Dean Wood Manor in Wigan Achieves Veteran Friendly Framework Accreditation

 Press Release: Boost for Armed Forces veterans living at Dean Wood Manor, Dovehaven in Wigan

Dean Wood Manor in Wigan has become the fourth Dovehaven care home to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation, coming just five days after the group’s most recent accreditation and marking continued momentum in Dovehaven’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Former members of the Armed Forces in Wigan will benefit from enhanced person-centred care and support after the care home they live in achieved the standards required for the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF).

The aim of the VFF is to better support the practical, emotional and social needs of the Armed Forces community, in residential care homes across England, by providing training and resources to assess and improve the care they offer. It will help tackle loneliness and has the scope to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the 25,000 veterans living in care homes in England.

To achieve their Veteran Friendly status, Dean Wood Manor, Dovehaven was required to meet eight standards. These included: noting Armed Forces status within care plans; 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.

Rebecca MacKenzie, Home Manager of Dean Wood Manor, says:

'Achieving Veteran Friendly Framework status is something we’re incredibly proud of, particularly so soon after I joined Dean Wood Manor. It reflects the care, curiosity and respect our team shows towards residents’ life histories, including those who have served. This accreditation strengthens our ability to support veterans in a way that recognises their experiences and helps them feel understood, connected and valued.'

The VFF is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, and NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance(VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Kathryn Glass is the VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter and responsible for supporting and assessing care homes going through the scheme. She said:

“We’re delighted that Brooklands Care Home has achieved VFF status. This is a great commitment to their continuous improvement in the delivery of person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners. This programme will benefit both current and future residents, along with current and future staff at Brooklands Care Home, 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. Being a VFF care home means that there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Brooklands Care Home.”

Any care homes interested in receiving more information about the VFF can visit www.starandgarter.org/veteran-friendly-framework, email VFF@starandgarter.org or call Kathryn Glass on 07435 326070.

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