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 Veterans (as well as their spouses, partners and carers) to join other VOS community members and access all kinds of confidential support, from wellbeing and social activities to mental health and welfare.
You can also pop in for a cuppa and chat if you feel like having a nice day out connecting with the VOS team and other ex-Forces people.
New attendees can register from 1330 hrs – don’t worry, it’s easy and our friendly team (plus our mascot Stanley the Penguin!) will be on hand to help you! Returnees can arrive from 1400 hrs to present their cards and head into the venue. Here’s a short clip from our Portsmouth Drop-In, held in Horatio’s Restaurant at the Royal Maritime Hotel.
Check out some clips of what it’s like at a VOS Drop-In day here!
Behind the scenes at a VOS Drop-In
There’s a lot of prep and organisation behind every Drop-In, because we want to provide the best experience for our Veterans – and each occasion is slightly different.
A typical Drop-In day starts with the team setting up VOS banners and flags, setting up the Veterans Lounge and New Registrations in a quieter space by the ballroom. Last year, we welcomed Fighting With Pride to attend as one of our delivery partners on our Welcome Home project, for which we set up a dedicated new LGBTQ+ desk.
Hear our CEO Ian and Delivery Manager Wendy talk about this in-depth here.
Once the venue is set up, the Delivery Manager briefs staff and volunteers on important VOS updates and current information, followed by other team members who need to deliver updates regarding their specific areas – e.g. Care and Welfare.
The Delivery Manager invites a delivery partner to join us after the briefing to share information about their organisation and provide any updates. This helps the team better direct people to the appropriate resources.
The team usually manages a quick lunch break before doors open at 1330 hrs. We always have 30+ returnees and plenty of new registrations, so every Drop-In hits the ground running – that definitely keeps VOS staff and Volunteers on their toes! We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Services and support we provide
We’re proud to say that all our Veterans were looked after with care, compassion and professionalism – whether they’re visiting for support with mental health, wellbeing or welfare.
Look out for VOS Volunteers and Staff – they’re the ones in VOS Navy blue t-shirts, ready to chat and direct you where you need to go. We run a Clinical Triage desk to help you with your wellbeing matters – Wendy explains how this works in this brief video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G6zBI-6ph1M
And if you need more specific support, many of our valued Partner Organisations regularly attend VOS Drop-Ins to help our Veterans. VOS Drop-In Days have been a lifeline for many Veterans – listen to Jim and Sally’s story here.
What’s the atmosphere like at a Drop-In?
A good number of our returning attendees simply come down for a brew, a chat and the camaraderie and banter unique to those who served in HM Armed Forces. We have to say, it makes for a happy place to be! Hear one of our new service users talk about why they joined and why they enjoy VOS Drop-Ins so much.
VOS Drop-Ins are essentially a ‘one stop shop’ for all things VOS and Veteran-related. Once you’re there, you can find out about events and activities we’re running, learn where to join social groups, and pick up leaflets showing each month’s schedule. You can also scan a QR code at the front desk to get all this information (plus regular updates) right on your mobile.
While we offer regular services and support at each Drop-In, there are often different activities happening, whether it’s something quietly creative or something related to current Veterans news and affairs. At our Portsmouth Drop-In, a regular volunteer sets up a table in the Veterans lounge to paint ships’ crests/plaques/badges, inviting any who are interested to chat with and even join him.
See firsthand what a VOS Drop-In Day is like here – we hope to see you at the next one!
🫶 VOS is here to support anyone who’s served in the UK Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy, and spouses/partners. VOS listens. VOS cares. VOS acts. Onwards & Upwards!
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📌Find general info about our Drop-Ins here.
⚓Learn about our Portsmouth Drop-In here.
🏝️Learn about our Isle of Wight Drop-In here.
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 the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
