Armed Forces Community

Have you, or anyone in your immediate family, ever served in the British Armed Forces?

This might be:

• Regular Personnel – Individuals currently serving in the UK Armed Forces.
• Reservists – Individuals who have joined one of the Reserve Services (Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force) on a voluntary part-time basis.
• Veterans – Those who have served for at least one day in HM Armed Forces, whether as a Regular or as a Reservist. Non-mobilised reservists are also regarded as veterans.
• Families of Regular, Reservists and Veterans – The immediate family. This is defined as spouses, civil partners, and children for whom they are responsible. Can be extended to, as appropriate, parents, unmarried partners, and other family members.
• Bereaved – The immediate family of Service Personnel and Veterans who have died, whether or not that death has any connection with Service.
• Cadet Forces – Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

This page is your gateway to information and resources for the Armed Forces community. Please choose the section that best suits your needs:

Patients and family

Find out what support is available, including equity of care for members of the Armed Forces Community and priority services for veterans suffering service attributed injuries.

Let us know if you or your family are connected to the Armed Forces

If you or a family member are currently serving, have served, or have a military background, please let your NHS care team know. This helps us offer the right support, including access to specialist services and tailored care. It also ensures we uphold the Armed Forces Covenant—your right to fair and equal treatment in healthcare.

If you, as a patient, or a family member of a patient is looking for support, there are many organisations who are able to help:

• Veterans, service leavers and non-mobilised reservists – find healthcare and welfare support
• Op COURAGE – mental health support and specialist care
• Op FORTITUDE – housing support for ex-service personnel
• Op NOVA – supporting veterans in the Justice System
• Op RESTORE – physical health injuries and related medical problems
• Limbless Veterans – support for limbless and injured veterans
• Combat Stress – specialist clinical treatment and support
• Veterans Welfare Service – government help and advice
• Royal British Legion – Physical and mental health
• SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity
• Help for heroes – help and support for wounded veterans
• Little Troopers – supporting military families
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Veteran Aware information leaflet

Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure those who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. It recognises the sacrifices made by military personnel and aims to remove disadvantages they may face in areas such as healthcare, housing, education, and employment.

The Covenant encourages businesses, local authorities, and charities to support the armed forces community through practical measures and pledges. It is a moral commitment, not a legal contract, but it plays a vital role in strengthening the relationship between the military and civilian society.

“Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.”
— Armed Forces Covenant

Colleagues

Learn how to let us know you’re a veteran, reservist, or family member, and explore the support available.

Why it’s important to update your NHS record with Armed Forces status

Updating your Electronic Staff Record (ESR) to reflect your connection to the armed forces—whether you are currently serving, have served, or have family members who are or were in the military—is important for several reasons within the NHS:

• Improved access to tailored healthcare: Armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families may have unique physical and mental health needs stemming from military life, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or injuries related to service.
• Continuity of care during relocation: Military families often move frequently due to postings. Updating records ensures smooth transitions between NHS services, preserving access to waiting lists and continuity of care.
• Support for families: Families of serving personnel may face additional pressures, such as social isolation, stress during deployments, and challenges during reintegration after service. Recognising this in records helps midwives, GPs, and other professionals personalise care and offer appropriate support.
• Legal and ethical commitments: The Armed Forces Covenant, now enshrined in law, commits the NHS to ensuring that no member of the armed forces community is disadvantaged in accessing healthcare. Accurate records are essential to uphold this commitment.
• Workforce planning and support: For NHS staff, declaring armed forces status in systems like ESR (Employment Service Record) helps trusts plan support services, such as discretionary leave for reservists or flexible arrangements for families of deployed personnel. 
• Better data for service improvement: Accurate recording helps commissioners and public health teams assess the needs of the local armed forces community and design better services.

Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award

The Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award is the highest honour from the UK Ministry of Defence for organisations that go above and beyond in supporting the Armed Forces community. To earn it, employers must already hold the Silver Award, offer paid leave for Reservists, actively promote military-friendly policies, and advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant. Gold Award holders are recognised as leaders in Defence support and help inspire others to follow their example.

If you would like to find out more and join the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Armed Forces Network as well as find other useful information, visit the Health and Wellbeing intranet page.

There is support for colleagues as well as our patients and their families.

Also NHS colleagues can access more below:

• Active Plus – training delivered by those who have led in battle
• DMWS – supporting the frontline
• Additional leave for applicable service leavers accrued in line with NHS long service leave policy. See our Annual Leave Policy for full details.