new VMF was secured in the Spring Budget by the Minister forVeterans Affairs. The reinstatedfundwill have a greater focus on evaluating impact, and will be part of the new physical health pathway in England under Op RESTORE.
James Needham, CEO of Help for Heroes:
The reinstatement of theVeteransMobilityFundwill make a vital difference to the lives of those injured during their military service, and it is great news that our charity has been recognised and trusted to deliver thisfund.
Todays announcement is a result of a joint two-year campaign by Help for Heroes and Blemsa, and woundedveteranswill be pleased that the UK Government has listened and reinstated this life-changingfund.
We are now working quickly and carefully to establish a robust programme so we can open thefundto eligibleveteransby March 2024.
Jon Bryant, Chief Executive, Blesma, the LimblessVeteranssaid:
Blesma is delighted to have been successful in bidding to run theVeteransMobilityFundalongside our colleagues in Help for Heroes. Having campaigned for thisfunding, we know very well what a difference it will make toveteranswho have been injured in the service of their country. We look forward to delivering this much-needed support to those who need it.
Armyveteran, Paul Colling, said:
Im delighted the government has decided to reinstate the VMF and award it to Help for Heroes and Blesma. Being able to access the previousfundmeant I was able to receive a specialist leg brace -something I couldnt afford on my own - which prevented me from going through a leg amputation. That brace, and the efforts of Help for Heroes, has enabled me to walk again.
By addressingmobilityneeds, the equipment will help withveterans wider issues such as reducing isolation and loneliness.
To further support the healthcare needs ofveterans, the Office forVeterans Affairs (OVA) has worked with NHS England to deliver two dedicated healthcare pathways. Op RESTORE supports physical health needs, and Op COURAGE provides mental health and wellbeing support. The OVA launched a 5 million Health InnovationFundthis year, which includes a research project by Blesma and Anglia Ruskin University on how assistive technologies such as wheelchairs andmobilityscooters helpveterans