THE Shadow Minister for Veterans visited Royal Star and Garter in Solihull to learn more about a new project which boosts care for ex-Armed Forces personnel.
Steve McCabe MP came to the charity’s Home to see the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) in action, on Tuesday.
The VFF aims to tackle loneliness and isolation, by providing resources to care homes to better support their veterans.
It aims to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans in England.
Mr McCabe was given a tour by Royal Star and Garter’s chief executive Andy Cole, and the home manager Jamie Stubbs.
During his visit, he dropped into a song and dance session, met residents enjoying a game of dominos, and chatted to staff.
He said: “I’m really impressed with Royal Star & Garter in Solihull, it’s a wonderful facility and it’s really nice to meet a number of the residents and to see how much they enjoy being here.
“I think the Veteran Friendly Framework is exactly the kind of structure we should be trying to develop and build on.
“There’s a question on how many homes you can have dedicated to veterans in various parts of the country, but with the VFF you can actually dedicate the right levels of support and make sure people feel welcome and that their past service is recognised.
“So I was really interested to hear about the work that’s been done here and I’m looking forward to hearing more about it in the future.”
Andy Cole, Royal Star and Garter’s chief executive, said: “As a charity which provides outstanding care to our Armed Forces community, it was a pleasure to welcome Mr McCabe to our Solihull home, and to discuss the VFF in greater detail.
“The VFF is already having a huge impact on some of the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England, and we look forward to it benefiting the care and wellbeing of many more.”
Visit http://veteranfriendlyframework.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 07425 326070 for more information.
