Practices to receive training boost to improve healthcare given to veterans

With 80% of Gloucestershire’s Practices accredited to the Veteran Friendly Practice scheme, GP practices in England are to receive extra training to help them better meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families, has been announced. The new £1.8m programme, which covers all NHS staff starting from this October, has been launched by the Government today as the country marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Regional training and education leads will provide Armed Forces awareness training for NHS staff at all levels so identification of patients with military backgrounds can be improved and to help them deliver more personalised care. 

For the remaining practices still contemplating signing up to the scheme, a free accreditation scheme is available, that will help practices identify and better support patients who have served in the Armed Forces, which has been in place since 2018. The Veteran Friendly Accreditation scheme was set up by the RCGP and NHS England, with local support from the ICB Veterans Champion.  Practice teams can learn more by visiting rcgp.org.uk/veterans.   

More Information about this article is available on the Management Practice Website

Free Eye Tests and Glasses

Full eye examination.  Glasses if needed.  NHS & Private patients welcome, all free of charge.  Vision Care for Homeless People and Veterans are a charity that provides a free eye care service to people effected by homelessness or without means.  They offer a sight test and glasses free of charge at thier clinic in Gloucester.  Gloucesster City Mission, 72 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1QN

To book a free eye test, either scan the QR code below or email gloucester@vchp.org.uk and select Book Eye Test and fill out the form.  You can also access online forms for broken or lost glasses and general enquiries via the QR Code.

Gloucestershire - Forces Hub Event 12 - 25 April 2025

The Gloucestershire - Forces Hub will have drop-in sessions 12th-25th April 2025 for serving personnel, veterans, and families, and on Saturday 12^th & 19^th there will be a Forces Hub Pop up Event, at the Venue is Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester GL1-1PA.

Events will cover:

Networking Meeting: with organisations / businesses and People with Lived Experience, homelessness / Accessing statutory and voluntary services.

The DROP IN managed by the Forces Hub Volunteers with Preloaded laptops with Military support directories, hard Copy Leaflets and a welcome meet and greet with plenty of Hot Drinks and Cake!

For more information, please visit Event Website for more information Glos-FHub Pop-Up: Where Heroes Connect & Celebrate! | Our Open Door

Beyond the Uniform Networking

 Transitioning from the military service or seeking career guidance? This is a good opportunity to connect with businesses, enhance your CV.

Contact and register with: alan@rugbyforheros.org.uk to RSVP and join the event on:

Wednesday 12th February 2025

at 7PM - 9PM

Unit 3 Orchard Business Park, Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 - 4SA

NHS Employers - Step into Health Programme

 

Introduction to Step into Health for Armed Forces Employers

The Step into Health programme is a pioneering initiative designed to support members of the Armed Forces community in exploring career opportunities within the NHS. Recognising the unique skills, dedication, and values developed through military service, the programme offers a clear pathway for veterans, reservists, service leavers, and their families to transition into fulfilling NHS careers.

For Armed Forces-friendly employers, this programme serves as a vital bridge, ensuring that the talent, discipline, and leadership honed in military service are recognised and harnessed in the healthcare sector. It aligns with the NHS's commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, helping to deliver on the promise of fair treatment and career support for the Armed Forces community.

Key Features of the Programme:

Tailored Recruitment Support:  Step into Health connects Armed Forces jobseekers with employers who understand their strengths, offering insight into NHS career pathways and support to navigate the application process.

Showcasing Transferable Skills:  The programme emphasizes how military expertise—such as teamwork, adaptability, and leadership—aligns with NHS roles, from clinical to administrative and managerial positions.

Networking and Work Experience Opportunities:  By facilitating open days, taster sessions, and work placements, Step into Health allows employers to engage directly with candidates and build trust within the Armed Forces community.

Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion:  The initiative not only helps to integrate veterans but also promotes the NHS as an inclusive employer that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.

For employers, Step into Health is more than a recruitment initiative—it’s a demonstration of commitment to supporting those who have served. By participating, employers benefit from a motivated and skilled talent pool, while also fostering a workplace culture that values service, resilience, and adaptability.

