Our Services
How We Help
Veteran Support Network is delivered by local veterans. We are using what we know to provide targeted support to veterans across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. We are experts with lived military-to-civilian experience and a passion for helping others, promoting care and wellbeing within the veteran community. Our extensive knowledge—gained in the Armed Forces—extends to leaving service and adjusting to civilian life, which we know can bring with it a number of challenges. The veteran community in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire is fragmented, with a clear divide between well-adjusted veterans and those who find civilian life more difficult to re-join. That’s what we’re here for.
Collaborative Working
When we’re all working towards the same goal, why not do it together? We believe that we can work better together and that by working collaboratively no one will be left behind. With our knowledge, skills, connections and support, there are no boundaries to what we can do or who we can work with. Our collaborative working potential is unlimited. We do what we believe is best for veterans and their families.
Working with other local organisations, we can advise on how to support veteran clients. Some people may require complex care, they may need (or want) little to no input, but the most important thing is that the Veteran Support Network is here to help organisations tailor their support to suit the post-military mind. For people who haven’t served in the military, veteran support can be difficult to understand, develop, and deliver. We can help service providers to develop that understanding and improve veterans’ services across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, providing a one-stop-solution for veteran support. As well this, we also value the important input and support of partners already in direct contact with the veteran community.
Our staff and volunteers are experienced veterans and fully understand the challenges civilian life can bring. We’re on hand to provide practical support to veterans. For those who are elderly or disabled, we can visit them and tailor their care around their specific requirements.
Art Therapy and Activities
In our gallery we offer art therapy sessions, using its therapeutic qualities to promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. We provide a safe space and a quiet room for veterans to use when they need it together with social activities and day trips to help prevent loneliness and isolation allowing veterans to form friendships and strengthen relationships outside of military life. Our gallery exhibits work from several veteran artists and as a charitable organisation, any income generated from the sale of art pieces goes right back into supporting the veteran community.
Mental Health Support
Our referral pathway helps us to provide crisis support and reduce suicide within the veteran community. This allows veterans in crisis to avoid lengthy waiting lists for potentially life-saving support and will complement the developing local mental health services for veterans. The referral process is simple – no red tape. As soon as a veteran (or someone working with them) contacts us they’re able to access our services, activities, and the safe social environment that we offer. The only thing we do insist on is that we’re made aware of all safeguarding concerns.
The number of people who are homeless also continues to grow and we work closely with local council, health, and care representatives to provide urgent support to veterans who find themselves in difficult situations during times of need.