This Remembrance Day, we are proud to announce our commitment to becoming a Veteran Aware organisation, reinforcing our dedication to delivering personalised, respectful and informed care to members of the Armed Forces community.

Earlier this year, St Luke's officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a public pledge recognising and supporting those who serve, or have served, in the military, as well as their families.

As part of this commitment, we have established a dedicated Armed Forces Champion Team, bringing together colleagues from across the organisation to lead our journey towards Veteran Aware accreditation.

By signing the Covenant, we are now eligible to self-nominate for the Bronze Award within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, joining a growing number of hospices across the country that are demonstrating their support for the Armed Forces community.

People who have been in the armed forces can face extra challenges around accessing palliative and end of life care. They might experience mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), financial hardship and isolation.

Through our Veteran Aware commitment, we aim to better understand how best to support patients, carers, family members, staff and volunteers with a military background.

As part of this work, we will provide dedicated training and education for clinical teams, helping staff to recognise and address the needs of those with a military background. We will also continue to strengthen partnerships with local healthcare professionals, including GPs and District Nurses, to ensure veterans receive seamless, joined-up support.

Alongside this practical commitment, we will continue to honour and celebrate the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel through a programme of commemorative events.

Annual Remembrance and Armed Forces Day services are held in the hospice Chapel, bringing together patients, families, volunteers and staff in reflection and remembrance. We also marks occasions such as VE Day and, this year, will host a dedicated veterans' Coffee Morning.

Leading the Armed Forces Champion Team is Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead at St Luke's Hospice.

Amanda said: "We are at the beginning of our journey towards Veteran Aware accreditation, but we are incredibly proud to demonstrate our commitment to the Armed Forces community.

"By embedding these standards into everyday practice, we can ensure we are providing the very best support for veterans, those currently serving, and their families. We look forward to sharing updates as we progress and continue our commitment to delivering compassionate, dignified care to everyone who needs us."

The St Luke's Armed Forces Champion Team, and Amanda Coddington, Patient Experience Lead, with the Remembrance Day display in our hospice Chapel.