This Christmas 2025, the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) has been spreading festive cheer in a truly meaningful way.
From 13 to 24 December, VCHA’s social media channels @NHSVeteranAware showcased the 12 Days of VCHA Christmas – a daily celebration of shared values and commitment that honour the Armed Forces community, alongside staff from NHS Veteran Aware–accredited organisations, including NHS trusts, independent healthcare providers and hospices across England.
Each day of the campaign highlighted a shared value or commitment that reflects the principles of NHS Veteran Aware care. From recognition and understanding to connection and gratitude, these commitments showcase the dedication and compassion of staff who work tirelessly to ensure the Armed Forces community receives the care they deserve and that no one faces disadvantage.
The shared values and commitments celebrated promises, principles and stories that champion real improvements in care for the Armed Forces community.
Key milestones and initiatives during the year included the accreditation of all NHS trusts in England as NHS Veteran Aware, the pilot of the national “ASK” campaign encouraging staff to ask, “Have you, or an immediate family member, ever served in the UK Armed Forces?”, and the national launch of the Armed Forces healthcare training and education programme. Each achievement demonstrates our continued support, with strong partnerships and collaboration in the NHS and the wider healthcare system.
The work of the VCHA aligns strongly with the ambitions set out in the Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England, particularly its focus on prevention, hospital to community, digitisation, tackling health inequalities, improving access to care and delivering more personalised, joined-up services. Through collaboration across NHS trusts, independent healthcare providers, hospices and the third sector, VCHA helps embed a consistent approach to identifying and supporting members of the Armed Forces community, contributing to a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready healthcare system we can be proud of going forward.
From Professor Tim Briggs CBE, NHS England’s National Director for clinical improvement and elective recovery, and all of us at the VCHA, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
