Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) has pledged its support to the Armed Forces community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.  

Chief Executive James Duncan signed the covenant at a ceremony at St Nicholas Hospital on Monday 22 June, marking the beginning of Armed Forces Week and agreeing to uphold the principles of the covenant.  

The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and Armed Forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families and establishes how they should be treated.  

The two principles are that: 

  • the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services in the area where they live 
  • special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved. 

By re-signing, CNTW recognises the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the organisation, and to our country.  

James said: “We recognise the service and the sacrifice made by members of the armed forces and the impact that it can have on them and their families, but we also recognise the immense value and experience that they offer to us and the wider community. We are honoured to sign the covenant again and are proud to support our Armed Forces Community.” 

CNTW is a Veteran Aware Trust, recognising its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families. 

CNTW is the lead provider for Op COURAGE for the north of England, a veteran mental health and wellbeing service.  

The service provides specialist care and support for those due to leave the armed forces, reservists and those who have already left.  

If you, or someone you know, is an armed forces veteran and struggling with their mental health, expert help is available. Speak to your GP or contact Op COURAGE on 0300 373 33 32 or email OpCourageNORTH@cntw.nhs.uk.