Building stronger futures for older veterans just got even stronger

The Building Stronger Futures for Older Veterans eLearning course continues to gain momentum, helping professionals across the UK better understand and support older veterans in their communities. Following the success of this groundbreaking three-year project, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust from April 2024 to April 2027 and led by Age Cymru Dyfed with Comms and Media support from Age Cymru – our veteran’s team is delighted to share the news - Milton Keynes City Council and Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have now come on board.

The course is now hosted on Milton Keynes City Council’s internal training platform, making it available to an additional 1,000 staff and strengthening support for older veterans across the area. Designed to be both concise and impactful, the course takes just 30–45 minutes to complete and is available in English and Welsh, ensuring accessibility across Wales and beyond. Developed in Wales with a UK-wide reach, the training promotes a consistent and compassionate approach to older veteran care. A spokesperson from Milton Keynes City Council and Milton Keynes University Hospital said:

“We are proud of the support we provide to our city’s Armed Forces community. We identify and record veteran status at key points of access and have a dedicated Armed Forces team that helps veterans and their families access additional services. Both organisations work closely together and hold the Ministry of Defence Gold Award. Embedding the Age Cymru Dyfed Older Veteran eLearning on our internal training platforms strengthens staff knowledge and awareness. We are delighted to be the first council and the first NHS trust to offer this valuable resource and would encourage others to do the same.”

About the project

There are approximately 650,000 veterans aged over 80 in the UK, many of whom face unique challenges related to health, wellbeing and social isolation. This initiative was created to address those challenges by providing free, accessible training for frontline staff working in the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector. The course equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to identify older veterans, understand their needs and connect them to appropriate local support. Thoughtfully designed to be engaging and empathetic, it supports a preventative approach by strengthening community links and reducing the likelihood of hospital readmissions.

Making a lasting difference

The anticipated outcomes of the project include a more joined-up, UK-wide approach to veteran care. By ensuring veterans are identified within services, have veteran markers added to their medical records and are offered connections to local support networks, the course strengthens community-based care.

This improved approach helps reduce isolation and loneliness, enhances wellbeing and eases pressure on health and care services by minimising hospital stays and readmissions. Stronger links with third-sector organisations also ensure veterans receive holistic support beyond clinical settings.

To find out more about the Building Stronger Futures for Older Veterans project, visit our dedicated webpage:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/dyfed/about-us/news/articles/2021/building-stronger-futures-for-older-veterans/