Patron: Ambassadors: Mr Tim Marriott & Mr Leonard Scudder. LLB
Please support your local Veterans.
All veterans, partners, carers and supporting agencies welcome
Your support is vital in helping us to ensure local veterans and families get the local support they deserve.
At the point of need, AND in a timely manner. Thank You. Email Today: bluevandropin@yahoo.com
To find out our next drop in please contact us at;
bluevandropin@yahoo.com or Call 07570 193 811———————————————————————————
Are you an Armed Forces Veteran?
Miss the Banter and Camaraderie?
Want to link up with likeminded people?
We offer… A brew and a chat, a chance to swing the lamp and talk to someone who’s been there and got the same T-Shirt.
If it is help or advice you need, Physical or Mental Health, legal or financial matters, social services issues we CAN help.
We are also available to chat 8am - 7pm
M: 07570 193 811 / E: bluevandropin@yahoo.com / FB / LinkedIn
Upcoming
Find us raising awareness and supporting veterans at
Next Drop In - 8th April - 10am - 2pm - York House Hotel,
14-22 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AP
Breakfast Lewes - 23rd March - 0900 - 1100
Next Scuba Pool Session: 20th March. FULLY BOOKED
Breakfast Eastbourne - 6th April - 0900 - 1100
Breakfast Seahaven - 13th April - 0900 - 1100
Breakfast Eastbourne - 20th April - 0900 - 1100
Breakfast Lewes - 27th April - 0900 - 1100
There is some work in progress on this site. Hopefully you will not be inconvenienced.
Veterans Scuba Group and Scuba Therapy
In partnership with local Scuba clubs BSAC 0513 at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club and Bubblemaster Divers in early 2023 we started a veterans scuba group. A local veteran PADI scuba instructor has been holding regular session giving veterans and their families the opportunity to experience what it is like to breath underwater. With a steady flow of Try Divers and we have already qualified several as open water divers with some progressing to their Advanced diver qualification. We also arrange day trips and trips abroad to enable diving in clearer waters.
We run monthly session to enable them to keep and hone their scuba skill at local pools across the area
If you are interested to find out more, Contact
bubblemaster-divers@hotmail.com
Where To Go For Help and Advice
SSAFA - https://www.ssafa.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4fLm-IqC7AIVSM3tCh3RxAexEAAYASAAEgL4vPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Combat Stress - https://www.combatstress.org.uk/
Combat Stress Housing Info - https://www.combatstress.org.uk/veterans-ptsd-could-receive-housing-priority
RBL Industries Life Works - https://rbli.co.uk/
Sussex Armed Forces Network - https://sussexarmedforcesnetwork.nhs.uk/
Family Support - https://theripplepond.org/
Gambling Addiction - http://www.breakeven.org.uk/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Health In Mind - https://www.healthinmind.org.uk/
Veterans Aid - https://veterans-aid.net/
TogetherAll - https://togetherall.com/en-gb/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3I7-r5GC7AIVTubtCh1f4QThEAAYASAAEgKCffD_BwE
TILs NHS Mental Health Self-Referrals - https://www.veteransservicelse.nhs.uk/
Service Dogs - https://www.servicedogsuk.org/
Veterans Support UK - https://Veterans-Support.co.uk
Op Nova - https://www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/op-nova/
Op Courage - https://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/Home/About/328?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YG3x4KL_wIVaAgGAB3JVQtXEAAYASAAEgKpDPD_BwE
Where To Go For Help and Advice
Sussex NHS Community Trust - https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/contact-us/comments.htm
East Sussex Recovery Alliance - https://www.esrauk.org/
Job Centre Plus Armed Forces - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobcentre-plus-services-for-the-armed-forces-and-their-families/armed-forces-enhanced-access-to-jobcentre-plus-services-and-armed-forces-champions
Work Opportunities High Ground - http://www.highground-uk.org/
Work Training Opportunities - https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/
Home heating & Energy - https://www.nea.org.uk/
Veterans Gateway - https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImvWc85GC7AIVRM3tCh1f4wWLEAAYASAAEgIbMvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Blind Veterans - https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/
Feeling Suicidal - https://www.samaritans.org/
Veterans Growth Project - https://veteransgrowth.org/
PTSD Resolution - https://ptsdresolution.org/
People Matter - https://people-matter.org.uk/
Change Grow Live - https://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIovTzpoWL_wIVS8nVCh3VTQZtEAAYASAAEgIZAfD_BwE
Nominated by Sussex Armed Forces Network for the 2020-21, 2022-23 and 2023-24 “English Veterans' Award”.
Thanks to all who voted for us and to our volunteers for all their hard work in support of the Veteran community.
We currently meet
2nd Tuesday of month.
Best Western, York House Hotel
14-22 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AP.