The programme has been instrumental in empowering hundreds of Armed Forces personnel to successfully transition into meaningful NHS roles. By joining the initiative, Armed Forces employers reinforce their pledge to the Covenant and contribute to the NHS's mission of improving health and care for all.

Gloucestershire Accredited Armed Forces Friendly Practices

Accredited Armed Forces Friendly Practices are healthcare practices that have been recognised for their commitment to supporting the healthcare needs of veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, and their families. These practices are accredited such as the NHS or military-support groups. Accreditation is generally achieved by meeting specific standards that include staff training, patient identification, and providing tailored healthcare support to military-connected individuals.  The key features of these practices often include:

Veteran and Armed Forces Awareness: Staff in these practices are trained to understand the unique needs of veterans, reservists, and serving personnel, as well as their families. This includes being aware of physical and mental health challenges commonly associated with military service.

Identification of Veterans and Service Members: Accredited practices often ask new patients about military service to identify veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care. This could be through collecting military veterans' codes for health records.

Tailored Support: These practices are equipped to direct Armed Forces personnel and veterans to specialised support services, including mental health services, employment support, and benefits advice. This aligns with initiatives like the Armed Forces Covenant, which ensures that those who have served in the military are not disadvantaged in accessing health care.

Partnerships with Veteran Support Organizations: Accredited practices often collaborate with veteran organisations and charities, enhancing their ability to refer patients to specialised services and provide a broader support network.

"I Said, I Served Cards

Capturing veterans' codes in medical health records is beneficial for a number of reasons:

Targeted Healthcare: Veterans often have unique health needs due to their service, including exposure to physical, psychological, and environmental risks. Identifying veterans allows healthcare providers to tailor care to these specific needs, such as specialised mental health support for PTSD or screenings for conditions related to military service.

Access to Veteran-Specific Services: Veterans may be eligible for specific healthcare services and benefits, like specialised treatments or referral pathways, funded by the government or veteran organisations. Proper coding ensures that healthcare providers recognise a patient as a veteran, facilitating quicker access to these resources.

Enhanced Continuity of Care: When veterans transition between different healthcare providers, accurate coding in health records supports seamless care. It helps ensure that service-related health information follows the veteran through the healthcare system, enabling clinicians to provide continuity in treatment.

Data for Resource Allocation: Understanding the number and distribution of veterans within the healthcare system allows organisations to allocate resources effectively. This information can guide funding decisions, staffing, and program development to meet veterans' needs.

Research and Policy Development: Veterans' health data contributes to public health research, helping to identify trends and areas needing attention, such as rates of certain illnesses among veterans. This information is critical for forming policies that support veterans' health and well-being.

Recognition and Respect for Service: Including veteran status in health records can also be a sign of acknowledgment and respect, ensuring veterans feel seen and valued within the healthcare system.

Have you let your practice know you are a Veteran? If not it is as easy as filling in the card above and handing it in to your surgery, who will code your medical record for you.

"I said, I served" and my record has been updated for my healthcare needs for now and in the future 

Forest of Dean - Armed Forces Network

 

Be Prepared - Some Tips on Coping with Bonfire Night

Being prepared for Bonfire Night can be a particularly challenging time for Armed Forces veterans, especially those who may have PTSD or other sensitivities related to loud noises and sudden flashes of light. These can trigger memories of combat situations, causing stress, anxiety, and even flashbacks. Here are some ways to help veterans cope during Bonfire Night and any other events that use fire works to celebrate events throughout the year:

Preparing and Planning

• Communicate with Neighbors: If possible, veterans can inform neighbors of their situation. Some neighbors might choose quieter fireworks or notify about timings, which can reduce the element of surprise.
• Soundproofing the Environment: Using blackout curtains, closing windows, and turning on calming sounds or white noise can help buffer noise and reduce light flashes from fireworks.
• Ear Protection: Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can be beneficial in reducing the impact of sudden sounds.

Alternative Activities

• Engage in Calming Activities: Veterans may find it helpful to have a plan for the evening that involves relaxing activities, such as watching a movie, reading, or spending time with family indoors.
• Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness techniques can help manage anxiety.

Peer Support and Helplines

• Connecting with Other Veterans: Sometimes being around others who understand the experience can provide comfort. Local veteran groups or online communities can be helpful.
• Crisis Support Lines: Veterans can access helplines like Combat Stress or the Veterans’ Gateway for immediate support if needed.

