Marking Armistice Day 2021

We will remember them

Colleagues from across our Trust joined together this morning, on Armistice Day, to pay their respects to all those who’ve served and are serving, reflecting on what they have fought for and sacrificed.

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918, and is marked around the UK with a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Shortly before 11am, our Trust Chaplain Rev Dr Michael Mkpadi led a virtual service with short readings and reflections of remembrance, followed by the two-minute silence.

As a Trust, we provide mental health services to armed forces veterans across the North of England.

Major Dan Brooks, Implementation Manager for our Veterans’ High Intensity Service, shared his reflections on this important day.

“The period of remembrance is not only a time to reflect on those who have paid the sacrifice and been impacted by conflict, but also to consider our medical forebears and colleagues, who have also served, and indeed still serve today.

“For me, as the last HQ Adjutant of the Joint Operating Base in South Helmand Afghanistan, wherein I sent the last seven service persons killed before we ceased combat operations and withdrew – the third singular largest loss of life during that decade-plus conflict – the occasion of remembrance is especially poignant and emotional.

“Having subsequently repatriated the first loss since Afghanistan, returning a son to his mother and family from operations in Syria, and making a base-wide call for live-to-live blood transfusions to save soldiers because we had run out of stocks – I know occasions like these change your soul.

“Remembrance is a time to reflect on the veterans in our communities that we come into contact with and serve, as we strive as a Trust to deliver the best possible care to all of our patients.

“Thank you for supporting our armed forces personnel, and to our staff for the support they provide to our veterans and their families and carers through the services we deliver each day.”

If you’re a veteran in need of mental health support, we have dedicated services that can help.

We provide two services as part of Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. 

Our Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) is a specialist community mental health service for armed forces veterans. It provides therapies for veterans experiencing psychological trauma (such as post-traumatic stress disorder), alongside a range of other treatments and advice including help with substance misuse, physical health, employment, accommodation, relationships and finances.

Our Veterans’ High Intensity Service (HIS) provides care and treatment for former armed forces personnel who are in a mental health crisis and need urgent help.