1 in 5 veterans suffer from physical and mental disabilities sustained during service. Disability amongst veterans is unsurprisingly higher than the non-veteran population. It is estimated that 24% of veterans will suffer an illness or disability that limits their physical activity, compared to just 13% of the non-veteran population. Unlike colleagues who make plans for retirement, their unexpected discharge from service life leaves them unprepared for a new life outside of the military.

The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, the first of its kind in the UK, will ensure that, if disability means veterans can no longer serve, they are empowered to rewrite their own futures. The Fund will provide veterans with the opportunity to study for free, with specialist support for disabilities, allowing them to develop their skills, knowledge and experience. The first 54 students started studying with the OU in October. With your help we can give another 46 the same opportunity.