Publish date: 27 February 2026
We’re proud to be working together across Cheshire and Merseyside to support the national Armed Forces healthcare training and education programme, delivered by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).
This training is designed to help all NHS colleagues better understand the experiences, pressures and challenges faced by members of the Armed Forces community - including those who serve or have served, as well as their families. It supports us to recognise where people may need a little extra understanding and to make sure care, support and opportunities are fair and inclusive.
By coming together as a regional collaborative, local NHS Trusts are helping to ensure every organisation is Armed Forces aware, meeting our legal 'Due Regard' responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant, and confident in how we identify and support Armed Forces colleagues and patients.
A range of flexible training options is available, from a short 5 minute introduction to more in‑depth 30 minute sessions, making it easy for staff to take part in a way that fits around their role.
For more information, visit: https://armedforceshealthtraining.nhs.uk/
Module one: NHS Introduction to the Armed Forces community
Format: 5-minute video
Summary: Provides a concise overview of the Armed Forces community and NHS responsibilities under the Covenant. Ideal for staff induction.
Key highlights:
- Who the Armed Forces community are and why it matters
- Importance of accurate identification and recording
- Overview of NHS support pathways (e.g. Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, Op NOVA, Personalised Care).
- How staff can embed Armed Forces community-aware care in practice.
Module two: NHS Leadership Overview: NHS care for the Armed Forces community
Format: 10-minute presentation with the offer of a 20-minute facilitated discussion
Summary: Designed for Chief Executives and senior leaders to understand strategic responsibilities and system-wide impact.
Key highlights:
- Legal Foundations – Covenant, Legal Duty, and ‘Due Regard’
- Training Offer – Flexible modules led by Regional Trainers
- Identifying Status – Recording and integrating into care planning
- Ops Suite Services – Referral pathways for mental and physical health (e.g. Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, Op NOVA, Personalised Care).
Staff Outcomes – Details how modules equip staff to identify Armed Forces community needs, personalise care, and confidently deliver joined-up support.
Module three: NHS Workforce Module: Supporting the Armed Forces community (practical guidance for frontline staff)
Format: 30-minute presentation
Summary: Practical guidance for frontline staff to identify and support Armed Forces community members.
Key highlights:
- Community Definition – Regulars, Reservists, Veterans, Families, Bereaved.
- Access Barriers – Relocation, identity, misunderstood needs.
- Identification & Recording – Ask, record and practice implications.
- Support Pathways – Mainstream, in-house, third sector e.g. Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, Op NOVA, Personalised Care).
Staff Outcomes – Equips staff to uphold the Covenant through fair, respectful care.
NB: Module one is an introductory video, that can be watched at any time - see below. The table below details follow up, online sessions that cover modules two and three.
Module one – Introduction (5 minutes)
Target audience – All staff
A short induction video giving a basic understanding of who the Armed Forces community are and why identifying them matters. Module 1 Intro Video 5 mins
|
Date |
Time |
Module |
Teams link |
|
Tuesday, 3 March |
11am to 12pm
|
2 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Friday, 6 March |
10am to 11am
|
2 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Wednesday, 11 March |
10am to 11am
|
3 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Friday, 13 March |
10.30am to 11.30am
|
3 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Monday, 16 March |
10.30am to 11.30am
|
3 |
Presenter: Jane Burt |
|
Friday, 20 March |
1pm to 2pm
|
2 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Tuesday, 24 March |
1pm to 2pm
|
3 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Wednesday, 25 March |
10am to 11am
|
2 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
|
Monday, 30 March |
3pm to 4pm
|
3 |
Presenter: John Linegar |
Module 2 – Leadership Overview (15–20 minutes)
Target audience – Managers & Clinical Leads
A brief session for senior staff explaining responsibilities under the Armed Forces Covenant and how services can embed AF-aware practice.
Module 3 – Workforce Module (30 minutes)
Target audience – Frontline staff in patient-facing roles
A practical session for all staff, especially those in patient-facing roles, covering identification, barriers, support pathways and good practice. Although designed originally for frontline staff, the programme will be offered to all staff groups regardless of work area, to support a whole-system approach.
