Care homes which are part of the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) family are rolling out celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day with their residents on Thursday 8 May.
There are 149 homes across the country that have gained VFF status, with another 90 currently working towards achieving the Framework.
The free-to-access programme helps providers to offer appropriate support for veterans living in care homes across England. It aims to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans and their partners.
The homes’ managers say the VFF has given them a greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the veterans in their care, as they prepare to mark VE Day. It also allows VFF homes to better support residents when they are unable to attend national events.
Ruth Mountain is Manager at Tamarix Lodge in East Riding of Yorkshire, part of the HICA Group. She said:
“The VFF has been a breath of fresh air for us. It has given us the confidence to really celebrate VE Day in a way we wouldn’t have done before. It’s allowed us to build a wonderful relationship with local groups, and residents will be attending several events on VE Day, including the lighting of a beacon, which we’re really excited about. Thanks to the VFF, VE Day will be that extra bit special at Tamarix Lodge.”
Rebecca Warburton, the Deputy Manager at The Grove in Middlesbrough, which is part of the Papillon Care group, said:
“The VFF has given us a lot more knowledge and understanding of the needs of the veterans we care for. It’s made us more aware and appreciative of what they have done. As a consequence we have the confidence and understanding to really develop a military focus to our special activities around VE Day and other events throughout the year.”
Each of AgeCare Care Homes’ nine facilities are currently undergoing VFF accreditation. Sara Gallagher, Head of Care & Nursing, said:
“We were delighted to receive the resources and guidance provided by the VFF to get us started in attaining the status. Our homes are eagerly progressing with the Framework , and we’ve already made some amazing discoveries and connections. The training resources are fabulous. We’ve received videos and posters, attended useful e-learning sessions, and have regular meetings with our VFF Project Officer to track our progress. We’re hoping all our homes will be VFF accredited by July and have some fabulous VE Day 80 celebrations planned.”
Fatma Makalo is Home Manager at Bridgeside Lodge Nursing Home in Islington, North London. The home has two veterans, with staff and other residents with connections to the Armed Forces. She said that as a result of the VFF, the home had started working closely with its local Royal British Legion. Members of the branch will be celebrating VE Day at Bridgeside Lodge, along with the Islington Mayoress. Fatma said:
“Being part of the VFF has helped us focus on how we mark VE Day at Bridgeside Lodge. We’re really looking forward to celebrating with the Islington Mayoress and the Royal British Legion. We’ve received a lot of support from members of the Legion, and they’ve told us how proud they are that we are a VFF home.”
The VFF is a collaboration between Royal Star & Garter, Royal British Legion and the NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA – an NHS flagship Armed Forces programme), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit https://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk, email VFF@starandgarter.org or call 07425 326070.
