A new network has been launched to connect armed forces veterans now working for the NHS.
The Staff Network has been set up by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) and will be promoted as part of Armed Forces Week this week.
Richard Lloyd, CNTW’s head of business development and finance for north Cumbria, joined the NHS in 2016 after a 28-year career in the army.
He said: “I am delighted that we have recently set up a Staff Network for armed forces and veterans at CNTW.
“I hope that, like our existing Staff Networks for BAME, LGBT+, and disabled staff, it will help us to better serve and support our colleagues and services users who have links to the armed forces.
“We will also be working closely with colleagues within CNTW and at the Career Transition Partnership to support recruitment activity aimed at armed forces personnel and veterans. I know first-hand how valuable the skills and qualifications gained in the military can be to roles within the NHS, and how rewarding it can be as a second career.”
The network aims to ensure the trust provides sufficient support to staff who are connected with the armed forces. It will meet regularly and be open to staff who are part of the reserves or cadets, who have served within any branch of the armed forces, and those with family or partners who are currently serving or veterans.
David Goldsmith, clinical manager for the trust’s forensic community teams, and also co-chair of the new network, said: “I had family who had been in the army, so I decided to join the Light Infantry as a junior soldier when I was 15-and-a-half years old.
“It was an excellent career move; I completed a number of challenging and varied courses, which were quite inspirational and life changing.
“However, I am aware of the struggles which some have encountered on leaving the armed services; we are in a fortunate position to support those who may be experiencing challenges in their lives.”
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services across the North of England, and provides specialist services for veterans who are experiencing severe mental health problems.
