Healthcare case studies: Signposting of services
***This Covenant case study database is still being built. If you have any case studies about signposting of services, suitable for adding to the database, please submit a case study.***
- Forces Connect is a free mobile app that signposts veterans, Armed Forces personnel, Reservists and their families to support and advice on a range of important issues including health, housing and education in their local area. It was developed by Forces Connect South East, a cross-border partnership comprising local authorities in the south east region, local Armed Forces representation, Service charities, and the local NHS Armed Forces Networks, with initial funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Evaluation has shown that the app, which is currently used by over 11,000 people including the Armed Forces, increased staff confidence and their ability to help the Armed Forces Community.
- Identifying a local lack of awareness of available health services among the Armed Forces Community and health professionals, the Suffolk Covenant Group created a webpage on their Suffolk Military Covenant website that provides a list of health services available to the Armed Forces Community in the NHS and charity sectors. Both mainstream (Samaritans, NHS) and bespoke, exclusive services (Op COURAGE) are listed with clear explanations and links.
- Rutland County Council and Harborough District Council share a dedicated ‘Armed Forces Officer’ whose role is to support the local Armed Forces Community. The officer can help with access to healthcare, as well as education and school placements, employment and training opportunities, and access to housing and accommodation.
- The Armed Forces Network and NHS providers in Kent and Sussex have also identified a need to make information accessible to those in the Armed Forces Community with knowledge or language barriers, and has created a public service toolkit for the Gurkha community.