Support for veterans and their families in Northern Ireland
The Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) provides information and practical support to veterans and their families either directly or through advocacy to third party organisations and statutory bodies.
Overview
Welfare
The on-going need to support any detrimental effects caused by military service on the veterans’ community has led to the provision of welfare staff based in Field Teams throughout Northern Ireland. These professionals provide a range of holistic welfare services, supporting our veterans with medical, financial, and emotional issues, and Armed Forces Pension and Compensation Scheme applications. VWS NI can help facilitate access to specialist expertise from across a wide range of organisations, statutory bodies and charities.
The aim of VWS NI is to provide a confidential, trusted service that supports each veteran’s or eligible dependant’s individual needs, in a holistic manner.
Medical
While recognising the important role played by the Health and Social Services, a specific medical response for timely physiotherapy and psychological therapies is available to eligible veterans to counter physical and mental conditions attributable to or exacerbated by military service.
Therapies are delivered by specialist, trusted medical service providers with experience in the treatment of ex-service personnel and, in certain circumstances, their families. When treatment is requested, and eligibility confirmed, the VWS NI’s Medical Service provider will conduct an Initial Assessment with the client to determine the suitability of treatment. Where possible any subsequent treatment sessions will be delivered locally to the client.
Advocacy
VWS NI will advocate on behalf of clients and help facilitate access to a range of partner organisations and statutory bodies. Our teams have established strong relationships with various military charities, and third sector organisations which may be able to help in areas outside the VWS NI immediate remit.
Our trained and experienced caseworkers will advise and assist in this process.
Roll of Honour
Search the Roll of Honour database for UDR, R IRISH (HS), R IRISH (GS), RANGERS and Regimental TA members and ex-members who were killed during Operation BANNER 1969 – 2007.
Contact VWS NI
To be fully eligible for VWS NI services you must meet the eligibility criteria of being a UK Armed Forces Veteran. If in doubt, please contact VWS NI:
Telephone number:028 90 420 145
Email: dbsafvs-vws-ni@mod.gov.uk
A member of the team will ask about the situation, identify the type of assistance needed, and ensure that you are provided with appropriate advice and / or practical help towards meeting the needs identified.
Further information can be found on the VWS NI aftercare service