Armed Forces Networks: Sussex and Kent & Medway

The Armed Forces Network (AFN) started in Sussex in 2011 and is a multi-organisational group which includes members from the NHS, MoD, Armed Forces Reservists, Mental and Physical Health Clinicians, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and other interested charities and organisations from across Sussex (i.e. police and local authorities). In July 2016, this model was rolled out to Kent and Medway and is commissioned by the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across both Sussex and Kent & Medway. The members work together to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community (ex and serving personnel and their immediate families). The AFN also includes Service Champions from a wide range of the organisations across both counties who are advocates for the Armed Forces community and have the skills and knowledge to support through direct service provision, linking with other organisations or signposting to where additional support could be received. It is managed by the Armed Forces Director for both Sussex and Kent & Medway ICBs. Each Network aims to facilitate the ICBs and the local community in the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant Commitment and the Armed Forces Act 2021. In November 2014, the AFN won a National Military and Civilian Health Partnership Award for its work on education, training and research with local military personnel. The AFN was commended for its work on developing a unique set of relationships to ensure organisations are identifying and meeting the specific needs of the Armed Forces community through local health and care services. The Support Team has continued to develop and deliver a range of resources, many of which are contained within this website. These included a wide range of CPD and other accredited courses, factsheets, flip tools of contacts, topic area specific pathways. This continued growth has been recognised in the national Soldiering On Awards where the Network was been a finalist for two years and a winner in 2020.