As we mark Armed Forces Week, we are proud to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution and ongoing work of our team to ensure that the Armed Forces community receives the care, understanding and services it deserves. Below is a snapshot of how we’re supporting veterans, service members and their families across our region.
Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Community
As a federation, we have formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Bronze Employer Recognition, reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who serve or have served. We continue to work closely with partners, including the Armed Forces Network, to improve awareness, strengthen referral pathways and deliver initiatives such as Thrive Together.
We also host a monthly drop-in session for professionals to discuss veteran-related cases, share learning and improve outcomes.
Strengthening Local Support Through Partnership
We have worked with our partners to map local services and simplify referral routes, making it easier for professionals to connect patients with the right support.
The Thrive Together programme plays a key role in this, helping to:
- Build stronger networks across the South East
- Improve coordination between organisations
- Ensure veterans and families receive timely, tailored care.
By understanding military experience and its long-term impact, healthcare providers can deliver more personalised and effective care. To find out more about our work, please visit the dedicated area of our website.
Veteran-friendly practices
Military service can have a lasting impact on both physical and mental health. Veterans are more likely to experience complex physical conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries and hearing loss, along with long-term health conditions and mental health challenges.
Veteran Friendly GP practices are part of a national accreditation programme led by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and NHS England. To achieve accreditation, practices:
- Ask patients if they have served in the Armed Forces and record this
- Appoint a trained clinical lead for veterans
- Improve awareness of veteran-specific health needs and services
- Strengthen referral pathways to specialist support, such as Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE.
This approach helps practices to connect patients to the right specialist services, improve health outcomes and patient experience and reduce pressures on general practice. By understanding military experience and its long-term impact, healthcare providers can deliver more personalised and effective care.
Find out more about becoming a Veteran Friendly practice by visiting the website.
