Page 14 - Community Health magazine - issue 38

Emmie-Lou, Martyn, William,
Luke, Tiggy, Steph - pass out from
Welbeck Sixth Form College
Proud to be

improving lives

Mum-of-six Steph Cooper understands exactly the difficulties and
challenges veterans face – because she comes from a military family.

he Operational Manager for East other needs looked after to going to a skills that are hugely beneficial to the
Sussex School Health Service, Steph number of providers across the NHS. By NHS. By becoming Veteran Aware, we
TCooper, is just one of KCHFT’s closer working with the armed forces, have shown we recognise that and have
army of people helping to provide we can make sure they are able to reach put in place ways to support applicants
better support to veterans, as well as out and get the help they need once to show exactly what they’re capable of,
encouraging them to join the NHS. they are back to civilian living.” beyond qualifications.”
With hugely transferrable skills, Five of Steph’s children have followed Reservists at KCHFT now receive
veterans not only bring a wealth of in their father’s footsteps and are either five days leave to carry out additional
experience, but can help improve the in the military, cadets or working in the training, veterans are guaranteed an
care we provide to our communities. Ministry of Defence. Proudly, Steph’s interview and we’ve created guidelines
And this work is paying off. eldest daughter has just qualified as a to support our colleagues who are
Since signing the Armed Forces children’s nurse. closely connected to the military.
Covenant last year, we’ve achieved both
bronze and silver status in the Defence Are you a veteran? Here’s
Employer Recognition Scheme (DERS)
and been given the Veteran Aware why you should tell us
stamp of approval. Officially anyone who has served
Steph, 47, met her husband while for at least one day in His Majesty’s
he was in service as part of the Armed Forces (regular or reserve)
Household Cavalry in the Life Guards is considered a veteran. However,
regiment. She has used her experience not everyone who has served in
to help her colleagues understand the British Armed Forces thinks of
the importance of asking the right themselves as a veteran, so asking
questions to make sure armed forces in the right way is important.
families have access to all the care, Many veterans do not realise
support and treatment available. the support available to them and
She said: “Many people do not Jack - Royal Marine Commando their families. By telling us, we can
realise the impact of being in a military help signpost people to the most
family. Children can be affected by It’s this personal experience that appropriate help.
being moved around or the absence Steph draws from to support her NHS
of a parent. When leaving colleagues’ transition from military to Take a look at our vacancies
the military, the family go KCHFT in her role as vice-chair of our to join #TeamKCHFT.
from having their medical, Armed Forces Staff Network.
housing, dental and She said: “Working in the military, www.kentcht.nhs.uk/jobs
you pick up a great deal of transferable

Martyn, Emmie-Lou, Steph
- pass out from Welbeck
Sixth Form College

14 www.kentcht.nhs.uk