Somerset veterans with mobility issues attributable to their service are now able to apply for support from the reinstated Veterans' Mobility Fund (VMF).

Administration of the life-changing fund was awarded to Help for Heroes and Blesma by the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA) and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund in September, 2023.

The VMF is a central fund, awarded by the OVA, to support veterans with physical disabilities through grants to enable them to access mobility equipment that improves their quality of life.

It is believed there are around 45,000* veterans in Somerset, some of whom may be entitled to grants from the VMF, which will remain open for five years.

James Needham, Help for Heroes' CEO, said: "This fund will make a vital difference to the lives of those injured during military service and we are pleased the Government has recognised the mobility challenges some injured veterans face.

"Since the previous fund closed in 2021, Help for Heroes has spent more than £400,000 of charitable money supporting veterans with mobility grants. Now, with the fund's reinstatement, more injured veterans will have access to life-changing mobility support."

Vivienne Buck CBE, Blesma's CEO, added: "The Veterans' Mobility Fund provides critical support to our limbless Members injured during service. The provision of specialist mobility support, equipment and medical care is essential to enable our veterans to live independent and fulfilling lives.

"It is, therefore, a welcome return of this fund, to continue to support our limbless members throughout their lives, and to assist them to adapt immediately after injury, or as equipment and technology develops and changes the way they live their lives."

Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer said: "We have made great strides in supporting veteran healthcare and recovery, and the opening of the OVA-backed Veterans' Mobility Fund is an important step in improving the lives of veterans across the UK.

"This fund will support veterans with physical disabilities to access mobility equipment that will improve their quality of life and will complement Government and third-sector health services across the UK."

Eligible veterans can apply for life-changing grants or equipment to help with their mobility needs, from 12 March, 2024.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The Charity helps veteran families to recover and get on with their lives.

Blesma, the Limbless Veterans charity, was formed in 1932 and supports veterans who have lost limbs or the use of limbs.

n Further information about the application process can be found at helpforheroes.org.uk/veteransmobilityfund. For other needs visit helpforheroes.org.uk or blesma.org.