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.
