Armed Forces week 2025 falls on the 22nd – 28th June, and NHS Somerset are already planning to support this important date by attending both of the major events planned in the county.
The NHS Armed Forces team will be at the Bridgwater Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28th June at Morganians Rugby Club, Chedzoy Lane, Bridgwater and Somerset Armed Forces Day on 5th July in Vivary Park, Taunton.
Speaking on behalf of NHS Somerset, Teri Underwood, Community Team Lead explains why; “we have a large armed forces community in Somerset; it’s actually one of the largest in the UK, so it’s really important that the NHS does its very best to offer the help and support needed. Whilst we engage with lots of people already, we know that there are still many who are not aware of the services we can offer. By attending these events with our specialist team, we can take the opportunity to meet faces new and old and to tell them more about who we can help, what we can do, and how they can access it.”
The Armed Forces team at NHS Somerset support the entire military community whether 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. This makes up approx. 9% of the population of the county.
The areas of advice on offer include support with trauma, mental health, housing and access to military grants. Teri Underwood advises further “we are aware that these areas in particular affect the military community. It’s often hard for people to know what help they are entitled to and also how to get it. So we try to keep it as simple as possible. The easiest way is to take a quick look at our dedicated web pages that have all of the information needed about our hubs, community outreach centres and how to get in contact. Whilst referrals can be made by health care providers, we also are very happy for people to contact us directly.”
The website link for the Armed Forces support from NHS Somerset can be found here: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/armed-forces/
