Sycamore Hall Care Home in Ripon, North Yorkshire has been awarded Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
The VFF initiative was launched in 2023 with the aim of tackling loneliness and isolation and delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.
It 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.
To achieve VFF status, care homes are required to meet eight standards. These include: 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.
At Sycamore Hall, staff, residents, family members, charity representatives, veterans, and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the care home receiving VFF status.
Jill Scaife, activities coordinator and veteran champion, said: “Being a VFF care home means there is an increased understanding and recognition for the veteran community at Sycamore Hall.
“As a champion I love hearing our veterans sharing stories of their times in the armed forces. The VFF has given our veterans the stepping stone to re-connect to the veterans' community and the opportunity to participate and feel part of the comradeship that they lost when they left the armed forces.”
Ewelina Sosnowska, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a veteran friendly care home. This award reflects our unwavering commitment to honouring and supporting those who have served in the armed forces.
“At Sycamore Hall we strive to create a welcoming environment where veterans feel valued and understood, tailoring our care to their unique needs and experiences. This recognition is not just an achievement, but a reminder of the vital role veterans play in our community, and we remain dedicated to ensuring they receive the respect and care they truly deserve.”
