Supporting Royal Navy & Royal Marines Veterans and Their Families Through Life Beyond Service

Leaving military service is one of life’s biggest transitions. While many veterans adapt well, others can face challenges with employment, wellbeing, relationships, identity and reconnecting with civilian life. These changes often affect not only the individual, but their families too.

Thanks to funding from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), Accrington Stanley Community Trust is proud to deliver the Veterans & Families Wellbeing Network – a dedicated programme supporting Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans, alongside their families, as they build fulfilling and connected lives beyond service.

Building on our established Veterans Support Hub, this programme offers personalised support, family wellbeing activities and opportunities to develop lasting friendships within a welcoming community.

What does the programme offer?

Every participant’s journey is different, so support is tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

Veterans and their families can access:

• Personalised transition planning and one-to-one support
• Wellbeing and resilience workshops
• Veterans’ football and physical activity sessions
• Breakfast clubs and informal peer support
• Family Resilience Circles
• Family activities and community events
• Signposting and referrals to specialist support services
• Opportunities to become peer mentors and volunteer within the veterans community

The programme encourages veterans and their families to develop confidence, improve wellbeing and create strong support networks that continue long after formal support has ended.

Who is the programme for?

The Veterans & Families Wellbeing Network is open to:

• Royal Navy veterans
• Royal Marines veterans
• Immediate family members and partners
• Working-age veterans who would benefit from additional support during their transition into civilian life

Whether you’ve recently left the Armed Forces or have been a veteran for many years, our team is here to provide support in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment.

Why Veterans & Families Wellbeing Network?

Transition doesn’t end when military service finishes.

Our programme recognises that building a positive future often requires practical support, meaningful relationships and opportunities to reconnect with others who understand military life.

By supporting veterans and their families together, we’re helping to strengthen resilience, reduce social isolation and create communities where everyone feels valued and supported.

Rhian ‘Gabby’ Sabatino, Head of Community Engagement, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to have received funding from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity to expand the support we can offer veterans and their families. We know that transition doesn’t stop once someone leaves the Armed Forces, and the impact is often felt across the whole family. This programme is about ensuring no one has to navigate that journey alone, providing practical support, meaningful opportunities and a community that understands.”