My Royal Navy Story and Life as a Female Military Veteran

By Wendy Pearson COMING SOON! READ NEXT: How Do We Support Women Veterans At A Community Level? VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or […]

Paint & Chill – How Getting Creative Improves Your Wellbeing

Five people holding paintings of waves they have each made

“If you can draw a stick figure you can paint! We believe everyone has the ability to paint when they are given the right guidance and materials.” This is what the Paint and Chill Company – hosts of our regular Paint and Chill sessions – have to say. One of the most popular and long-running […]

Remembrance Day 2024: Honouring Sacrifice and Resilience

Hanging strings of red poppies against the grey stone of a memorial inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers

Each year, on the 11th of November, the UK pauses to honour the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces during two World Wars and other conflicts. The date marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918, officially declared on the eleventh hour […]

Veterans Outreach visit historic Portchester Castle again!

A group of male and female UK veterans pose with historical actors on the stage at Portchester Castle, UK

Words by VOS volunteer Chris On 19th October 1453, the seemingly never-ending conflict between England and France –  the Hundred Years War – finally came to an end. Our History lessons taught us that, in actual fact, the war ultimately lasted for nearly 116 years, not 100. Indeed, history seems to show us that we […]

Camaraderie In Song: The Chelsea Pensioners Visit VOS

This October, Veterans Outreach Support had the pleasure of welcoming the Chelsea Pensioners to Portsmouth. They brought along a lively group that entertained everyone with a delightful selection of well-known tunes. VOS’ very own Veterans Voices choir proudly joined them several numbers, as well as a songs they had prepared specially. Held at the Royal Maritime […]

What happens at a VOS Veterans Drop-In Day?

A large group of people sitting at tables at a VOS Veterans Drop-In Day in the ballroom at the Royal Maritime Hotel in Portsmouth

Have you been to a VOS Drop-In Day yet? They run on the first Wednesday of every month in Portsmouth and third Wednesday on the Isle of Wight. VOS also runs mini Drop-Ins in Gosport on the last Wednesday of each month. VOS Drop-In Days are a great opportunity for ex-Armed Forces and Merchant Navy […]

Celebrating Black History Month and the UK Armed Forces

Black History Month in black lettering on a white signboard against broad diagonal red, black yellow and green stripes.

October is Black History Month, and we think it’s essential to recognise the significant contributions made by Black servicemen and women to the UK Armed Forces. Throughout the 20th and 21st Centuries, Black soldiers, sailors, and air personnel have not only served with distinction but also helped shape the UK military’s legacy of bravery, innovation, […]

Tea & Stickies – Chats, Games & A Warm Welcome Every Week

“It’s that time again! When the quiz gets you guessing, the tea and coffee flow, cakes are in abundance and banter is so much fun. Come and join us!” Our weekly Tea & Stickies gatherings are something VOS staff, volunteers and service users alike look forward to – a chance to chat, catch up and […]

Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2024: Why It Matters

Do you understand your options and all information surrounding Armed Forces Pensions? Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2024 takes place from 9-13 September. It’s a critical reminder to UK Armed Forces Veterans and current service members of the importance of understanding their pension schemes. Organised by the Forces Pension Society (FPS) and supported by Cobseo, […]