Herefordshire care home signs Armed Forces Covenant in support of veterans

Hereford care home, Brockington House, has officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, becoming the only care provider in the local area to sign the agreement.

A voluntary pledge, the covenant can be signed by businesses, charitable organisations, local authorities and public sector organisations who would like to show their support for employees within the armed forces community.

The luxury care home, which opened its doors in August 2019, has fully embraced the area’s close ties to the forces, showing ongoing support to armed forces personnel and even giving nods and tributes to the town’s rich SAS heritage throughout the home.

The signing took place on February 25 at Brockington House, with representatives from the forces and other organisations invited to attend.

The event was hosted by veteran and welfare officer at the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), Ashley Winters.

No stranger to the military, Ashley served in The Queen’s Royal Hussars and was diagnosed with Keratoconus – a debilitating eye condition during his service. Regardless of this, he continues to push himself to his limits by taking part in Alpine ski racing, arctic expeditions and more recently, beating a Guinness world record for the fastest blindfolded run. Ashley also does a huge amount of work locally, including the bringing together of local businesses from the 3rd sector to learn more about the DMWS and Brockington House.

Other invitees to the event included the likes of Macmillan, SSAFA, Age UK, HVOSS, MOD, Admiral and the Alzheimers Society to name a few. Mike Davey, who is manager of the newly opened Veteran Support Centre in Hereford also attended, as well as Air Vice Marshal, Michael Smart OBE.

Having served in the military for 38 years, Michael Smart volunteers and supports various military charities. Vice-chairman of the Armed Forces Covenant, his aim is to engage with as many organisations as possible and invite them to make various commitments to the armed forces. Their overall objective is to offer a place for people to ask for help, build a network of care within the community and find suitable employment, housing and health support if needed.

Expressing his delight over their latest signee, Michael said:

“It is an honour to welcome Brockington House to the Armed Forces Covenant, of which our hospital alliance now has 40 trusts and over 600 GP practices who have pledged their commitment.

“Our ambition is always to grow the awareness of our cause to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are truly supported and not disadvantaged by their service in the military.

“We are incredibly pleased to have such a wonderful care home as Brockington House onboard.”

Helen Davies Parsons, CEO of Dormy Care Communities who own and operate Brockington House said:

“It was hugely important to us that when we came to Hereford we continued to grow and develop our links locally with the community at large. We are passionate about providing the very best care and support to the ladies and gentlemen who live with us and want to support as many people in the local area as we can.

“Being a very military city, this obviously includes those serving currently and veterans of the armed forces. I am thrilled and honoured to be able to sign the covenant and show our ongoing support to the armed forces. Our doors are always open to anyone who wants a chat.”

Brockington House (part of Dormy Care Communities) offers 24 hour residential, nursing and dementia care. The company also has homes in Abergavenny, Wareham and Hampshire. Find out more at www.dormycare.co.uk.

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