Our Story

Our story began when Tony Strutt, Founder and CEO of V-Aid, recognised two challenges that were often overlooked. Many people across South Wales were experiencing hardship, while others—including veterans, prison leavers, displaced people seeking safety and community volunteers—were looking for meaningful opportunities to contribute. Rather than treating these as separate issues, V-Aid brought them together through humanitarian service.

Since being established in June 2023, V-Aid has shown that meaningful change is achieved through partnership, shared purpose and practical action. By working alongside charities, community organisations and volunteers, we have built a model that not only provides immediate support to people experiencing hardship but also creates opportunities for others to contribute, build confidence and develop new skills. Every partnership has helped strengthen our organisation and increase our impact across South Wales.

From the beginning, V-Aid has recognised that lasting impact comes through partnership. By working alongside veteran organisations, charities, community groups and local supporters, we have strengthened our ability to respond to local need, share knowledge and build lasting relationships that continue to benefit the people we serve.

Veterans continue to play an important role within V-Aid. Working alongside veteran organisations and community partners, we create opportunities for former service personnel to reconnect with their communities, use the skills and experience gained through military service, and continue making a positive difference through practical humanitarian projects.

Working with learners at HMP Swansea reinforced something we had already begun to believe: people thrive when they are given the opportunity to help others rather than simply receive support. Watching participants develop confidence, gain qualifications and contribute to humanitarian projects helped shape the philosophy that now underpins V-Aid’s work.

At HMP Swansea, education was combined with practical humanitarian projects that gave participants the opportunity to apply what they had learned in a meaningful way. Working together to produce long-life emergency meals for people experiencing hardship helped develop teamwork, responsibility and confidence while reinforcing the importance of contributing positively to society.

The project demonstrated that rehabilitation is about more than learning new skills. It is about creating opportunities for people to rebuild confidence, discover purpose and experience the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

The success of the programme attracted interest from local Members of Parliament, who visited to see first-hand how education, rehabilitation and humanitarian service could work together. Their support recognised the value of creating opportunities that benefit both the individuals taking part and the wider community.

Today, those same principles continue through Food & Futures, where people from all backgrounds work side by side to produce nutritious emergency meals for charities and community organisations supporting people in crisis. Veterans, prison leavers, displaced people seeking safety and local volunteers each play a valued role, demonstrating how shared purpose can bring communities together while creating opportunities for people to rebuild confidence, develop skills and make a genuine difference.