Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust re-signs Armed Forces Covenant
Date added: 05 November 2025
Today, Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has formally re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its commitment to supporting all those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, ensuring they are treated fairly and receive appropriate care.
The trust has actively supported the armed forces community since first signing the pledge in 2019. This renewed commitment highlights its dedication to recognising the contribution and unique needs of service personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.
Chief Executive Sheila Stenson signed the Covenant on behalf of the trust, alongside Leigh Thomas, Defence Relationship Manager at the South East Reserve Forces & Cadets’ Association (SERFCA).
Sheila Stenson, Chief Executive, said: “Our teams are dedicated to reaching and supporting all communities. Those who serve and have served in the armed forces deserve our care, respect and support, and it is only right that they are recognised and treated fairly. Re-signing the Covenant demonstrates our commitment to continually strengthening services and opportunities for the armed forces community now and in the future.”
To reinforce this pledge, the Trust has developed an Armed Forces Community Strategy, ensuring fair and timely access to specialist mental health support across Kent and Medway. Services are delivered through Op Courage, the region’s dedicated veteran mental health and wellbeing service provided by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The strategy focuses on raising awareness, improving accessibility, and fostering partnership working so veterans, reservists, serving personnel, and their families receive tailored, compassionate care. The trust also works closely with voluntary, charitable, and third-sector organisations to provide a comprehensive support network for the armed forces community.
The trust recently achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the Ministry of Defence’s highest honour for employers who demonstrate outstanding support for the armed forces community. This reflects the trust’s commitment to inclusive employment practices, development opportunities for veterans and reservists, and ongoing collaboration with defence partners.
Rose Waters, Interim Service Director for the Forensic and Specialist Directorate, for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said: “Our renewed Covenant and ERS Gold Award underline our commitment in supporting the armed forces community. Through our partnerships, including work with Op Courage, we are dedicated to continuously improving services and ensuring that every veteran, reservist, and their family feels recognised, supported, and well cared for.”