Professional Support

• Mental Health Services: Many organisations offer mental health services such as Op Courage specifically for veterans. Speaking with a therapist or counselor leading up to Bonfire Night can help prepare and mitigate symptoms.
• Veteran-Specific Apps: Some apps including Forces Connect in Gloucestershire, offer immediate mental health support or grounding exercises tailored to veterans, which may provide support when in distress.

These preparations and resources can make Bonfire Night a bit easier for veterans to handle, and connecting with support networks beforehand can provide added peace of mind.  If you know of a veteran who is suffering, check in and provide assurance and care if needed.

 

Life-saving support for veterans in the justice system.

 

An introductory video profiling Op NOVA’s life-changing – and often life-saving - support for veterans in the justice system. For more information contact: 0800 917 7299 or check the Op Nova Page on this site =

Want to hear about Op Nova programmes, partnerships, events and ways that they can support veterans?

New Veteran’s Travel Card for Gloucestershire

Who is eligible?

If you are a registered veteran, or registered as seeking employment, and Claiming Universal Credit or a DWP benefit, and Aged 16+ living in Gloucestershire.  You may be entitled to a free Veteran’s bus travel card, supporting you to work and seeking employment in the county/locality.

How do I apply?

You need to attend a Jobcentre Plus to register as seeking employment. At the center, you will need to present a veteran’s ID card to a work coach to prove your eligibility. The work coach will then provide the bus travel card, along with further details. 

Should you use the 50 single journeys on card, you can go back to the Jobcentre Plus to request another. You will need to show your veteran’s ID card again. If you require further information on how to apply for the HM Forces veteran card, please click  the link here. 

Where, when and how do I use it?

The bus travel card can be used 24 hours a day. Just hold the bus travel card against the card reader when you board a bus. Bus travel is not possible across county boundaries.

Participating bus operators

• Applegates
• Cotswold Green
• Community Connexions
• DRM
• Forest Community Transport (Lydney Dial-a-Ride)
• Gwent Vales Travel
• Hedgehog
• Newport Travel
• Newent community travel
• Pulhams' Coaches
• Stagecoach West
• Swanbrook Transport Ltd
• Villager Community Bus
• Willetts

Getting Ready to Leave the Armed Services

Research and analysis

Preparedness to leave the UK armed forces: Veterans’ Survey 2022, UK

Published 22 August 2024

Across the UK, under half of veterans (43.2%) felt prepared or very prepared for life after service in the UK armed forces and over a third (34.7%) said they felt unprepared or very unprepared. The percentage of veterans who felt very unprepared decreased as age increased.

When compared with their counterparts, some veterans were more likely to have felt unprepared to some extent for life after service (for example, veterans who were disabled, discharged on medical grounds, who did not live in owner-occupied or shared ownership properties, who witnessed or took part in enemy operations, did not serve as officers or who said they were bullied, discriminated or harassed during their service).

Across the UK, training or additional training was the most cited type of information, advice or guidance that veterans felt would have improved transition to civilian life (46.7%), a family counselor and alcohol support services were the least cited (both cited by 3.5% of veterans).  For more on this article click here

We Also Served

Women have served within the Armed Forces for over 100 years. Their contribution has been extraordinary but the prevailing military culture, together with evolving terms and conditions of Service, have left their mark on the health and well-being of many. Whilst it is right, therefore, to recognise the progress that has been made, there is a pressing need to evidence the impact of past policies and actions. This timely report is the first major step in addressing this.  To read more click here to read the full report

What is Op Courage?

 

What is Op Courage?  In this film, you can hear from veterans who share experience from using Op Courage and how this has supported them through their personal journey's.

This covers what the service is for and how it works, along with how it has helped veterans.  Don't suffer in silence and seek help and support, along with the networks and veteran charities in place that can change dark days into lighter days.  Op Courage has been built to support the veterans and have the experience to support veterans suffering with Mental Health illnesses. 

