Drive to get dedicated health help for Hartlepool veterans

Picture c/o Pixabay as efforts continue to support veterans in Hartlepool

Cllr Lee Cartwright, Hartlepool armed forces champion, provided an update to Full Council on work carried out as part of Hartlepool’s Armed Forces Community Covenant during 2019/2020.

This has involved working with those in the armed forces community to signpost designated services and improved support for them and their families.

Work over the past year has also included events for Armed Forces Day, the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and more.

Going forward, one area highlighted by Cllr Lee Cartwright involves promoting the Veteran Friendly GP accreditation scheme with Hartlepool GPs.

He added he is hopeful this year they will be able to secure designated GP practices in Hartlepool to signpost veterans to.

He said: “We are promoting it to GPs and we are awaiting on GPs coming forward and rubber stamping that.”

“Once the GPs come forward we’ll publish on our Hartlepool web page for all to see.”

Cllr Marjorie James added she would really like to see the action taken in the next 12 months to ensure a designated GP practice and hopes someone ‘picks up the football and runs with it’.

Cllr Cartwright also thanked all those involved in the work over the past year since he has been in the position, adding they are continuing to strive to provide the best support to veterans and those currently serving.

He said: “A considerable amount of work continues to be done within the financial and staffing resources available to us.

“In going forward into 2020/21 we remain committed in supporting our armed forces personnel and their families and will continue to explore additional opportunities to better identify services with personnel and their needs.”

Other work carried out this year includes how Hartlepool received its Gold Award, from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), in recognition of its commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

There has also been the extension of the ‘Get Hartlepool Active’ card concession to Hartlepool residents who are, or have previously, served in the armed forces, providing discounted access to sports and leisure facilities.

Work has also been done for the promotion and delivery of drop-in sessions by the Royal British Legion with the Community Sports Foundation and the mental health team in the town.

Close working relationships have also continued with the 883 Postal and Courier Reservist Squadron to support their employment and engagement events and hold recruitment days.

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