Two new armed forces hubs were launched in Somerset last week to help the armed forces find the services and support they need.
NHS Somerset, in partnership with charity ARK at Egwood, provide dedicated armed forces link workers who will support the needs of this community with information to help them navigate the system.
It is estimated that 9% of the Somerset population is part of the armed forces community.
This comprises serving personnel and their families at two military bases as well as veterans and reservists in the area. One in 20 of the Somerset population are veterans compared to one in 25 nationally.
The hubs, located in Taunton and South Somerset, are open to all members of the armed forces community including those serving, their families, and veterans.
NHS Somerset’s chief executive, Jonathan Higman, said: ‘The armed forces play a vital role in Somerset. I was delighted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of NHS Somerset last year as we continue to support people across our communities.’
Two-thirds of GP practices in Somerset are accredited as veteran-friendly.
The hubs were opened by Deputy Lieutenant Brigadier Toomey and chief nursing officer at NHS Somerset Shelagh Meldrum.
Also in attendance were serving personnel from RNAS Yeovilton, 40 Commando, a number of veterans, charities and other agencies who work with the armed forces.
For more information on how NHS Somerset is supporting the armed forces community visit https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/armed-forces
