Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and veteran support organisations including the Royal British Legion, Walking with the Wounded (WWTW), SSAFA, and Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), have joined forces to further champion the needs of the Armed Forces community across Hampshire.
All organisations have committed to working more closely together through a new partnership which will make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans, serving personnel, and their families living in their communities. The collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families that they are treated fairly, and not disadvantaged in accessing public services.
Hampshire Hospitals continues to improve how it tailors its services to meet the specific needs of the Armed Forces community, including ensuring that veterans and their families receive what they need when accessing healthcare services, such as mental health support and physical rehabilitation. One of the key initiatives to enable this is additional training to for staff to gain a greater understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by veterans.
Last month it was also announced that Hampshire Hospitals has been awarded Veteran Aware accreditation for a second successive year as part of its work to improve care provision for veterans and members of the armed forces and their families.
Beyond healthcare, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is instrumental in addressing housing issues faced by the Armed Forces community, recognising that stable housing is crucial to health and wellbeing. The Council is working closely with a range of partner organisations to provide housing solutions for veterans and their families, helping veterans transition to civilian life by securing safe and affordable accommodation, as well as providing support for those facing homelessness.
The support of Armed Forces charities, the Royal British Legion, WWTW, SSAFA, and RAFA is also crucial in providing additional resources, expertise, and advocacy for veterans, their families and dependants, as well as supporting transition from healthcare to home settings. Their involvement and action is vital in bridging gaps and ensuring that the needs of the Armed Forces community are met comprehensively.
Andy Hyett, chief operating officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be working more closely with our valued partners and these wonderful charities as part of our continued commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community.
“Our collaborative work in this area is not just about meeting obligations; it’s about showing gratitude, respect, and solidarity with those who have given so much for their country and here at Hampshire Hospitals we’re really pleased to be able to play our part alongside these valued partners.”
