Portsmouth's Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre welcomes Armed Forces Community to ‘Banter and Brew’ event ahead of Remembrance Day
Veterans welcomed to afternoon of conversation, companionship and support
Members of the Armed Forces community were welcomed to a Portsmouth hospital for a special event ahead of Remembrance Day.
The ‘Banter and Brew’ afternoon at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre in St Mary’s saw veterans, colleagues and representatives from local support organisations join together for companionship and support. It was a moment for veterans to reconnect with others who have served and an opportunity for healthcare workers to recognise the sacrifices made by those who have served their country.
Kathy Lloyd, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre Portsmouth, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome veterans, colleagues and community partners to our Banter and Brew event. As a Veteran Aware organisation, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and ensuring veterans feel recognised, valued and supported whenever they come through our doors."
"With Remembrance Day approaching, it was particularly meaningful to bring people together to recognise the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. It was a chance not only to remember those who have served our country, but also to celebrate the veterans, serving personnel and military families who continue to make a valuable contribution to communities across Portsmouth and beyond.
"Many of our colleagues have served in the military and understand the importance of camaraderie, connection and having the right support network around you. Events like this help strengthen those connections, while also making veterans aware of the healthcare and wellbeing services available locally."
The ‘Banter and Brew’ event is one of a number of initiatives on offer by the Practice Plus Group which is designed to strengthen relationships with the local veteran community and help former service personnel access support.
The hospital holds Veteran Aware accreditation, awarded by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), and is also a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant which ia a national pledge to treat veterans and their families fairly.
Veterans accessing healthcare services are encouraged to make staff aware of their military service so they can benefit from the support and recognition available through the Armed Forces Covenant and the hospital's Veteran Aware commitment.