Our History
Based in the Royal Maritime Hotel (formerly the Royal Sailors Home Club) in Portsmouth, Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) has been providing a monthly Drop-In facility for ex-servicemen and their direct family members since July 2008.
Founded in July 2008 after the 25th Anniversary Falklands pilgrimage, VOS began as a peer support group. Founding members Dr Morgan O’Connell, John (Joe) Erskine and David Watts, all Falklands veterans themselves, together with Ann Townsend, whose son was sadly killed in the conflict, wanted to create an informal environment for Service veterans, where they could access a range of mental health support services.
The Drop-In now welcomes ex-service personnel from all services and operational backgrounds, including the Merchant Navy. VOS receives over 1051 visits a year, with an average of 60+ service users visiting each month.
Significant funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant LIBOR fund in 2013 enabled VOS to become a registered charity, in order to grow its expertise and capability. Today VOS has a permanent office and therapy room in the Royal Maritime Club and delivers weekly therapy sessions to those who need it most.
VOS has now secured generous continuation funding from a number of military charities to continue to deliver its invaluable service to veterans and their families for the foreseeable future. Our work is funded by the generous support of the larger military charities.
