Thank you again to all Members who took the time to respond to the recent survey asking for information on the immediate impact of COVID-19 on services to provide the evidence to help build the evidence base needed to inform current action and future planning.
The DSC have provided a comprehensive report detailing the findings that we are working through and reflecting on for future services and support. Headlines were shared with Members in the most recent Weekly News, please find a statement from the Cobseo Chairman below.
Chairman of Cobseo, General Sir John McColl KCB CBE DSO, said:
“The findings of the Cobseo COVID-19 Members survey paint a somewhat bleak picture of the demands currently facing our Members in the wake of COVID-19. Gathering this first-hand quantitative and qualitative data provides Cobseo with the evidence to inform current dialogue, future planning, and the development of services to Members.
“It is deeply concerning that nearly 50% of our Members reported that they will have to reduce service delivery within a year, and 10% of Members believe that they will not even be able to continue to operate within twelve months, which taken together would be a loss to the sector and could leave vulnerable Veterans exposed in a time of great need. It is unsurprising that Members reported widespread increases in demand for loneliness support, mental health support, poverty and financial support, and family support, and truly demonstrates Members’ determination to continue to provide the critical support our Veterans need. Whilst it was encouraging to hear that so many Members are working hard to adapt to provide these much-needed services through digital channels, it is essential that there is adequate government support to ensure that the sector can continue to adequately support the Armed Force Community.
“We continue to work hard to ensure that charities can access the recently launched COVID-19 Impact Fund as soon as possible to enable them to continue their essential work to support the Armed Forces Community alongside, and some cases, in lieu of, Government. We will continue to monitor the impact being felt by our Members as we move through current circumstances and will maintain pressure on government to ensure support for all our Members.”
The full report will be shared with Members soon – please check the Weekly News for updates.
