13 December 2024
Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network Webinar: Armed Forces and Veterans’ Health
View the full presentation slides here
View Keith Malcolm’s full 45 min ‘Veterans Training’ presentation
On Wednesday 4 December 2024, c64 people attended the Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network’s (HSPN) informative Webinar entitled ‘Armed Forces and Veterans’ Health’.
After new and existing HSPN members & guests were welcomed, Tim Houghton, Community First’s Chief Executive, began by highlighting NASP’s (The National Academy of Social Prescribing’s) ‘The Impact of Social Prescribing on Health Service Use and Costs’ he also explained that The Innovation Unit is supporting The National Lottery Community Fund’s Health Equality Grantees to develop effective and sustainable partnerships. Tim continued by mentioning the NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) ‘Purposeful Collaboration’ and the Civil Society Covenant – a new agreement to improve and reset the relationship between civil society and government.
In terms of funding, Tim shared that another round of Household Support Grant opened in December, about BeeWell grants – to support organisations working with young people, to create positive activities and opportunities to improve their wellbeing and the Big Give Christmas campaign – Motiv8, Open Sight… Tim concluded with a plea for Healthwatch Hampshire – who are recruiting Advisory Board Members, by discussing the Hampshire Dementia Alliance, and ‘Close Encounters’ – that provides free practical support to reduce loneliness for older people in Portsmouth, Gosport and the surrounding areas.
Rob Benham, Admiral Nurse Lead, (Southeast) Royal British Legion introduced himself and the Admiral Nurse Service – which provides support to the carers of the person living with Dementia provided by specialist dementia nurses, under the umbrella of Dementia UK. They offer a person-centred assessment for the carer to identify their needs including psychological support. They help give the carer skills to cope with Dementia behaviours, linking them/liaising with other support agencies and assist where there are complexities around the diagnosed person’s decision-making. If a person living with Dementia or the carer has served, they are eligible for support from the Admiral Nurse Service (including National Service and potentially the Merchant Navy – where they were deployed in hostile situations). There is a 72-hour initial response time, a 10-day initial assessment call, currently with a w/l of up to 10 weeks.
Next, Keith Malcolm, Armed Forces Covenant Lead Nurse, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth introduced the Veterans Service and the Armed Forces Covenant. Keith ensures that the Trust adheres to the Armed Forces Covenant and ensures understanding of the services. Keith has lived experience and is also proactively involved in the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme. It provides support for patients and staff alike – they ask do you or have you served… ie former military (includes National Service)? Those eligible may have co-morbidities have a medical welfare check, with mediation support available if needed. It can be the loved ones of those serving/away who can be forgotten eg those staff who are single parents, may need to request flexible working hours…
Finally, Maria Warburton, Clinical and Operational Lead, OpCOURAGE introduced the OpCourage and the geographical area (60% from Hampshire & IoW). The service supports any veteran including Reservists and the Merchant Navy where they served on official ops and those within 6 months of leaving the service. No other service is replicated eg Community Mental Health, Substance Misuse (addictive behaviours) services… It is often family transition that is needed by independent services – physical injury, criminal justice, relationship breakdown, employment, family needs and homelessness.
It is a Veteran informed care service – via language used, engagement and clinical intervention. There is a team of 30 specialists. They also focus upon support for the under-represented Veterans. Maria then discussed the Veteran Integrated Care services before introducing an emotional, powerful, video about the experiences of a lady who had come through the OpCourage service. Referrals can be made (with Veteran consent) via a referral form or by phone – initial enquiries by email are recommended.
An engaged audience, who shared relevant information, added observations/comments & questions via ‘Chat’, networked virtually – ensured that the Webinar was both informative, powerful and well-received by the attendees.
The Hants & IoW Social Prescribing Network ‘Social Prescribing Networking and Showcase’ Celebration Event, will be held on Wednesday 12 March 2025, 9.30am-2.30pm at The Vineyard Church, Bar End Rd, Winchester, SO23 9NR.
Please contact Jane Bray – healthforums@cfirst.org.uk to register if you are not an HSPN member and would like to attend &/or be kept up-to-date.
Find out more about the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network