Our Ongoing Commitment to the Armed Forces Community
At St Margaret’s, our support goes beyond this important day. In August, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant, formalising our pledge to honour and support the Armed Forces community. Since then, we’ve been actively working to strengthen our understanding and our support of those who have served.
This includes our participation in the Armed Forces Service Champions Training. Clare Barton, our Clinical Director, and I have recently completed the training, which has equipped us with the knowledge and tools to better support veterans, serving personnel and their families. The training provided vital updates on the Armed Forces Act 2021, explored the unique challenges facing the community, and offered practical steps for making a difference. It was not only educational but deeply inspiring, and we highly recommend it to colleagues and partner organisations.
Flying the Flag at Somerset Armed Forces Day
We’re excited to be part of Somerset Armed Forces Day on 5 July at Vivary Park. Our team will be hosting a stand as we join people from across the region to say a heartfelt “thank you” to our Armed Forces community. It promises to be a brilliant day filled with food, family activities, entertainment and – weather and operations permitting – a spectacular flypast from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Volunteer at Somerset Armed Forces Day
Join us at this special event as a hospice volunteer.
Engaging With the Wider Armed Forces Community
In May, Clare represented St Margaret’s at the Ten Tors 25 Employer Engagement Day at Okehampton Camp. Ten Tors is a legendary challenge for young people across the Southwest, organised by the Army with support from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and local emergency services. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with the military and other supportive employers, and to raise the profile of the Hospice among service-related organisations.
St Margaret’s Hospice’s presence at an Armed Forces engagement event during the Ten Tors challenge underscores its commitment to supporting service personnel, veterans, and their families. By engaging with the Armed Forces community, the hospice reinforces its dedication to providing compassionate care while fostering connections with those who are or who have served and their families. This participation aligns with our pledge under the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that military personnel receive the recognition and support they deserve. The event offered a meaningful opportunity for St Margaret’s to raise awareness about its services whilst learning more about the armed forces and strengthening relationships within the community.”Clare Barton, Clinical Director
We were also proud to host the Somerset Armed Forces Strategic Forum earlier this year. Bringing together representatives from across the county, the forum provided a platform to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and explore collaborative ways to support the Armed Forces community. This is a key engagement event for networking, sharing good practice and raising awareness.
Looking Ahead
Our work is ongoing, and we remain committed to embedding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in everything we do – from our services to our employment practices. Whether it’s supporting patients who are veterans, collaborating with military charities, or simply being a welcoming employer for service leavers and reservists, we are proud to do our part.
We extend our deepest thanks to all members of the Armed Forces community – today and every day.
Happy Armed Forces Day from everyone at St Margaret’s."Katie