Armed Forces Community

If you are part of the British Armed Forces community or supporting anyone from the Armed Forces community then this information is for you.

 

We offer various healthcare services, including community and specialist mental health care, to residents of Bromley, Bexley, and Greenwich.

In line with our values and the NHS’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant Duty, we strive to ensure that current and former members of the British Armed Forces and their families do not face disadvantages in accessing our services. Special consideration is given to those who have sacrificed the most, including the injured and bereaved.

As a Veteran Aware trust accredited by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance, we work to reduce barriers for the Armed Forces community. We train our staff on Armed Forces culture and the unique challenges faced by service members to better meet their needs.

To help us provide the right support, please inform your GP about your Armed Forces status and any health issues related to your service. This can be included in your referral. Many GP practices are becoming Veteran Friendly Accredited, if yours isn’t, you can suggest they look into this option.

Working for us as a member of the Armed Forces community

 
We support the Armed Forces community through the Step into Health program, which offers guidance for NHS jobs.

Through Step into Health you can connect with NHS organisations for training opportunities, work placements, insight days, and application support. The program offers a clear pathway to a career in the NHS. Create a profile and select Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to connect with us.

For help, call our recruitment team at 01322 625900 and ask for the Armed Forces and Veteran Coordinator.

View our latest jobs

Once employed, you'll have access to support from our Armed Forces & Veteran Coordinator and staff community. We support Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers with policies to accommodate their training commitments and have earned a Gold Award in the Employer Defence Recognition Scheme.

Our commitment to you

We’re committed to continually improving the services and support we offer to serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families by:

  • Identifying members of the military community using our services to make sure they receive treatment in line with the Armed Forces covenant 
  • Training our staff on the specific needs and culture of the Armed Forces community
  • Appointing Armed Forces champions to make sure we deliver on our promises
  • Acting as a forces-friendly employer by participating in a range of appropriate schemes
  • Building strong connections with military welfare services and charitable organisations to provide continuity of care
  • Asking for feedback to improve our services through our Armed Forces Community survey 

If you are accessing healthcare through Oxleas, please let us know if you or a close family member has ever served in the Armed Forces, so we can help you get you the support you need.

Get in touch

We welcome any suggestions or feedback on how we can enhance our support for the Armed Forces community, including the organisations that assist them.

Please reach out to us on: oxl-tr.armedforcescoord@nhs.net

Useful resources

We have provided information on useful organisations that offer support to the Armed Forces community and their families.

NHS healthcare services

Useful armed forces specific NHS healthcare services information:

 

Podcasts - health

  • The NHS Armed Forces Health Podcast, provides information on the NHS services available to you - from leaving service to finding a GP and how to take care of your mental/physical health and provisions for your families.
  • The Beyond the Battle Field Podcast, explores the latest advancements in the health and wellbeing of military personnel, veterans and their families. 

Armed forces specific support apps

  • Forces Connect, provide an easy-to-use and comprehensive directory of support for the Armed Forces community
  • The Samaritans Veterans, provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces

Mental health and wellbeing

  • Help in a crisis (Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust), is a 24 hour mental health crisis line service for residents across the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich
  • Needing time to talk (Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust), easy read information for Veterans who are struggling with mental health 
    problems. The team provide ‘talking therapies’
  • Combat Stress , a mental health charity that offers a 24/7 helpline: 0800 1381619 or text 07537 173683
  • The Samaritans, a listening ear 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and  the Samaritans Veterans App
  • London Op Courage , a m ental health and wellbeing service to support the provision of services in the local area
  • Help For Heroes , a mental  health support for veterans
  • Icarus , mental health support for serving personnel, veterans and their families
  • Togetherall , peer-to-peer mental health support platform that is clinically moderated. For British Military, veterans and their families
  • The Warrior Programme , a programme for present and past serving personnel and their families to manage their emotions and motivation to succeed in today’s world
  • Suicide Bereavement UK , At Your Side’ guides for those bereaved by suicide
  • Beacon Counselling Trust , offers support to those facing gambling harms.

Support for families and children

Employment, education and training

  • Forces Employment Charity, provides life-long employment support for the Armed Forces community including spouses, partners and children
  • Walking With The Wounded, empowers and supports military veterans to build better lives after service
  • The Poppy Factory, supports veterans and family members on their journey into employment, helping them overcome any barriers
  • Forces Family Jobs, provides training, employment and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel
  • Royal British Legions Industries, provide employment through their social enterprise Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, to support veterans along with their families.

Discounts

Housing

  • Op Fortitude, supports a pathway for veterans at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, into supported housing or to keep them in their current home
  • Veterans’ Aid, works to reduce homelessness in ex-service men and women, supporting them every step of the way
  • Haig Housing – Homes for the veteran community, provides quality homes to improve the lives of veterans and their families in need
  • STOLL, is a leading provider of supported housing to vulnerable veterans.

 

we’re kind we’re fair we listen we care

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