Exciting changes are underway at the London Armed Forces Network, which plays a pivotal role in bringing together organisations that support veterans, reservists, and active service personnel across the capital.
Since it formed more than a decade ago, the quarterly meetings have been an opportunity for those supporting members of the Armed Forces community to share expertise and collaborate.
Steering change
Dr Phil Moore, the current Chair of the network, was one of the founder members and is now steering it through new developments so that it can continue this important work in the future.
Phil, who will mark 47 years working as a GP in July, is a leading expert in mental health and wellbeing. Among his many roles, he is Emeritus Clinical Director Mental Health for NHS England (London), chairing London’s Suicide Prevention Group, and is senior responsible officer on physical health for those with serious mental illness.
He said: “The network has been very informal. It really began as a list of organisations, and I would email everyone to tell them about the next meetings. More and more people emailed me and wanted to be added to the list and it has grown from about 40 to about 80. We have always had interesting speakers, perhaps about research or different initiatives and services, so it has been a really useful way to share information.”
A sustainable future
He explained that to be effective and sustainable, the network needs to develop a defined membership system and objectives. These plans will be outlined in more detail at the next meeting, when members will be able to ask questions and discuss a formal structure for the organisation.
The Thrive Together London programme, which is led by The Poppy Factory, and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, is supporting the network to bring about these changes so that it can continue the vital work it does for London’s military community.
The next meeting of the London Armed Forces Network is on Tuesday 16 April 1pm – 4pm. It will be a hybrid meeting, if you would like to attend in person then please click here to register. If you would like to attend online, a meeting link will be circulated to members before the date.