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, in recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families. CNTW also holds a Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Network also aims to:
- Ensure that any Trust staff who are mobilised (and spouses/partners of mobilised or deployed military) receive specific support and regular communication
- Enhance non-military staff’s understanding of the armed forces
- Assist in formulating new, and reviewing existing, Trust policies and procedures which relate to the armed forces.
See the full list of aims in the group’s Terms of Reference below.
Interested in joining?
To find out more about the group or to get involved email: StaffArmedForces-Veterans@cntw.nhs.uk
Support
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 the NHS Veterans’ Transition Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) in the first instance on 0303 123 1145 or email: vwals@nhs.net
Armed Forces and Veterans Network Resources
Veterans/Military Charities
Local organisations and organisations we have connections with:
UK Military Veterans Charity | Walking With The Wounded | Walking With The Wounded
Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity
Veterans In Crisis – Offering support for ex service men and women
Armed Forces Veteran Card
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.