WWTW awarded NHS Outstanding Partner Award

Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is delighted to be awarded the NHS Outstanding Partner Award by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). The award recognises WWTW’s contribution to delivering Op COURAGE, the Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, through its dedicated Veteran Liaison and Support Officer team across the region.

WWTW is a subcontracted partner within the Op COURAGE East of England service, supporting delivery across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. EPUT is the lead provider and works in partnership with WWTW and four other organisations to deliver the service. The team of Veteran Liaison and Support Officers (VLSOs) work in non-clinical roles, providing wrap-around care coordination to veterans accessing support through the service. This includes helping veterans access other NHS mental health services, liaising with charities and local organisations to provide broader health and wellbeing support and recognising and treating early signs of mental health conditions.

Commenting on the award, Tom Knight, WWTW Head of Services, said, “We are honoured to receive this award from EPUT. Our team of VLSOs in the region, led by David Beer, the Regional Manager, delivers outstanding support to veterans and their families in the East of England. It is fantastic that the team has been recognised for their dedication to supporting those who served.”

David Beer, WWTW Regional Manager, added, “We are proud that our work in the East of England has been recognised by the Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust. Our NHS-embedded team work tirelessly to ensure that veterans receive the support they need. This award reflects their commitment to helping people rebuild their lives after service.”

Liana Basham, EPUT’s Regional Lead for East of England Op COURAGE, who nominated the charity for the Trust's Quality and Excellence Awards, said: "Walking with the Wounded's Veteran Liaison Support Officers are an invaluable addition to Op COURAGE.

"They work tirelessly to cover the large East of England patch, often driving considerable distances to provide wellbeing support to our veterans.

"They have a wealth of knowledge about resources available for the Armed Forces community, and they often go over and above to ensure that no veteran is at a disadvantage.

"The VLSOs in the East of England Op COURAGE team help us to change lives for the better.”

EPUT’s Quality and Excellence Awards recognise staff, partners and volunteers who go above and beyond to help the Trust provide high quality and compassionate care.