Veterans Supporting Veterans
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OUR SERVICES
HOW THE VETERANS COMMUNITY NETWORK CAN HELP YOU
These days, there is so much help out there for Veterans, Reservists and their families that it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. Making phone contact can sometimes be difficult and frustrating if you can’t get through on a help line or feel as if you are being sent around in circles.
The Veterans Community Network will never just sign post you to one of these agencies. We have developed personal relationships with all of our partners and from this joined up working, we offer a monthly drop-in Hub. This ‘one stop shop’ approach means that VCN can immediately connect you with the professional who is able to support with issues such as housing, benefits, employment mental health and social isolation.
Our Peer Mentor Services
The aim of VCN is to support Veterans, Reservists and their families in accessing the treatment and support services to help cope, adjust and manage situations. We do this through our network of trained Veteran Peer Mentors and a range of social activities.
if you need our help or support, our peer mentors will offer you:
- Assertive outreach / identification of need / risk substance misuse support - low level psychosocial intervention (PSI) to educate on the risks and harms, provide harm reduction advice.
- Mental Health First Aid to support crisis.
- Onward referral, motivational enhancement to prepare for treatment or support to remain engaged in the process.
- Treatment and support guides and navigators.
- Care co-ordination by ‘connecting’ veterans not just signposting.
- Advocacy to ensure a seamless service between partners.
- Transport to appointments / post session decompression.
- Social Prescribing delivered at the Veterans Rendezvous point. This includes horticultural activity, crafting, woodwork, renovation projects and mindfulness.
- Social activities including Breakfast Clubs, drop-ins, and our VCN choir.
- VCN’s delivery approach is one of co-production and is peer mentor led.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUR SERVICES
The Veterans Community Network is a registered Charity, proudly offering our services across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire & Northamptonshire. We provide one-to-one support for Veterans, Reservists and military families, through a network of trained Veteran Peer Mentors and Partnership working. The aim of the Charity is to train Veterans as Peer Mentors and then connect them with local veterans and offer support.
OUR veterans stories
The Veterans Community Network would like to thank those who kindly shared their experiences. In the interest of privacy, VCN have understood and respected the wishes of those who shared their experiences but have requested to remain anonymous. Interested in finding out what VCN can do to help you? Please contact us by completing the form on our 'Contact Us' page and a member of our team will get back to you.
RECOGNITIONS, AWARDS AND COLLABORATIONS
our veterans stories
Steve | 30/03/2026
Steve | 30/03/2026
Steve | 30/03/2026
"I am a 36-year-old veteran who served with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Afghanistan.
For over a decade, I have battled severe mental and physical war-related trauma. Unable to
access the correct level of support, I relied on destructive coping mechanisms for many years.
Late last year, my life completely unravelled: I became unemployed, lost my driving license, and
by early this year, I was completely homeless and actively suicidal due to an overwhelming
sense of hopelessness. Dr Gill Le Page and her colleagues at the VCN stepped into my life when I was at absolute rock
bottom and paved the way for my recovery in a way I could not have accomplished alone.
Recognising that I was too traumatised to advocate for myself, they became a central, tireless
liaison on my behalf. They collaborated directly with crucial mental and physical health
services, including OP Courage and OP Nova, ensuring that my circumstances were not only
accurately communicated but also taken seriously by the wider system. Most recently, I now
have a roof over my head, and they have helped me successfully appeal a high-level sanction
with the DWP and see that I am successfully referred by my GP to Op Restore for a servicerelated physical injury. What makes the VCN truly exceptional, and why they are so deserving of consideration for this
grant, is the profound level of personal care they provide. They have been there for me daily,
personally collected me to ensure I could attend vital housing, job centre, and medical
appointments, guaranteeing I received the right treatment at the right time. Furthermore, they
provided consistent therapeutic mentoring during my darkest mental struggles, working to
ensure I was safe. The VCN goes well beyond expectations and is truly dedicated and deeply passionate about
ensuring that veterans receive the care, support, and respect they deserve for their sacrifices. A
grant awarded to the VCN would be universally recognised by the veteran community as a highly
deserved acknowledgement of an organisation that literally saves lives.
