Additional emotional and practical support will be offered to Armed Forces families in need through the launch of a new partnership initiative commissioned by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The partnership will see specialised welfare support provided for Armed Forces families, with the aim of tackling non-clinical issues that contribute to poor physical and mental wellbeing, stress and anxiety and reduce delays in discharge from hospital and unnecessary readmission to hospital.
The initiative has been set up between Westmorland and Furness Council, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) and the Defence Medical Welfare Services (DMWS) charity.
An officer from DMWS, working alongside a hospital discharge team and in partnership with the council’s adult care team, will identify Armed Forces families and veterans on admission to hospital or in the council’s customer service centres. This should improve access for those who require specialist support for physical injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the Armed Forces.
DMWS will support the individual and their family members/carers by assessing their needs and identify access to solutions to support:
- Better experiences of healthcare, aiding quicker recovery.
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Accessing financial support and safe housing.
- Tackling feelings of isolation.
- Strategies to reduce alcohol and drug misuse.
- Accessing treatment for mental health illnesses such as PTSD.
- Finding meaningful employment or volunteering opportunities after service.
The 12-month project, starting in September, will be monitored and assessed to ensure it makes a difference to Armed Forces families. The partnership was brought together through the Westmorland and Furness Armed Forces Board which exists to strengthen support for the local Armed Forces community.
Councillor Patricia Bell, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Social Care, said: “This service will provide a valuable link between military personnel and the support they need and deserve.
“It will identify Armed Forces families as they enter the hospital setting, ensuring they receive co-ordinated support such as emotional, practical, housing and financial advice, enabling earlier hospital discharge.
“In addition, this project will deliver an integrated pathway of health and social care support, highlighting the services that can support our Armed Forces community.”
Deborah Nelson, Divisional General Manager for the Community, Cancer, Diagnostics and End of Life (CCDE) Division, and Lead for the Veteran Aware scheme, UHMBT, said: “We are delighted to be part of this important partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and the DMWS charity, supporting our Armed Forces community. We anticipate that as a result of this partnership work, veterans will have better experiences of healthcare and recover more quickly.
“The partnership builds on our long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, not only as a healthcare provider but also as an employer. Nationally, we have been recognised in the Veteran Aware scheme for our dedication to ensuring that veterans and their families are never disadvantaged when accessing care. The partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and the DMWS is a natural extension of that work.
“By embedding a DMWS officer into our discharge process, we’re ensuring that veterans are identified early and supported emotionally, practically and socially. It’s about ensuring that all veterans receive the support they need to thrive.”
Siobonne Brewster, Director of Development at DMWS, said: “It is fantastic to be able to bring dedicated DMWS welfare support to the Armed Forces community and their families and carers in this area. We know there is a significant military population here and we are proud and excited to be working in collaboration with Westmorland and Furness Council and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust to provide professional support that will make a significant positive difference.”