AIREDALE NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded renewed recognition for its support of the armed forces community.

The health trust has been reaccredited with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme silver award.

And work is now being carried out towards achieving the gold accolade in the Ministry of Defence initiative.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust appointed an armed forces advocate, Martin Flint-Johnson, in November, 2022.

He speaks to serving and former armed forces personnel who come into the hospital, or are staff, and their immediate families to see if they require any extra support.

Martin has already helped more than 200 people.

He's also been raising the profile of the armed forces by training staff on veteran-specific needs, and he has produced 'boredom buster' packs – which include magazines and puzzle books – for veterans admitted to the hospital. The packs have been provided with the support of armed forces charity SAAFA, Amazon UK and the Royal Yorkshire Regiment Association.

Martin – who served in the army himself with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for ten years, and performed both active service and peacekeeping duties around the world – is holding a 'brew up' event at the hospital on Tuesday, March 19, following the success of a similar previous venture.

Free cuppas and cakes will be on offer at the event, which takes place in the restaurant – location C30 – between 9.30am and 10.30am. Coffee will be provided by Starbucks.

Anyone with a military connection, including patients, visitors and staff, is invited to drop in.

Martin says: "It’s just about getting together, sharing stories and giving a bit of support or advice if it’s needed, along with some forces chat.

"Anyone who’s served can stop by and find some friendly faces and a bit of company. It’s also about getting to know people in the community."

Twelve veterans and their families attended the previous event, and information packs were distributed to those seeking advice.

Martin’s role is supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which has jointly financed it with NHS England.

For further information, email martin.flint-johnson@nhs.net, call 07880 441352 or visit airedale-trust.nhs.uk/service/armed-forces-advocate

The trust welcomed the re-awarding of the silver accolade.

A spokesperson said: "We are now working towards the gold award, the highest level, and we've recently expanded our special leave policy to support reservists and adult cadets to provide extra paid leave for their annual training."