There are an estimated 2.4 million veterans in the UK today, many thousands of whom are living with injury, illness, or feelings of loneliness. Serving members of the Armed Forces, including seafarers, can also struggle when faced with a life-changing injury.
For 105 years, The Not Forgotten has been supporting veterans and servicepeople by providing a broad programme of social, respite and challenge opportunities.
Each year, The Not Forgotten supports around 10,000 beneficiaries across the Armed Services and Merchant Navy. From regional meetups to royal garden parties and sporting events including skiing, hiking, or trips to the tennis, the charity creates lasting moments of reconnection.
Invisible injuries
The needs of veterans and those serving continue to evolve.
While physical disabilities remain part of the picture, there has been a significant rise in mental health challenges, including PTSD and trauma linked to more recent conflicts such as the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
'A lot of the veterans we support don’t see themselves as injured. If you’ve lost a limb, that feels obvious. But if you’re living with PTSD, that is a more hidden injury - some say they can feel like a fraud, like they shouldn’t be asking for help. We’re here to say: if you’ve served and you’re struggling in any way, you deserve support.' - Louise Coopman, Head of Communications and Engagement at The Not Forgotten
For some veterans, even attending a social event can feel overwhelming. That first step back into community life can be the hardest of all.
The first step back
The Not Forgotten annual garden party at Buckingham Palace, attended by around 2,000 beneficiaries, and its Christmas reception at St James’s Palace are much celebrated. But the charity’s reach extends far beyond these headline occasions: from concerts in care homes, to tea parties, fun days, trips to sporting fixtures like Wimbledon, outdoor challenges, skiing expeditions, and respite breaks for veterans and their partners.
The charity’s small team gets to know beneficiaries personally, and develops lasting relationships that ensure serving personnel and veterans feel seen and heard.
'Quite often someone will say, ‘This is the first time I’ve been in a room like this for years.’ That social event might be their entry point. Once they’ve taken that step, we can help them rebuild friendships and reconnect with their community.' - Ian Brand, TNF’s Grants and Partnerships Manager, describing the impact their events have
97% of people who come to one of The Not Forgotten’s events say it lifted their spirits, and three in four say they feel more confident afterwards.
Closing the gap for seafarers
Around one third of The Not Forgotten’s beneficiaries come from naval backgrounds, including the Merchant Navy, which is a group that can face isolation once they leave service.
Ian says: 'Royal Navy veterans often retain strong networks. But Merchant Navy personnel can be much more isolated once they leave. It’s about finding them again, wherever they are, and letting them know they haven’t been forgotten.'
The charity is working to strengthen outreach within maritime communities, ensuring that those who served at sea are not overlooked or left between traditional support structures.
Going digital with The Seafarers’ Charity
In 2026, The Not Forgotten is taking a significant step forward with the launch of TNF Connect, an app to provide a dedicated community platform for beneficiaries.
Designed to extend support beyond physical events, the app will enable veterans to connect by region or interest, join virtual groups, access wellbeing sessions and workshops, and maintain friendships formed at in-person events.
The Seafarers' Charity has supported The Not Forgotten for many years, recognising its impact on maritime beneficiaries and its role as a convener within the military charity sector. More recently, our funding has directly supported the 18-month development of TNF Connect, helping bring the platform from concept to launch.
Louise says: 'You might come to an event and feel uplifted, but what happens next? TNF Connect means that connection doesn’t end when the event does. And for veterans who can’t leave the house, it gives them a safe way to belong, on their own terms.'
We are proud to support The Not Forgotten in their mission to ensure that servicepeople past and present remain visible and valued by all.
