Our Impact
Thrive Together South East 'Partnership in Mind' programme's Pathfinder Service, delivered by the Defence Medical Welfare Service, is helping us make a difference to service users across the South East of England. The stories below highlight the work and its impact across the region.
Empowering Lives Through Complex Case Support - From Homelessness to Hope
DMWS Pathfinder Welfare Officer, Michelle Reynolds is community based and receives calls/emails directly from professionals or the service users themselves and provide suitable advice and referrals. Over the past few months, they have seen a steady and reliable pace of referrals.
Michelle Reynolds explains how important it is to work in a connected way to provide seamless support for veterans:
“After 23 years of service in the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, a Colour Sergeant was medically discharged with CPTSD, anxiety and depression. Alone and homeless in Portsmouth, he wanted to return to his home community in Rutland to rebuild his life.
“DMWS stepped in to co-ordinate urgent support. With his consent, referrals were made to Rutland Council, the DWP Armed Forces Champion and local charities including P3, Op Fortitude and the Royal British Legion. Within days, he was placed in temporary accommodation, began receiving benefits and started job training through the Jobcentre and AMEY.
“He is now receiving therapy through Op Courage, financial and recovery support from Help for Heroes, and has several job interviews lined up. RBL and Op Fortitude continue to assist with housing and essential living costs.”
She concluded:
”Through collaboration between Armed Forces charities, local authorities, and DMWS, this veteran has regained stability, purpose, and a clear path toward independence.
“Engaging with these complex cases remains both highly rewarding and critically important, underscoring the ongoing and genuine need for this essential service.”
Accessing this service:
To access this service, please contact DMWS’ National Response Service, available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm at: 0800 999 3697 or email: referrals@dmws.org.uk
