Over the last few days we have running a series of special feature articles to mark Armed Forces Week.
These stories have been highlighting the positive contribution former members of the Forces are making after taking up careers in health and care.
Today, in our final article of the series, we return to support health and care partners provide, profiling our vital and close association with Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS).
Craig Cunningham, NHS Lanarkshire’s Armed Forces and Veteran Champion, explains: “As our Q&A on Veterans First Point demonstrated, some of the exemplary advice and support we have in place for veterans is in-house. But our provision for the Armed Forces community is also consolidated by our partnership links with DMWS.
“DMWS is a specialist charity who provide direct emotional and practical support for service personnel and veterans (and their families) whilst they are in hospital, rehabilitation or recovery from injury or illness.
“Many veterans do not identify themselves as such, however the vast majority of all the men over 80 will have done National Service when they were younger and, as such, be eligible for the additional supports that DMWS is often able to bring.
“This includes support with accessing other services which might assist the patient in their lives out with the hospital environment from home supports, equipment – occasionally stretching to housing adaptations, respite breaks, financial advice to stress management.
“In short, DMWS Welfare Officers provide practical and emotional support when it is most needed. We’re aware of countless examples of invaluable, compassionate help to people in Lanarkshire and we are proud of our ongoing links.
“I’d like to express sincere thanks to our partners at DMWS, and indeed colleagues across our health and social care services, for their dedication and expertise in supporting those who have given so much.”
Locally, Lynne Davison and Claire Morton are able to take referrals across North and South Lanarkshire from NHSL and social work staff who may be aware of anyone who would benefit from the services provided by DMWS. Lynne and Claire can be contacted as below via either telephone or e mail.
07721 432 324 ldavidson@dmws.org.uk
07887 876 433 cmorton@dmws.org.uk
DMWS have been providing a welfare service for the Military community since 1943, when the Joint Committee of St John and Red Cross formed the Service Hospitals Welfare Department.
Since 2001, when DMWS was formed as an independent charity, they have been contracted to the Ministry of Defence to provide welfare services to the service community.
DMWS have also secured Armed Forces Covenant funding to provide the service in Scotland, not only to regular serving personnel and their families, but reservists and veterans too.
For more information visit: http://www.dmws.org.uk/
WARRIORS is a story with music, written, produced, and directed by regular, reserves, and veterans of HM Forces (Army). The event will take place on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Oran Mor, Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8QX. Tickets are priced at £16.88 (£15.00 + £1.88 fees, excluding delivery costs). eTickets are available for free and can be printed or shown on a mobile device. The event is open to ages 14 and up. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Ticketweb.
