NHS Lanarkshire honoured for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces - DMWS
NHS Lanarkshire honoured for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces. Congratulations to health and social care staff across Lanarkshire after they received the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community. DMWS Welfare Officers Kenny and Ashley (pictured) are based within the trust and provide direct emotional and practical support for veterans whilst on a medical pathway.
Our welfare staff make a unique contribution to the physical, mental health and wellbeing of those who serve and have served. We are very proud of that and will continue to deliver our vital service to NHS Lanarkshire
Robert Reid, DMWS Regional Manager Scotland & Overseas
NHS Lanarkshire are one of 140 organisations announced Defence Minister Leo Docherty. Representing the highest badge of honour, the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to companies and organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.
We are fully committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and exhibit this both in terms of delivery of health services for armed forces personnel and veterans as well as support for employment of our Reserves and veterans.
We support our staff who have signed up as Reserves and have a range of HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Being given this award is an honour for the staff and local veterans who have designed this unique service and recognises the work that we do to support local veterans, Reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and their families.
In relation to provision of health services, NHS Lanarkshire and the two Health & Social Care Partnerships offer a dedicated pathway, Veterans First Point, for veterans and their families living in Lanarkshire who require psychological support and assistance for a range of other social, welfare, and support needs. This service was designed by veterans, for veterans, and their families, and is staffed by psychologists and veterans peer workers and offers advice and support when they need it most.
We work with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) who provide direct emotional and practical support for veterans whilst on a medical pathway in accessing other services which might assist the patient in their lives out with the hospital environment e.g. home supports, respite breaks and so on.”
Additionally Veterans First Point (V1P) is also there for veterans and their families who experience any issues moving from a life in the military to living as a civilian.’
Craig Cunningham, NHS Lanarkshire’s Armed Forces and Veteran’s Champion
To win an award, an organisation must provide ten extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
How to get help: If you need our support please call us free on 08009993697 or email referrals@dmws.org.uk. We are here to help.
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Notes to editors
For further information about the service please contact DMWS 01264 774000
About Defence Medical Welfare Service
The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an independent charity providing medical welfare to the armed forces, veterans, NHS staff, emergency services, The Merchant Navy & their immediate family when they are receiving medical treatment in hospital. DMWS’ practical and emotional support ensures that no family goes through the worry of illness or injury alone.
Since 1943 DMWS has also deployed to areas of conflict with the Armed Forces working alongside medical staff in the Field Hospitals.
The Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) is an external provider of expert Welfare, Resilience and Mental Health First Aid Training for preventative and intervention strategies for people working in the welfare arena and anyone who wants to improve their knowledge and confidence in supporting others.
The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (known as DMWS) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1087210) and in Scotland (SC045460)
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Published: 20th July, 2021