This Sunday, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms and values that we hold dear. November is a time when we come together as a nation to reflect, remember, and say — never again.
Across the country there will be many moving services of remembrance. In Stroud, I will be attending three.
But our veteran community should not only be in our minds at this time of year. As a GP, I have seen first-hand the ways in which veterans present with distinct healthcare needs that must be recognised.
That is why, for many years, I have campaigned for all GP practices in Stroud to undergo training and become Veteran-Friendly Accredited Practices. This accreditation ensures that each practice has a clinical lead for veterans, and that staff receive dedicated training to meet the health commitments outlined in the Armed Forces Act.
When I began this campaign in Stroud, only three GP surgeries were accredited. Now, every practice in the constituency has achieved Veteran-Friendly Accreditation.
I have also been working alongside the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to encourage GP surgeries across the country to follow Stroud’s lead. Together, we have written to all Primary Care Networks (PCNs) that have at least one practice not yet accredited, and we will shortly be writing to every individual practice within those PCNs to encourage them to take part.
Care homes also play a vital role in supporting veterans and their families. They often face unique challenges in tackling loneliness and helping residents connect positively with their history and memories. That’s why I have written to every care home in the district, encouraging them to sign up to the Veteran Friendly Framework — ensuring that veterans and their partners are identified and supported effectively.
Accreditation helps GP practices better identify and treat veterans, and refer them to dedicated NHS services such as Op COURAGE (the specialist mental health service for veterans) and Op RESTORE (which supports those with physical health issues resulting from service).
These services are now being connected under VALOUR, the UK-wide veteran support system backed by £50 million in government funding. VALOUR links up housing, employment and health support, with regional officers helping veterans access the right services when they need them.
The Government has also made significant progress in supporting veterans more broadly — removing the local connection requirement for social housing applications, providing £3.5 million in new funding for homelessness services, and launching Op ASCEND, which helps veterans find meaningful employment and take their first steps onto the career ladder.
Remembrance is about more than reflection — it’s about action
“I’m proud that every GP surgery in Stroud is now Veteran-Friendly Accredited, ensuring that our veterans get the support they deserve. But there’s more to do — and I’ll keep working with the RCGP, the NHS, and local care homes to make sure no veteran is left behind.
