Armed Forces Community Information Event

Northampton General Hospital (NGH) is working with local partners to bring together a day of information and support to the local armed forces community.

The information day will bring together both local and national charities and organisations that can support those who have – or still are – serving in the armed forces.

The hospital works with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to employ a Welfare Support Officer. DMWS support all members of the Armed Forces Community across the services, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their family members/carers.

Their services are proven to help people have better experiences of healthcare and recover from illness quickly. Anna Ferres-Gomes is the DMWS Welfare Officer. She is based at NGH but also supports colleagues at Kettering General Hospital.

Anna said “Following on from the success of the first event last year, another had to be organised for this year – bigger and better. We have moved the event to the Guildhall in Northampton to enable more visitors to attend with easier parking and transport links”

At the event, there will be the opportunity to learn more about the support available to the armed forces community across Northamptonshire.

Many organisations who work together to support the armed forces community will attend.

These will include Op Courage, Op Restore and other organisations and charities that support work with service-related mental and physical health injuries. Other organisations represented on the day include the Royal British Legion, West Northants Council, SSAFA, UHN Volunteers, Northamptonshire Carers, Fighting with Pride, Help for Heroes and many more.

Plus, support on homelessness, finances, benefits advice, armed forced pensions, law changes for the LGBTQ+ community and much more.

The local community, businesses and organisations such as Northampton Saints and Northampton Town Football Club have donated prizes for a tombola.

Food and refreshments will be available.

There will be advice for businesses and organisations on how to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and progress through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Anna says “There are countless benefits to taking on members of the armed forces community. They bring with them a huge range of transferable skills and I would encourage any organisation, large or small, to consider signing the Armed Forces Covenant and joining the Employer Recognition Scheme”

Guest talks from Northamptonshire Walks, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

· Wednesday, 25 September 2024

· 11:00 – 15:00

· The Great Hall at the Guildhall, Northampton

Whether you’re a member of the armed forces, a veteran or you just want to learn more, we hope you’ll be able to join us.

This event has been organised by Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) in Partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.