Posted on: 15 June 2023
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for those who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
It takes place on the last Saturday each June, but celebrations begin on Monday 19 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
CNWL is hosting an event at Trust HQ on Thursday 22 June to mark the day, and brainstorm ideas for an Armed Forces Network.
All details here (you can also join online)
Come along to meet our Leads – Samara and Dom – hear more about the aims of the Network, and raising the profile of the Armed Forces Community within CNWL. It’s also a chance for staff members with an Armed Forces connection to meet.
The Network will be contributing to the work being undertaken at CNWL to reach the Gold Standard Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and Veteran Aware accreditation.
104 Trusts have been accredited as Veteran Aware, and these trusts are leading the way in improving veterans’ care within the NHS, helping to drive improvements for people who serve or have served in the UK armed forces and their families.
Below, you can read some words from Samara Hammond, Nurse Consultant for Deteriorating Patient and Clinical Skills and herself a Captain in the British Army:
"I am extremely proud to be a part of both CNWL and the army. The trust is already incredibly supportive of the work I do in the army, but I’m thrilled that this commitment has been formalised by the signing of the covenant. I’m looking forward to being part of this journey which with so many shared values of commitment to staff and excellence to patient care, I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength."
Earlier this year, CNWL showed our support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging our commitment as an employer and healthcare provider in making sure veterans, reservists, and military families are supported by our services (this includes our staff).
The Covenant raises awareness about the impacts of service life, asking public bodies to consciously consider the Armed Forces community when making decisions and developing new policies and programmes.