OP Courage operates in all of England and the South West with links to websites and the wider coverage 

Op COURAGE :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (awp.nhs.uk)

Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

See the Op Courage Map for details

Service Champions Training

The award-winning Service Champions Training enables you to learn more about the Armed Forces community and become a Service Champion for your practice. The Armed Forces community is made up of Serving Personnel (Regular or Reserve), Veterans/Former Service Personnel, and their immediate families or carers.  The CPD accredited training is delivered via MS Teams, and it is designed for staff who are interested in helping their service/organisation, to become more Armed Forces community aware.

Training is available for Primary Care Armed Forces Champions.  Please click here for more details.   

Watch the Video for the Forces Connect App

 

Armed Forces Connect App

Free app to support the Armed Forces community: download it today!

The Gloucestershire Armed Forces Community can access key information of services available nationally or locally in Gloucestershire.  The app has been produced based on pathways produced by the Armed Forces Network and makes it one of the easiest ways to access information for veterans in or out of the County.

If you or a member of your family has served in the Armed Forces, or if you support members of the Armed Forces community then the Forces Connect app is designed for you.  The app links users to local and national organisations offering immediate help and support across a wide range of services in just four simple clicks. From crisis support to searching for an NHS dentist, starting a business to advice on housing.  There are no charges or adverts and you won’t be asked for any personal data.  Over 20,000 people across the UK are already using the app.  To download the app, search “Forces Connect” in Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store.

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. Helping you succeed throughout your working life.

Register with us; forcesemployment.org.uk/register

Register with TechVets; techvets.co

Families Programme; forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/families-programme

Military Women Programme; forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/military-women-programme

Armed forces into allied health (AFIAH) report

Every year large numbers of service personnel leave the armed forces, 14,630 in 2021 (House of Commons, 2022). When re-joining the civilian world, many face challenges, not just with everyday living, but with work and study too with many of their qualifications unreadable and misunderstood by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).  For more information click herehere

 

Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme

The Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme will produce a toolkit for use by service providers in the commercial, statutory and charitable sectors, helping transform service provision for female veterans - the 250,000 strong group whose specific needs are not being addressed by current service provision. The toolkit could take the form of a digital resource, awareness-raising resources, or an interactive app. To find out more click this link

“The programme aims to build a legacy where 
female veterans feel confident to access the right support, at the right time, and in the right way for them,”

Colonel (Retd) Alison Brown OBE, Chair of the Cobseo Female Veterans’ Cluster Group.

Sisters in Service Virtual meet Up - 27 June 2024

Sisters in Service is a support network dedicated to the remarkable women who have served in the UK Armed Forces and are now contributing to the healthcare sector.

Their mission at Sisters in Service is to provide a nurturing and empowering environment where female veterans in healthcare can connect, share experiences, and support each other on our unique paths. Whether you're a nurse, doctor, therapist, administrator, or in any other healthcare role, your service to both your country and your community is invaluable, and we want to ensure you have the resources and camaraderie you deserve.

To register interest and to find out more, visit their website: www.sistersinservice.co.uk 

Their first virtual meet-up is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 7pm until 8pm. This will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, share our stories, and discuss how best to support one another moving forward. Tickets for the event, which are free, can be reserved here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sisters-in-service-online-launch-event-tickets-882944931057

New Gloucester veterans cafe to open to support community

A museum has launched a new veterans cafe this week for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families.

The Gloucester cafe opened at the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum on 11 April and will run every second Thursday of the month.

With the support of Gloucestershire County Council, advice services will be available from 10.30am to 12.30pm.  Click here to read more or visit the Soldiers of Gloucestershire museum at Gloucester docks GL1-2HE

What is Op COURAGE and how can it help?

This film has been produced by veterans who share their experience of using Op Courage: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.  To find out more about the service and the help available go to this link:  Op Courage

Defence Discount Service

 

This video has been created to support veterans to learn more about Defence Discount Service and the forms of ID we accept when registering. Veterans can also ask a family member or friend to help with signing up. As a veteran you can get free access to thousands of discounts online when you sign up for your free membership from holidays, cars, days out, fashion, electronics and more. A Defence Privilege Card can also be purchased for £4.99 for access to discounts on the high street in stores, restaurants and venues and is valid for five years.

To Sign Up Click Here...............

