A BARNSLEY care home has become the first in South Yorkshire to be awarded the ‘Veteran Friendly’ status.
Deangate Care Home in Mapplewell has earned the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status, ensuring veterans living within the home benefit from enhanced care and support.
Launched in 2023, the VFF is aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation while delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes to the more than 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.
The project is a collaboration between armed forces charities Royal Star and Garter, Royal British Legion and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance, with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
To celebrate earning the status, Deangate held a party attended by staff and residents, project lead from the Royal Star and Garter Kathryn Glass, and Mayor and Mayoress John and Doreen Clarke.
Among those were veteran residents 94-year-old Maurice Churchouse, who served his national service in the RAF from 1948, and 91-year-old Ian Dickinson, who served in the army, teaching basic skills such as English and Maths.
During the celebration event, Maurice said: “It’s so wonderful to meet local veterans in the community it was nice to talk to them about my experiences.”
Ian added: “It was a great party.
“My family was here and the singer was exceptional, it brought the whole party together.
“Not to mention meeting ladies and gents that served in the army like I did.
“I also got a little dance in too and I don’t dance.”
To achieve VFF status, Deangate was required to meet eight standards including addressing social isolation and signposting to support services such as their local Royal British Legion branch, and other charities that provide support for veterans or partners of veterans.
Kathryn said: “The application submitted by Deangate was of an exceptionally high standard and a testament to the dedication, passion, and commitment the home has for providing high-quality, person-centred care for residents and colleagues alike.
“I would like to thank all colleagues within the home for their hard work and commitment to undertaking this framework and for being so welcoming to the VFF team, and for allowing us to celebrate the home’s success with the most wonderful multi-generational event.
“This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff, who are able to access enhanced training and guidance to better engage with the unique military experiences that their residents and partners have lived through.
“Having completed the VFF framework with such passion and enthusiasm is a testament to the commitment from Deangate Care Home to the armed forces community both as residents and as employers.”
