Here to help
The Armed Forces Team at NHS Somerset is here to support you ... whether you are currently serving; have ever served in the past; are a partner or under 18 child of a veteran or someone currently serving; or a reservist.
Our role
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives. More information about the Covenant in Somerset is available here.
In March 2024, we published a report summarising what we had been told by members of the Armed Forces community living in Somerset. To view the report click here or to share your views with us, please email somicb.armedforces@nhs.net.
We are here to offer advice and support to the Armed Forces community in Somerset with issues that impact daily life. Examples include - but are not limited to - healthcare, education, housing and the justice system.
NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board funds three Armed Forces Link Workers who are based in Taunton and South Somerset, with a fourth Armed Forces Link Worker being funded by ARK@Egwood.
Armed Forces Community Notice Board
We are always interested in the views and opinions of the Armed Forces community in Somerset.
If you would like us to visit your organisation or group, please contact us here. We are also able to offer free training for GP practices and professionals.
The Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers are able to provide more information about which groups and activities are running in your area. If you are part of, or are setting up a group which supports the Armed Forces community, please let us know.
Scroll down for more information about our team and the support we offer.
Celebrating Armed Forces week in Somerset: June 23rd to 28th and beyond
Armed Forces Week in the UK is a period dedicated to honouring and appreciating the service of the men and women in the British Armed Forces. It culminates in Armed Forces Day on the last Saturday of June, This week-long celebration, starting on June 23rd, provides an opportunity for the public to show support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and cadets, as well as their families.
We have been asking members of the Somerset Armed Forces community how they have benefited from being in the Armed Forces, what their personal highlights are and why they believe Armed Forces week is an important event. You can hear their thoughts below.
Larry is a former Royal Marine who served for 33 years. He talks about the importance of Armed Forces week for the nation.
He now works as a case manager for Help for Heroes.
Chris served in the Fleet Air Arm as an aircraft supervisor. He explains why he marches at the Cenotaph each year, and what Armed Forces week means to him.
Brian served in the REME and talks about adjusting to life as a civilian.
Rob served with the Coldstream Guards and talks about how his experiences supported him in civilian life.
Mike is former RRF and explains the circumstances around the highlight of his career in the Armed Forces.
Sam is a Navy veteran and talks about one of the positive impacts his service career has had on his life.
Sam now works as one of our Armed Forces Link Workers.
Steve served in the Fleet Air Arm and explains why he believes Armed Forces week is important.
Our Somerset Armed Forces Hubs
At NHS Somerset ICB we have a two-person Armed Forces team whose role is to listen to the voices of the Armed Forces community and act upon their needs.
In March 2023, we launched our two permanent Armed Forces Hubs. These are both based within already established organisations. Our NHS funded Armed Forces Link Workers are here to support the needs of our Armed Forces community in Somerset. They can offer advice, support and opportunities to meet with other members of the Armed Forces community.
Jon Richards
Armed Forces Link Worker
Tel: 07759 005067
Jon is based at ARK@Egwood and served in the Royal Navy for
24 years.
Samantha Jones
Armed Forces Link Worker
Tel: 07376 090383
Samantha is based at Arc in Taunton and served in the Royal Air Force Police for 12 years.
Sam Shepherd
Armed Forces Link Worker
Tel: 07561 350995
Sam is based at ARK@Egwood with Jon, and served in the Royal Navy for 9 years.
Lyndsay Swan
Armed Forces Link Worker
Tel: 07707 269817
Lyndsay is based at ARK@Egwood and was an Air Force cadet before joining the British Army.
Holly Knight
Armed Forces
Welfare Officer
Tel: 07918 321821
Holly works for Somerset Foundation Trust, supporting the Armed Forces community in hospitals across Somerset.
Teri Underwood
Armed Forces Community Lead
Tel: 07500 835554
Teri leads the Armed Forces team at NHS Somerset ICB.
Rebecca Oliver
Armed Forces
Community Officer
Tel: 07468 710585
Rebecca is the other half of the NHS Somerset Armed Forces team.
Want to learn more about our Outreach Services?
Join us at one of our eight Armed Forces Outreach Service groups which run across the county. Anyone from the Armed Forces community is welcome to attend, including family members.
Come along for a brew and a chat, or if you have a specific enquiry, meet with a range of professionals who are there to support you.
At each session, various agencies will be on hand to provide one-to-one advice about a whole range of issues, and you will always find one of our Armed Forces Link Workers and Teri or Rebecca from the NHS Armed Forces team to welcome you.
