Supporting the Veteran Community: April 2026 Stakeholder Sessions

Organisations supporting veterans and the armed forces community are invited to take part in a series of informative and collaborative online sessions this April, led by the Department for Work and Pensions Disability Services Advocacy Team.

These sessions are designed to strengthen knowledge, share best practice, and improve outcomes for veterans accessing vital support services.

About the Sessions

Since 2019, the Disability Services Advocacy Team has worked closely with veteran organisations to better understand and respond to the needs of the armed forces community.

The April 2026 programme builds on this work, bringing together charities, stakeholders, and experts to explore key areas of support—particularly around disability benefits, employment, and wellbeing.

What Will Be Covered?

The sessions offer a wide range of topics, including:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – understanding the journey and how to support successful outcomes
• Access to Work & Health Adjustment Passport – helping individuals start or remain in employment
• Change of Circumstances Reviews – guidance on reporting and evidence
• The Forcer Protocol – a life-saving preventative initiative for veterans
• Fighting with Pride – insights into LGBTQ+ veteran support and the Etherton Review
• Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme – improving services for female veterans
• DWP Armed Forces Champions – showcasing support available and real-life experiences

These sessions also include guest speakers from leading organisations and individuals with lived experience, helping to bring real insight into the challenges faced by veterans.

When Are the Sessions? 

Each session is delivered online via Microsoft Teams, with registration required through Eventbrite 
(Password for all sessions: VETERANS26)

22 April 2026 Sessions

• PIP Support Session (09:00–11:00) https://PIP-Veteran-22-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk
  
  
• Access to Work & Health Adjustment Passport (11:15–12:00) https://AtW-HAP-22-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk
  
  
• The Forcer Protocol (12:45–13:45) https://Forcer-Protocol-22-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk
  
  
• Fighting with Pride (14:00–15:00)https://Fighting-w-Pride-22-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk
  
  
• DWP Armed Forces Champions (15:15–16:30)https://DWP-AFC-22-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk

29 April 2026 Sessions

• Supporting Veterans through PIP Change of Circumstances (09:30–11:00 https://Veterans-CofC-29-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk
  
  
• Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme (11:30–12:30)  https://The-FVTP-29-04-26.eventbrite.co.uk

Who Should Attend?

These sessions are specifically aimed at:

• Charities and VCSE organisations
• Groups supporting veterans and armed forces families
• Organisations helping individuals navigate DWP benefits and grants

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for VCSE organisations to build knowledge, connect with others, and enhance the support they provide to the veteran community. By working together, we can ensure that those who have served receive the support they deserve.

For further information or queries, organisations can contact: disabilityservices.advocacyteam@dwp.gov.uk

See document attached  below.