Cornwall Partnership Mental Health and Community Trust (CPT) were proud to be part of “a unique and poignant act by The Veterans Charity.”   The Mental Health Trust is in the process of becoming ‘Veteran Aware’ accredited aiming to join the growing number of NHS healthcare providers in England awarded the recognition by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA).

The CPT provided a wreath of poppies for this year’s event on 11 November, part of Poppies to Paddington, an act of remembrance organised by The Veterans Charity.  Wreaths from a number of Trusts in the South West began making their way along the UK’s transport networks, heading to West London where they were laid in tribute to the fallen.  At 11 am on 11 November, these wreaths formed the centrepiece of a very poignant Remembrance Service at the Brunel-designed station.

Similar journeys were held in destinations all over the nation.

Bernadette Knight, VCHA Regional Lead for South West said: “I work closely with this Trust and love that three members of staff from their Armed Forces Covenant Working Group presented the wreath that boarded the 0505 from Penzance. Another staff member, who is also a veteran, accompanied it to Paddington where it arrived just before 10 am.” 

The centrepiece at Paddington station

She continued: “A number of Trusts in this region – many of whom are already VCHA accredited – also took part. By doing so, and by being involved in Poppies to Paddington, they have had a significant impact on raising awareness of what is being done across these Trusts to help veterans.”

The Veteran Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is committed to improving Armed Forces and Veteran care whilst raising standards for all. 101 NHS providers in England are now Veteran Aware accredited, and the VCHA aims to have all Trusts in England accredited by November 2022 at the latest. Find out more about our work and about Rehab by clicking here.

15 November 2021

ENDS