Thrive Together London - our success!

The lives of hundreds of veterans and their families have been transformed due to the latest stage phase of Thrive Together London, and as the delivery phase of the programme nears the end, we are celebrating its success. The programme is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and led in London by The Poppy Factory who worked with partner organisations to support veterans support the London Armed Forces Network. We are now in the final phase of the programme looking at how we continue to sustain the good work that has taken place. Director of Operations at The Poppy Factory, Debbie Boughtflower, reflects on its achievements: “I’m proud to see the incredible impact that Thrive Together London has made across the Armed Forces community. The programme was built around four key priorities: strengthening the London Armed Forces Network, improving communications, providing one-to-one Navigator support for veterans and family members with complex needs, and delivering innovative wellbeing projects. Together, these strands have created meaningful and lasting change. “One major achievement has been growing the London Armed Forces Network. Membership has expanded to more than 285 people representing more than 166 organisations, creating a stronger and more connected community. We’ve established a Steering Group, launched a new logo, created an online presence, trialed new meeting formats, and introduced a Family Focus group to ensure that support continues to evolve in response to members’ needs. “Our communications work has also helped raise awareness of support available to veterans and their families across London. “Through three delivery partners, the Veteran Navigator service provided personalised one-to-one support to 140 veterans and family members facing multiple complex challenges. This support has helped individuals overcome barriers relating to housing, health, wellbeing, employment, social isolation and more. “Alongside this, our delivery partners have run a wide range of innovative programmes, including music, comedy, boxing, gardening, cooking, photography, wellbeing walks, employability support and social media training. These activities have provided opportunities for people to build confidence, learn new skills, form friendships and improve their wellbeing. “Thrive Together London has a great legacy in the stronger network of organisations now working together across London, a more sustainable Armed Forces community infrastructure, and improved health and wellbeing for hundreds of veterans and family members. “It has been a genuinely collaborative success. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of it, I’m proud of everything we have achieved together.”