Bringing Veterans and Support Organisations Together
On Friday 2 October, Beckie Smith had the pleasure of attending the RBVE Quarterly Open Day at the Royal British Veterans Estate in Aylesford, Kent.
The event also marked an important milestone for Op VALOUR, celebrating three months since its launch. Throughout the day, 24 organisations and 60 veterans came together to share information, build connections, and strengthen the support available to the Armed Forces community.
⭐ Meeting Incredible Veterans
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was meeting so many veterans and hearing their stories. Some fantastic conversations about service, life after the military, and the challenges and opportunities that veterans can face.
It was a privilege to spend time listening, learning and discussing how we can continue to improve the support available to our community.
🤝 Stronger Together
Whilst the event provided an opportunity to engage with veterans directly, one of the greatest successes of the day was the collaboration between organisations.
Beckie was fortunate to meet representatives from a wide range of charities and support services across Kent and beyond. It was encouraging to see so many organisations working together and sharing knowledge, enabling us to make stronger referrals and ensure veterans are connected with the right support at the right time.
The organisations present covered a broad range of support, including:
🌈 Fighting With Pride
It was great to have Fighting With Pride represented and highlight the support available for LGBTQ+ veterans and their families.
Many veterans remain unaware of the support available through the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, the non-financial restorative measures, and wider support services. Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and ensure veterans know where to turn for help.
Looking Ahead
The next RBVE/VALOUR outreach event is planned for Thursday 7 January 2027. Organisers are keen to welcome even more veterans and members of the Armed Forces community, and I look forward to supporting the event again.
Thank You
A huge thank you to the
Bringing Veterans and Support Organisations Together
Dear All,
On Friday 2 October, I had the pleasure of attending the RBVE Quarterly Open Day at the Royal British Veterans Estate in Aylesford, Kent.
The event also marked an important milestone for VALOUR, celebrating three months since its launch. Throughout the day, 24 organisations and 60 veterans came together to share information, build connections, and strengthen the support available to the Armed Forces community.
⭐ Meeting Incredible Veterans
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was meeting so many veterans and hearing their stories. I had some fantastic conversations about service, life after the military, and the challenges and opportunities that veterans can face.
It was a privilege to spend time listening, learning and discussing how we can continue to improve the support available to our community.
🤝 Stronger Together
Whilst the event provided an opportunity to engage with veterans directly, one of the greatest successes of the day was the collaboration between organisations.
I was fortunate to meet representatives from a wide range of charities and support services across Kent and beyond. It was encouraging to see so many organisations working together and sharing knowledge, enabling us to make stronger referrals and ensure veterans are connected with the right support at the right time.
The organisations present covered a broad range of support, including:
🌈 Fighting With Pride
I was proud to represent Fighting With Pride and highlight the support available for LGBT+ veterans and their families.
Many veterans remain unaware of the support available through the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, the non-financial restorative measures, and wider support services. Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to raise awareness and ensure veterans know where to turn for help.
Looking Ahead
The next RBVE/VALOUR outreach event is planned for Thursday 7 January 2027. Organisers are keen to welcome even more veterans and members of the Armed Forces community, and I look forward to supporting the event again.
Thank You
A huge thank you to the Op VALOUR team, RBVE staff, exhibitors, volunteers and veterans who made the day such a success. The day left an incredibly positive feeling about the strength of the veteran support network in Kent and the genuine commitment shown by everyone involved.
If you met Beckie during the event and you’d like to continue the conversation, or if you’re an LGBTQ+ veteran looking for support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
You could be entitled to upto £70,000 from the Financial Recognition Scheme for those impacted by the ‘Gay Ban’
The deadline for applications is 23:59, Saturday, December 12, 2026
Register with Fighting With Pride and we can help you apply.
