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A free on-line event to highlight support available for the armed forces community within Northamptonshire is being hosted by the county's health Trusts.

The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire - which is made up of both Northampton General and Kettering General Hospitals - and Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust (NHFT) are together hosting a webinar, on Tuesday 23 June at 6pm.

The event will showcase services that support veterans' physical health and wellbeing, outline specialist support for veterans in contact with the justice system.

You'll hear about specialist services including Op RESTORE, which supports veterans' physical health and wellbeing, and Op NOVA, which works with veterans who are in contact with the justice system.

Paula Kirkpatrick, UHN Chief People Officer and Executive Sponsor of the UHN Armed Forces Network, said: “I am pleased that once again we are working with NHFT to support the armed forces community across the county.

“This webinar is an excellent opportunity for people from the armed forces and their families to understand how Op RESTORE can support them, especially when talking to their healthcare provider when their condition is related to their service”.

Morgan Price, Director of Transformation and Business Intelligence, Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust said: “In this webinar, along with highlighting physical health, we're highlighting the work of Op NOVA, commissioned by NHS England and delivered by the Forces Employment Charity.

“Op NOVA provides practical support to UK Armed Forces veterans transitioning through the justice system. This includes a wide range of practical and emotional support to help veterans address their challenges and rebuild their lives. This is critical support for our armed forces community.”

The session will also offer advice from NHS staff working in secure settings, offering insight into how services work together to provide care and support.

Both UHN and NHFT are Veteran Aware accredited trusts, and are committed to ensuring that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged when accessing health services.

UHN and NHFT are Gold Defence Employer Recognition (ERS) holders and proudly support current employees who are reservists, cadets or veterans, and potential employees who have completed their service and are looking to join the NHS as the next step in their career.

Speakers and information at the event include:  

• Beth Lambert, Op RESTORE National Service Manager. Op RESTORE is the Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service
• Colin Back, Op NOVA National Manager. Op NOVA provide support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system
• Shani Leach, Clinical Matron, HMP Lincoln will be sharing their experience as an NHS colleague

The webinar will be hosted by Paula Kirkpatrick is the UHN Chief People Officer and Judit Seymour, NHFT Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director.

To book a free place, please complete our Support for the Armed Forces Community Webinar form.