NHS Somerset is delighted to announce we have been shortlisted at the HSJ (Health Service Journal) Awards, for the Somerset Armed Forces Hubs which are run in partnership with Ark at Egwood and Arc at Taunton; recognising an outstanding contribution to healthcare and securing a place at the prestigious awards ceremony later this year.
The Hubs based at Taunton and South Somerset are open to all members of the Armed Forces community including those serving, their families and veterans.
NHS Somerset has funded two link workers one of whom is based at Arc at Taunton and the other at Ark at Egwood.
Teri Underwood NHS Somerset’s Armed Forces Project Manager says: “Our hubs provide advice and support tailored to what the individual may need. So, for example, this could be help if they are experiencing homelessness, need help with their mental health, helping accessing funding through military charities or with managing chronic pain etc.”
You can get in touch with the hubs directly with either Jon at Egwood – jon@arkategwood.com Tel: 07759 005067 or Taunton – armedforces@arcinspire.co.uk Tel: 07376 090383 or by contacting your GP, health coach or village agent.
In Somerset we have a very large Armed Forces community. This includes serving personnel at two military bases, and their families, as well as a large veteran population and reservists. A conservative estimate is that 9% of the Somerset population is part of the Armed Forces community. And 1 in 20 of our population are veterans (compared to 1 in 25 nationally).
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, says: “It always gives me great pleasure to congratulate our finalists at this stage of the judging process and this year is no exception as we acknowledge NHS Somerset for being shortlisted in the category of the Military and Civilian Health Partnership Award Category.
“We can’t wait to welcome our finalists to the awards ceremony in November and to recognise and applaud such impressive achievements across the sector.”
Our work was also recognised last year by Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive, NHS England when she visited Somerset and met the team delivering the hubs. She said “It’s always energising to meet colleagues who are determined to make improvements happen in spite of challenges, particularly when that is in partnership with other services and communities.
“Visiting the Arc Project (and hearing about the ARK @ Egwood hub) was a particular highlight – not just of the visit, but of the week. Everyone there was inspirational, and we would like to benefit from your expertise as part of national work to improve provision for the Armed Forces community nationally.”
Watch our video: Armed Forces Hubs – support for those serving, families and veterans in Somerset – YouTube
