Volunteer Crest Painters’ motto is ‘Leave a Smile on a Face’
Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) regularly hosts a small group of Volunteer Crest Painters at their Portsmouth Drop-In Days. You will find the Crest Painters do more than paint crests in the Quarterdeck at the Royal Maritime Hotel at these Drop-In Days. They also provide a listening ear and the chance to sit down and paint crests […]
Remembrance Day 2026 – Paying Tribute
November is a special time for all those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces Community. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed […]
After the Guns Fall Silent: Mental Health, Trafalgar and the Veterans of Today
By Ian Millen, CEO, Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) – this article is adapted from a speech delivered by Commander Ian Millen Royal Navy (retd) at the Trafalgar Night Dinner held at the Royal Maritime Hotel, Portsmouth, on 16 October 2026. ‘We rightly remember courage under fire.’ At the Battle of Trafalgar, as in every conflict […]
Karen Dawson’s Story : From Falklands Nurse to Finding Support
This World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to remember the importance of seeking support when we need it and offering a listening ear to anyone who may be struggling with life’s challenges. When Karen, retired Navy Nurse and Falklands Veteran, first approached Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) for help with her pension, she was looking for practical […]
Veterans Outreach Support celebrates English Veterans Awards success
Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is celebrating after a successful evening at the 2026 English Veterans Awards, which recognised the outstanding contributions of VOS CEO Ian Millen and Chairman John Scivier. Ian Millen was named the winner of the ‘Leader of the Year Award’, recognising his leadership and contribution to VOS and the wider veterans’ community. […]
It’s All About Being Able to Talk : Peter Vallender’s Story
As a Royal Navy submariner veteran and a member and volunteer with Veterans Outreach Support’ (VOS), Peter Vallender,who is originally from Leicester in the Midlands, served in the Royal Navy for more than 25 years, from 1974 to 2000, eventually reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO). After briefly serving aboard a Royal Navy […]
Merchant Navy Day : Recognising Those Who Keep the World Moving
Today (3rd September), on Merchant Navy Day, Veterans Outreach Support honours the commitment, skill and service of seafarers, both past and present. Merchant Navy personnel play a vital role in our everyday lives. From transporting essential goods and keeping global trade moving to connecting communities around the world, their work supports our security, the economy […]
Celebrating 125th Anniversary of the Submariners
As part of marking the 125th Royal Navy Submarine Service two of our VOS members and volunteers, Peter Vallender and Ron Gordon, helped lead an auction of three submarine squadron crests at an evening function held in Gosport. The crests, produced by the VOS team, represented SM1 Portsmouth, SM2 Plymouth and SM3 Faslane. With the […]
Veterans Outreach Support, CEO (Ian Millen) and Chairman (John Scivier) shortlisted across four categories at the 2026 English Veterans Awards
Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) is celebrating after being shortlisted in four categories in this year’s English Veterans Awards, recognising the organisation’s impact and the outstanding contributions of our CEO, Ian Millen and Chairman, John Scivier. VOS has been shortlisted in the following categories: Veterans Outreach Support – Veterans’ Group of the Year Ian Millen – Leader […]
Bound by Purpose: A Journey from Combat to Craftsmanship
Kevin Reilly, a Veteran and Veterans Outreach Support member/volunteer was presented his City & Guilds Bookbinding Diploma at a VOS Bookbinding workshop with ‘Bound by Veterans‘ held at The Royal Maritime Hotel in Portsmouth. Proudly praising both charities in having been a vital component of his mental health management. he is now both an active ‘Bound […]
