Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is marking Armed Forces Week (24 – 30 June 2024) by thanking all those who have played a role in protecting the UK both at home and overseas.
We are also celebrating our reaccreditation as a Veteran Aware Trust by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, which has praised the “significant work undertaken” by the Trust.
CNTW was first accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) in April 2021, in recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families.
The Trust signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2021, and holds a Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
CNTW’s Veteran Aware programme is effectively embedded and driven with collective energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance
Confirming CNTW’s reaccreditation, the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance commended the hard work and commitment of staff, commenting, “It is clear that your Veteran Aware programme is effectively embedded and driven with collective energy, enthusiasm and commitment.”
Richard Lloyd, Co-Chair of the Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network at CNTW, said: “Armed Forces Week is an annual opportunity to come together in reflection, recognition and celebration of the service provided by those working in services and the families that support them.”
David Goldsmith, Co-Chair of the Network, added, “We have done a significant amount of work in recent years to improve standards of care and support for the Armed Forces community, including both our patients and staff. We are proud that this has been recognised by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance.”
The Trust hosts an Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network, to support staff who are part of the reserves or cadets, who have served with the armed forces, and those with family or partners who are currently serving or veterans. The Network has gone from strength to strength, and plays a key role in the Trust’s Veteran Aware accreditation. It aims to ensure the Trust provides sufficient support to staff connected to the Armed Forces. Staff with responsibilities for the Trust’s specialist veterans’ services are also involved. The network’s quarterly meetings often welcome guest speakers from charities, organisations, and other groups to raise awareness of the support available to veterans and their families.
I am delighted to receive this reaccreditation which underlines our commitment to veterans and those serving in the armed forces and their families.
James DuncanChief Executive of CNTW
Staff in the network also regularly attend recruitment events for those leaving the Forces, and offer support to ex-service personnel joining the organisation.
James Duncan, Chief Executive of CNTW, said: “I am delighted to receive this reaccreditation which underlines our commitment to veterans and those serving in the armed forces and their families. I want to thank everyone, but particularly those actively involved in the network for all that we have achieved. I look forward to further developing our work and commitment over the coming years.”
The Veterans Aware accreditation acknowledges the Trust’s commitment to a number of key pledges, including:
- Ensuring that the armed forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients, in line with the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
- Training relevant staff on veteran-specific culture or needs
- Making veterans, reservists and service families aware of appropriate charities or NHS services beneficial to them
- Supporting the armed forces as an employer
CNTW also provides specialist mental health services for former armed services personnel experiencing severe mental health problems. If you, or someone you know, is an armed forces veteran and struggling with their mental health, expert help is available. Speak to your GP or contact Op Courage, the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing service, on 0300 373 33 32 or email [email protected].