Dorset veterans with mobility issues attributable to their military service can now apply for support from a life-changing fund.

The reinstated Veterans’ Mobility Fund (VMF) has been awarded to Help for Heroes and Blesma, the limbless veteran's charity,  by the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.

The VMF is a central fund, awarded by the OVA, to support veterans with physical disabilities through grants to enable them to access mobility equipment that improves their quality of life.

It is believed there are around 40,000 veterans in Dorset, some of whom may be entitled to part of the £2.5 million grant from the VMF, which will remain open for five years.

Deputy services director at Help for Heroes, Carol Betteridge, lives in Charlton Marshall and served in the Royal Navy for 26 years, including as Commanding Officer at the hospital at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

She said:  “It was pretty harrowing, but great to see the medical teams making a difference.  For me it is unfinished business, so anyone hurt in combat can get help they need through this fund.

“The fund is to ensure those with long term injury and illness remain mobile and to prevent them from being isolated, which can lead to mental health issues.

“People think about the physically injured and ill, which they are, but not getting out to spend time with family and friends in the community can cause mental health issues and this will make sure they get out and about like everyone else.

“We would encourage any veterans to apply through the website - we would really like people to apply.”

Eligible veterans will, ordinarily, be in receipt of a War Pension or an award from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Eligible veterans can now apply for the life-changing grants or equipment to help with their mobility needs, from today (Tuesday March 12).

James Needham, Help for Heroes’ CEO, added: “This fund will make a vital difference to the lives of those injured during military service and we are pleased the government has recognised the mobility challenges some injured veterans face.

“Since the previous fund closed in 2021, Help for Heroes has spent more than £400,000 of charitable money supporting veterans with mobility grants.

“Now, with the fund’s reinstatement, more injured veterans will have access to life-changing mobility support.”

Vivienne Buck CBE, Blesma’s CEO, added: “The Veterans’ Mobility Fund provides critical support to our limbless Members injured during service. The provision of specialist mobility support, equipment and medical care is essential to enable our veterans to live independent and fulfilling lives.

“It is, therefore, a welcome return of this fund, to continue to support our limbless members throughout their lives, and to assist them to adapt immediately after injury, or as equipment and technology develops and changes the way they live their lives.”

Further information about the application process can be found at helpforheroes.org.uk/veteransmobilityfund.

For other needs visit helpforheroes.org.uk or blesma.org.