Marsh House in Leyland Achieves Veteran Friendly Framework Status as Dovehaven’s Veteran-Friendly Journey Continues

We’re proud to share that Marsh House Care Home in Leyland, part of Dovehaven Care Homes, has achieved Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) accreditation, becoming the fifth Dovehaven home to reach this milestone in just one month. The recognition reflects the continued commitment across our homes to supporting Armed Forces veterans and their partners with care that truly understands their experiences.

For residents living at Marsh House, achieving Veteran Friendly status means enhanced person-centred support that recognises military service and promotes wellbeing, connection and dignity. The Veteran Friendly Framework is a national programme designed to help care homes strengthen the practical, emotional and social support offered to the Armed Forces community, helping to tackle loneliness and improve quality of life.

To achieve their accreditation, the team at Marsh House was required to meet eight standards set by the framework. These included recognising Armed Forces status within care planning, addressing social isolation, and connecting residents with local support services such as the Royal British Legion and other organisations supporting veterans and their families.

Sandra Carr, Home Manager at Marsh House, said:

'As a home, we are incredibly proud to be recognised as Veteran Friendly. It is a true privilege to support those who served with courage and dedication, helping to shape the world we live in today. We owe them a lasting debt of gratitude, and this recognition reflects our commitment to giving back with the respect, care and dignity they deserve.'

The Veteran Friendly Framework is a collaboration between Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and the Royal British Legion, alongside the NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The programme provides specialist training and guidance, helping care teams build a deeper understanding of the unique experiences veterans and their partners may have lived through.

Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, who supports and assesses homes going through the scheme, said the accreditation demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement and person-centred care. Being a Veteran Friendly care home helps create a culture where veterans feel recognised, understood and supported every day.

This latest accreditation is part of Dovehaven’s wider journey to strengthen veteran-aware care across our communities, ensuring that those who have served feel valued and respected within our homes across the North West.

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

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