Armed Forces Veteran friendly practice

Castle Partnership is proud to be Armed Forces Veteran Friendly accredited.

We hope you find the following resources helpful. Please register with us online or at reception if you are an Armed Forces Veteran so that we can update your records.

We also ask that patients consent to joining our Veterans register so that we can be aware of their previous service.

The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) aims to improve NHS care for the Armed Forces community by supporting trusts, health boards and other providers to identify, develop and showcase the best standards of care.

To date, 37 hospital trusts have been accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’, having demonstrated their commitment to eight core manifesto standards, including signing the Armed Forces Covenant, raising awareness of veterans’ healthcare needs among staff, and establishing links with local support providers.

View our accreditation certificate (PDF). Find more information and helpful resources in our wellbeing centre.

Other useful resources

Out of hours support

  • Samaritans

    Access to confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicide thoughts.

    Phone
    116 123

    Website
    samaritans.org

  • Big White Wall

    A safe online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Free for serving personnel, veterans, family members and carers.

    Website
    Big White Wall

  • Shout

    a crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis.

    Text
    CONTACT to 85258

  • Forces line

    For serving personnel, former members of the Armed Forces and their families.

    Phone
    0800 7314880

  • NHS 111

    To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living following the link to NHS Choices.

    Website
    NHS 111

  • Veterans UK

    Seek information on claiming AFCS, Armed Forces Independence Payment, medical discharges and pension forecast requests.

    Website
    Veterans UK