Greenwich Hospital awards £25,000 to The Not Forgotten to help tackle loneliness and strengthen wellbeing across the Royal Navy community

Greenwich Hospital has awarded a £25,000 grant to The Not Forgotten to support a series of regional events in the Southwest of England designed to reduce loneliness and increase social contact among former Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel.  

The funding enabled the Charity to deliver a week-long programme of activities in June this year, bringing together injured serving personnel, veterans and their families through social, recreational and community events designed to promote wellbeing, strengthen social connections and foster belonging.  

The Southwest Regional Connect Week featured five events across the region, including a concert in a care home in Taunton, community parties in Lympstone, Ivybridge and Helston, an afternoon tea in Barnstaple and a regional garden party in Honiton.  Alongside the activities themselves, the programme strengthens partnerships with local veterans' organisations, care providers and community groups, helping to ensure support is coordinated and accessible for those who need it most.  

Established in 1920, The Not Forgotten is one of the UK's longest-standing military charities, supporting members of the Armed Forces community struggling with injury, illness and isolation. Through events and activities across the country, the Charity helps combat isolation, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for veterans to reconnect with others who share similar experiences.  

This funding reflects Greenwich Hospital's commitment to the long-term wellbeing of serving and former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel by investing in programmes that tackle loneliness, promote independence and strengthen community connections.  

Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:  

"Maintaining strong social connections is fundamental to good health and wellbeing, particularly for those living with injury, illness or the challenges of later life. The Not Forgotten has a long history of bringing people together through inclusive activities that reduce isolation and promote belonging. We are pleased to support the Southwest Regional Connect Week, helping more members of the Royal Navy community access meaningful opportunities to reconnect, build friendships and improve their wellbeing." 

Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, said:  

"We are extremely grateful to Greenwich Hospital for supporting our Southwest Regional Connect Week. This funding has enabled us to bring together hundreds of serving personnel, veterans and their families across the Southwest through activities that encourage friendship, improve wellbeing and reduce the isolation that too many members of the Armed Forces community experience. Working with local partners, we can ensure that those who need our support can access these safe, supportive opportunities to reconnect with their communities and enjoy positive shared experiences."