The group aims to ensure the Trust provides support to staff who are connected with the armed forces. It is key to helping the Trust fulfil its duties under the Armed Forces Covenant and the requirements of being a Veterans Aware organisation.
It is open to staff who are part of the reserves or cadets, who have served within any branch of the armed forces, and those with family or partners who are currently serving or veterans. Staff with responsibilities for the Trust’s specialist services for veterans are also involved.
The Trust signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2021. The Covenant seeks to remove disadvantage so that veterans get the same access to services as the civilian community. It also recognises the value that the armed forces and their families bring to the organisation, and to our country.
CNTW was accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) in 2021 and reaccredited in early 2024, in recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families. CNTW also holds a Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Chief Executive James Duncan re-signed the covenant at St Nicholas Hospital in June 2026, marking the beginning of Armed Forces Week and agreeing to uphold the principles of the covenant.
By re-signing, CNTW recognises the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the organisation, and to our country.
James said: “We recognise the service and the sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces and the impact that it can have on them and their families, but we also recognise the immense value and experience that they offer to us and the wider community. We are honoured to sign the covenant again and are proud to support our Armed Forces community.”
The CNTW Armed Forces and Veterans Network also aims to:
To find out more about the Network or to get involved email StaffArmedForces-Veterans@cntw.nhs.uk
Reservists and veterans can also access Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, offering specialist NHS support for mental health conditions and psychological trauma.
The service has been developed with veterans, for veterans. Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is the lead provider of Op COURAGE for the North of England, working in partnership with other NHS Trusts and charities.
Click here for more information about Op Courage.
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran. It’s free to apply.
You can currently only apply for a Veteran Card if you have a UK address. Veterans who do not have a UK address will be able to apply later this year.
Check what you can do with a Veteran Card.
Find out more information at Gov.uk/veteran-card.