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude".
ANON | 19/06/2024
Steve | 30/03/2026
Steve | 30/03/2026
"I'm doing very well and very happy. I will always say this and will continue saying it, if it wasn’t for you and your help I honestly wouldn’t be here or in the gutter right now. So eternally grateful to you".
ANON | 19/10/2023
Steve | 30/03/2026
ANON | 19/10/2023
"I would like to take a moment to express my feelings about Sher George.. Sher came into my life over a year ago when I was at a particularly low ebb. I had lost my wife the tear before and I was finding life difficult, to say the least. Her tenacity and strength of character pulled me out of the abyss that I was surely heading towards. She helped me understand what it means to live again. I call her my rottweiler for if I need help in any matter she always gets a positive result. Thank you Sher. You will never know what you have done for me. God Bless".
ANON | 22/06/2023
ANON | 22/06/2023
ANON | 19/10/2023
"It has been very good being able to talk with you Sher. Thank you for plain talking, good guidance and helping me see there is a light at the end of the tunnel".
ANON | 13/11/2022
ANON | 22/06/2023
ANON | 13/11/2022
"Since working with Sher and the VCN it has been nothing but support and care whenever it is needed. I know I have the knowledge, help and resources needed whenever it is required. The VCN hold the veterans breakfast every 3rd Saturday of the month which is a fantastic opportunity for veterans old and new to engage and exchange stories and experiences which I believe is very much needed in todays veteran community. If there is something they are unsure of or know of another external system that will be more appropriate they will endeavour to fight your corner. I can’t thank the VCN and Sher for their continued support. It means a great deal to myself and many other veterans".
ANON | 17/10/2022
ANON | 22/06/2023
ANON | 13/11/2022
"Sher has pushed and pushed for me in getting all the help I can. Since meeting Sher she has made me more determined to turn my life round and be happier Thank you Sher I can't thank you enough and I appreciated everything you have done for me"
Anon | 30/07/2020
Anon | 30/07/2020
Anon | 30/07/2020
"The help I've received from VCN has been invaluable, despite not being fully aware that I needed help. It was suggested that I may benefit from a chat with Dr Gill and I did and through regular contact she has prevented me from spiralling into a deep depression".
Anon | 06/07/2020
Anon | 30/07/2020
Anon | 30/07/2020
"After hitting my all time lowest I have ever been in my entire life VCN has been the the help I never thought I deserved. I have been suffering with my mental health for some time now and after reaching out to the Royal British legion they but me in touch with Dr Gill from VCN, we spoke on a daily basis on the phone to start with and the help and support that has been given to me has really made me see myself worth and and that I am not alone. Dr Gill continues to talk with me and follows up with texts to check in, without the help and support from Dr Gill I don't even want to start to think where I would be right now. I am only just starting off on my journey and I know its going to be a long one but VCN is there with me. Thank you Dr Gill I really cant thank you enough"
ANON | 02/07/2020
Anon | 30/07/2020
ANON | 02/07/2020
"I have found working with VCN Milton Keynes very beneficial in housing, mental health and networking with organisations that provide support in my local area. Local councils nearly always have very little experience working with veterans and very seldom meet the needs of those returning from the military, In 5 years of approaching local councils for housing I have not engaged with one that has an understanding of the military covenant or its importance to the military community. It's my own personal opinion that having a veteran point of contact in every county to be very important as they have a better understanding of the complex application processes for housing with local authorities. They also have a better understanding of the needs of soldiers sailors and airmen returning from Wars and can give accurate advice on services provided in there local areas. I think having a veteran point of contact in your local area really important and would provide an essential life line to military families that struggle with the complex needs associated within the veteran community. Milton Keynes are the first council to direct me to there veteran liaison and it's the first time I have felt supported in 5 years.
