The funds will support the charity’s work improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ veterans and families affected by the historic Armed Forces ‘gay ban’.
Greenwich Hospital has awarded a £248,000 grant to Fighting With Pride to support the charity’s work improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ veterans and families affected by the historic Armed Forces ‘gay ban’.
Founded in 2020, Fighting With Pride works to ensure that LGBTQ+ veterans, particularly those dismissed or forced to conceal their identity before the lifting of the ban in January 2000, are recognised, supported, and not further disadvantaged.
The charity also plays a key role in helping affected individuals navigate financial reparations from the fund established by the UK Government.
The three-year grant will help strengthen the charity’s regional network through funding towards key veterans’ community worker (VCW) posts, marketing activity, and administrative capacity.
The VCW roles focus on building awareness, confidence, and community connections to encourage veterans to seek advice and support and to register for government compensation. Where appropriate, people can also be referred to suitable specialist welfare and health services.
[This funding] allows us to reach more LGBTQ+ veterans, help them to rebuild their lives, and ensure those once cast out of the Armed Forces are fully welcomed home.
Through its befriending and peer-support networks, the charity continues to rebuild trust, belonging, and inclusion across the Armed Forces family - ensuring that LGBTQ+ serving personnel and veterans feel valued, understood, and welcomed home.
Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said: “Fighting With Pride plays a unique role in addressing the long-lasting impact of the historic ban and ensuring that all who have served are treated with dignity and respect as valued members of the Armed Forces community.
"We are proud to fund this work to help restore confidence, rebuild connections, and ensure that eligible Royal Navy veterans can register and receive compensation.”
Peter Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Fighting With Pride, added: “This funding from Greenwich Hospital is transformative. It allows us to reach more LGBTQ+ veterans, help them to rebuild their lives, and ensure those once cast out of the Armed Forces are fully welcomed home.”