10am - 2pm
About The Blue Van
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO No 1193342)
Our name comes from the tea van that frequented the Soltau military training area in Germany. The owner, Wolfgang Maier was renowned for turning up in the wettest miserable places with hot food and drinks, and of course the yellow handbags (If you know…). He was seen as the life saver to many a wet cold and hungry soldier.
Different localities do different things, or sadly nothing. However, Sussex NHS CCGs under the leadership of Kate Parkin pulled together different strands of society and community to develop the Sussex Armed Forces Network.
Bringing together NHS physical & mental health services, Social services, Police, Probation, and military charities to ensure wherever a veteran presented in need then support would be there, signposting & guiding them to the right help.
www.sussexarmedforcesnetwork.nhs.uk
Through our engagement with the Sussex AFN we realised that veterans could contribute with peer to peer help and support.
Over the past few years finding the right support, or any support at all has not always been easy. With a rising number of veteran facing health issues and some taking their own lives, We felt it was time to act. There seemed to be an apparent lack of access, understanding or support so we decided something needed to be done and provide somewhere that veterans could go to get help.
Now there is, the Blue Van Armed Forces & Veterans Drop-In. A place to chat and put the world to right and get help if needed.
It is with saddness we have to inform you that Wolfgang Mayer passed away in his sleep in February 2025. RIP Wolfgang.
In Eastbourne, the idea of a Drop-in / Hub was nurtured and with the drive of a local veteran and support from members of the Eastbourne District Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club (EDAFVBC), March 2019, Blue Van Drop-In opened.
Opened by the High Sheriff of East Sussex and Mayor of Eastbourne, along with support of other veteran organisations, local businesses and veteran volunteers, As a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO No 1193342) we raise funds through our own efforts and connections to provide practical, local help at the point of need. Once we confirm you served, help is instant, no red tape..
Since our first year we have had over 4000 interactions where help or support has been needed. We have seen success in preventing suicides, helping homeless and troubled veterans and their families.
Please help Blue Van, help our Veterans.
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO No 1193342)
Your support is important to ensure local veterans and families get local help
at the point of need in a timely manner. Thank You.
For further information or a chat contact us at:
M: 07570 193 811 or E: bluevandropin@yahoo.com
or FB Messenger: Blue Van Veterans Drop-In
We are supported by local Veterans through the Blue Van breakfast clubs in EASTBOURNE, SEAFORD and LEWES
SEAHAVEN (Seaford)
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
We meet once a month. If you have served in the Armed forces (any country) and miss the NAFFI / Mess / Ward room banter, then this is the place for you. Our ethos is mutual support, camaraderie and of course the obligatory micky taking. We have a wide membership from all branches of the forces, so plenty to choose from. It works because we all have a similar humour and outlook. The sense of community and social activity we now enjoy is like our service days. To book a place, please email, WhatsApp or call,
When - 2nd Sunday of the month from 0900 - 1100.
Where - Brewers Fayre, The Drove, Newhaven, BN9 0AG.
Email: - edafvbc.sf@yahoo.com or WhatsApp / Call: 07843 089 870
LEWES
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
We meet once a month. If you have served in the Armed forces (any country) and miss the NAFFI / Mess / Ward room banter, then this is the place for you. Our ethos is mutual support, camaraderie and of course the obligatory micky taking. We have a wide membership from all branches of the forces, so plenty to choose from. It works because we all have a similar humour and outlook. The sense of community and social activity we now enjoy is like our service days. To book a place, please email or call,
When - 4th Sunday of the month from 0900 - 1100.
Where - St Mary’s Supporters Club, Christie Road, Lewes, BN7 1PL
Email: - edafvbc.lewes@yahoo.com or Call: 07547 905 913
Eastbourne District
Ex- Forces Veterans Breakfast Club
They meet twice a month. If you have served in the Armed forces (any country) and miss the NAFFI / Mess / Ward room banter, then this is the place for you. Our ethos is mutual support, camaraderie and of course the obligatory micky taking. We have a wide membership from all branches of the forces, so plenty to choose from. It works because we all have a similar humour and outlook. The sense of community and social activity we now enjoy is like our service days.
When and Where
1st and 3rd Sunday’s of the month from 0900 - 1100
Cumberland Hotel, 34-36 Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3YT
Email: - edafvbc@yahoo.com or WhatsApp / Call: 07570 193 811
Joining a Breakfast Clubs is completely FREE…
There are no fees or subs. Just pay for breakfast and join in. However, we do have the occasional raffles in support of the Blue Van and Breakfast clubs and other worthwhile military charities.
Those who saw service in WW2 and Korea do not pay for breakfast. Their service is payment enough.
If you would like to join us for breakfast and are finding funds a bit tight, please call in confidence - 07570 193 811
No one should miss spending time with family due to financial difficulty.