I think all service men and women should be told who there local veteran liaison officer is in there home county. This would also give the MOD and local Regiments a better understanding of the support needed in different areas and in my opinion it would save lives. Military Regiments recruit from different areas some military regiments have very difficult tours of duty. That support is then needed in that recruitment area. Supporting service men one aspect but also there families who are left picking up the pieces. This would give the local authorities and military families a life line and mitigate red flags early and would save lives. I think homelessness and suicide within the veteran community a highlighted aspect where this isn't being met. I think local support for the military community a key factor associated within recruitment. Joining the military then becoming homeless mad, bad, sad a common opinion. Having a point of contact in your local community who can support you in key areas networked to services or professional who have experience in military affairs a life saver. Milton Keynes veterans liaison is a fantastic idea and I'm very grateful to have them supporting me".
OUR PEER MENTOR SERVICES
Bedforshire, milton Keynes and Luton Services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Northamptonshire services
Buckinghamshire, oxfordshire and berkshire services
Northamptonshire services
THE DIFFERENCE WE'VE MADE SO FAR
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
therapeutic gardening
therapeutic gardening
therapeutic gardening
Our News
therapeutic gardening
therapeutic gardening
Fundraising, Events and Donations
2025 | 80th anniversary tapestry project
2025 | 80th anniversary tapestry project
Make a difference today
2025 | 80th anniversary tapestry project
2025 | 80th anniversary tapestry project
2025 | 80th anniversary tapestry project
accupressure | wilf bamford
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Veteran Community Network (VCN) Beds, MK, Northants facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
south east thrive together facebook group
Thrive Together Veterans Voice (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) facebook group
south east thrive together facebook group
CHALLENGE THE STEREOTYPE | END THE STIGMA
LINKS TO OTHER SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Additional Information
VCN has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
We celebrate individual differences and seek to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We acknowledge that everyone brings a unique perspective and ideas to the Charity and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive.
SAFE ACCESSIBLE SUPPORT
VCN operates Safe Accessible Support through offering Veteran Peer mentoring which actively seeks out other veterans who are in distress and in need of support. Our peer mentors all have a military background, have undergone the accredited veteran mental health first aid training and successfully completed an accredited peer mentor training course. Our ambition is to support veterans to engage and remain in treatment with our partners and other ‘wrap around services’ .
OUR GOVERNANCE
This legal structure ensures that VCN delivers services through a framework of policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective network of support. Copies of our policies and procedures are available on our website. We are a member of ASDIC (Association of ex-service Drop-in Centres) and NCVO (National Council of Volunteering Organisations). We have been awarded The Veterans Mental Health Awareness Standard by COBSEO.
PRIVACY POLICY
The Veterans’ Community Network are committed to ensuring the security and protection of the personal information that we process, and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection. We have a robust and effective data protection program in place which complies with existing law and abides by the GDPR (2018) data protection principles.
THE VETERANS COMMUNITY NETWORK STATEMENT ON COVID-19
In accordance with the Government guidance for COVID-19, there are currently no restrictions in the UK. This being said, the Veterans Community Network do hold face to face events at a variety of locations, all of which have different COVID-19 requirements (if any). Therefore, we strongly encourage those interested in attending any of our events who would like clarification of the COVID-19 requirements (if any) for that location to get in touch with us via our contact form to enquire and we will be more than happy to assist. For the most up to date guidance and support on COVID-19, please refer to the Government Coronavirus Advice Website.
Copyright © 2026 Veterans Community Network - All Rights Reserved.
REGISTERED CHARITY IN ENGLAND NUMBER: 1191970
Union House | 111 New Union Street | Coventry | CV1 2NT
Call 999 or go to A&E now if someone's life is at risk - for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose OR you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone's time | SOURCE: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/