Becoming an RCGP Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Practice - Q&A

In this video, Dr Jo Ferguson, military veteran and retired general practitioner and is joined by Dr Jonathan Leach, Dr Emily Brookes and Mr Peter Jones in a question and answer session for primary care about the veteran friendly practice accreditation scheme. The scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and for more information click the link: Becoming a veteran friendly accredited GP practice - NHS Arden & GEM CSU (ardengemcsu.nhs.uk)

For veterans, they need to tell their GP that they served to improve access to specialist care available through the various schemes and charities in place.  Veterans who have been injured in service may be entitled to grants from the mobility fund, which is open for 5 years.  Read more about this article from the Forces Net

Government delivers further expansion

The Government delivers further expansion of Health Services to former Armed Forces personnel.  The Government launched a campaign to help improve veterans access to healthcare services, and opened applications to the £2.52 million Veterans Mobility Fund.  The Veterans Mobility Fund gives veterans with physical disabilities grants for mobility equipment that is not usually available through the NHS, such as specialist wheelchairs and mobility scooters to improve their quality of life.  The fund is administered by Help for Hero's and Blesma and is open to veterans across the UK, which can be access through Op Restore   Read more.....................

NHS Veterans BBC Breakfast interview 23rd Feb 2024

 

Watch this video from BBC Breakfast promoting the drive for Armed Forces veterans to register with practices for support with mental and physical health conditions.  Veteran friendly practices are becoming a vanguard for supporting veterans and becoming an accredited practice is a very simple process with just one form to complete which takes no more than 15 minutes. The practice needs to have a clinical lead, which can be any clinician and while often it is a GP, it certainly is not a requirement.   Nurses, physios, pharmacists, paramedics and any other group with an interest can provide a vital role.

The administrative lead supports the clinician and may be the practice manager, but also, it might be a social prescriber or a reception manager as examples. Ultimately its whatever works best for the individual practice.

Once accredited (normally between a week to 10 days),   Information packages and online presentations will be sent electronically for sharing throughout the practice.  It can be used for appraisal / re-validation  and evidence to the CQC that vulnerable groups are being considered.

Help us to ensure veterans receive the very best healthcare support in 2024

In 2019, NHS England commissioned the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to develop and introduce the Veteran Friendly Practice Accreditation scheme, a free support programme designed to help GP practices in England to deliver the best care and treatment to patients who have served in the UK Armed Forces. Since then, over 2,760 practices have signed up.

To help encourage more practices to sign up, the Royal College of General Practitioners, NHS England and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs are working together to increase awareness of veterans’ healthcare needs and any challenges that prevent people who’ve served in the Armed Forces from seeking help from their GP. 

If you have served in the Armed Forces and live in England, we would be grateful if you could spare 10 minutes to fill in this online survey. If you are a veteran support organisation, please could you share the survey with your veteran members who live in England.

By filling in this survey, you are ensuring that your thoughts and experiences are more likely to be understood and acted upon. This will help to encourage more GP practices to sign up so they can help veterans get the best healthcare support.

Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA)

 

The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance work with NHS providers, commissioners and independent healthcare sectors, which include hospices, care homes and residential homes to improve care for the Armed Forces community.  To find out moire click here

Applications for veteran ID cards now open - here's how to apply

 

Thousands of former Armed Forces personnel can now apply for a veteran ID card as the service has now been launched.

The roll out follows five months of testing of a new digital application service to verify the status of former servicemen and women.

Those who left the Armed Forces prior to December 2018 can verify their veteran status online and receive a veteran ID card in the post.

• Veteran ID cards to officially launch along with online application system in January
• Veteran ID cards: All you need to know from application process to benefits and more
• Army's top soldier appeals to personnel to seek help in cost of living crisis

The Ministry of Defence said it was delivering the service, together with the Office for Veterans' Affairs, as part of ongoing improvements to veteran support.

The new veteran ID card provides a memento of service and maintains a tangible link to the Armed Forces.

It also allows veterans to easily confirm their service to the NHS, their local authority and charities, enabling them to access support and services where needed.

Veterans will be able to use their ID card to apply for the Defence Discount Service card and the Veterans Railcard.

They can apply for their cards by visiting the GOV.UK website at gov.uk/veteran-card

A paper-based application process will also be made available for veterans who are unable to use the online service.