“We’re here for you” – NHS trust recognised for support to local veterans

Dorset HealthCare has again been accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust – and is urging any former military personnel struggling with physical or mental health issues to seek help.

The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VC HA), highlights the Trust’s commitment to improving NHS care for veterans and their families, as well as reservists and active members of the armed forces.

South west England has the country’s highest proportion of veterans, with more than 58,000 living in Dorset – alongside 40,000 serving personnel and family members based in Blandford, Bovington and Poole.

Dorset HealthCare’s armed forces community health and wellbeing team can provide access to specialist care and support, and its work first earned Veteran Aware status in 2021.

Trust Deputy Chief Executive Dawn Dawson said:

“I am very proud we have again been recognised for the care and support we can offer to anyone in the armed forces community who may experience health problems.

“This demonstrates the passion of our staff across the service and shows members of the local armed forces community that we are here for them when they need us.”

As well as healthcare, the service helps people to access support around social care, housing, welfare and employment issues.

The team visits veteran groups across Dorset on a weekly basis, helping to combat loneliness and isolation, and also works with GP surgeries to raise awareness of the help available. 

Major (Retired) Andy Gritt MBE, the team’s clinical and operations manager, said:

“We are very proud to have once again received this accreditation.

“It’s vitally important that ex-armed forces personnel are well supported, and we want them to know we are here for them every step of the way.”

To find out more or access support from the armed forces community health and wellbeing team, visit the Dorset HealthCare website or email dhc.dorset.veterans@nhs.net.