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 […]
VOS launches new Thrive Together South East ‘One Network’ platform
https://youtu.be/520qzdUlxngMore than 50 organisations supporting veterans across the South East came together earlier this month (22nd July) for the launch of the new ‘One Network’ online platform, designed to help professionals who support veterans and their families connect across the region. As the portfolio lead organisation for the Thrive Together South East Partnership in Mind programme, […]
VOS Proud Recipients of Certificate of Commitment to The Seafarer Pledge
Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) were delighted to receive our Certificate of Commitment to The Seafarer Pledge from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. This marks an important moment for our charity, which was established after the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War – a conflict in 1982 in which more than 100 Merchant Navy ships were taken […]
VOS Celebrates its 18th Birthday!
Contributed by our Chief Executive at VOS, Ian Millen. This week Veterans Outreach Support is celebrating its Eighteenth birthday! That is a milestone worth celebrating in any life, and for a charity, it carries a particular sense of meaning. It is a moment to reflect on how far we have come, to thank everyone who […]
