There are in excess of 500 trained Service Champions across Sussex and Kent & Medway and the training provided for the individuals helps them to:
It also provides them with a Resource Folder for each individual to use when they return to their organisation. The Resource Folder is updated as when and when required in line with changes to services and facilities. The Resource Folder contains all the national and local information relating to reports and services for the Armed Forces community The contents from that have now been uploaded to the website and you can now access the same resources online for both the National and Network wide and the Sussex Specific Information.
There is also a network of Service Champions who can support each other and share best practice.
This training is also an opportunity to understand why they should support the work, what resources are available and the need to network. Presentations are given by partner organisations in the Sussex Armed Forces Network.
There is also eLearning which is provided via our website. Currently this covers mental health awareness, however, there are plans to increase the number of modules and subjects covered.
Further information about the courses can be obtained by contacting us.
The greatest benefit is the networking, with the aim to meet at least 3 other people who you have not met before. Integrated, multi-disciplinary/organisational/sector working together has show the best benefits for this community. The whole is greater than its parts. The NHS has priority requirements but this is about individualised services working together to meet the needs of that individual.
Whether it is:
There are many examples of combinations with individual examples of where working together has made a difference. These can be for families, veterans, reservists, and those serving or transitioning out of the services.
Since the Armed Forces Covenant has come into force, there has been an emergence of Armed Forces Champion roles. These are briefing explained below: