A partnership improving access to healthcare and support for veterans and the wider Armed Forces community across Cwm Taf Morgannwg has been named as a finalist in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTM UHB) Seren Annual Awards 2026.
The Health, Veterans and Armed Forces Partnership has been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award, which recognises an individual or team that has made a significant difference to people’s experiences of healthcare, support or services.
The partnership is a collaboration between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Valley Veterans, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Interlink RCT and a range of health, local authority and third-sector partners to improve access to healthcare, wellbeing and community support for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families.
Around 15,500 veterans live in Cwm Taf Morgannwg, representing one of the largest veteran communities in South Wales. However, local evaluation found that veterans could face barriers to accessing support – including stigma, past trauma, difficulties navigating services and a reluctance to identify themselves as veterans.
The partnership was developed with veterans and their families to address these barriers and ensure services are shaped by their experiences. Its work includes training GP practice staff, improving how veterans are identified and recorded within healthcare systems, strengthening referral routes and bringing NHS services into trusted community settings.
One of the changes introduced has been to encourage GP practices to ask patients directly whether they have served in the Armed Forces. The number of identified veterans at Veteran Friendly GP practices in the region has since increased from 262 to 369, representing an increase of around 40%.
A regular NHS presence has also been established at the Valley Veterans Hub in Pentre, enabling veterans to access support in a familiar community environment where they may feel more comfortable discussing their needs.
This collaborative approach was demonstrated at the first Cwm Taf Morgannwg Veterans and Armed Forces Health Event, delivered by a range of partners at Valley Veterans in Pentre during Armed Forces Week in June 2025.
More than 150 people and over 30 organisations took part, enabling veterans and their families to connect directly with services offering support for physical and mental health, trauma and bereavement, housing and wider community services.
Following this event, 92% of veteran attendees reported an improvement in their wellbeing, while 77% said they planned to follow up with NHS or third-sector services.
The partnership has continued to build on this work. In May 2026, it became the only veterans’ partnership in Wales to have a Clinical Lead for veterans’ health. Its work has also included veterans’ healthcare training for GP practices and primary care teams, outreach within hospitals and the development of a community support booklet featuring 40 local organisations.
Nigel Locke, Army Reservist and Secretary of Valley Veterans, said: “For years, many veterans slipped through the cracks. We did not always say that we had served and, often, no one asked. This meant that some people missed out on the right support or only received help when they had reached crisis point.
“What has been different about this work is that it was not just designed for us – it was built with us. Veterans, their families, NHS staff, local authorities and third-sector partners have worked together to rethink how care should feel and how it should work.
“Encouraging GP practices to ask people directly whether they have served or now may sound like a small change, but it is already helping more veterans to be identified and access the right care sooner.
“Bringing NHS services into the Valley Veterans Hub has also helped to break down barriers. It is a familiar environment where veterans feel understood and are more likely to open up about the support they need.
“The biggest change has been trust. Veterans have been given a voice, better access to care and a real sense that they belong within the NHS again.”
Paul Bromwell MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Valley Veterans, said: “Our collaboration with NHS Services has helped many Veterans access healthcare services and improved their health outcomes.
“We are sincerely grateful to all those working with us in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board for their continued commitment to providing care for veterans”
Dr Lee Thomas, Clinical Lead for Veterans Health, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “This achievement reflects a significant collective effort, bringing together veterans, health services, local authorities and third sector organisations with a shared commitment to improving support for the armed forces community.
“Through strong partnership working, we have enhanced awareness of veterans’ needs, strengthened access to services and developed more coordinated pathways of care and support. The progress achieved demonstrates the value of collaboration and the positive impact that can be realised when organisations and veterans work together towards a common goal.
“While there is always more to do, the achievements to date provide a strong foundation on which we can continue to build, ensuring sustained improvements for veterans and their families across our communities.
“I would like to thank all partners and veterans involved for their continued dedication in helping to create a more inclusive and veteran-aware system.”
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “I am delighted to see the Health, Veterans and Armed Forces Partnership recognised as a finalist in the People’s Choice Award.
“This recognition belongs to everyone involved in the partnership and reflects their shared commitment to listening to veterans, understanding the challenges they may face and helping them access the right care and support.
“The results so far show the difference that practical changes and community-based support can make. The number of veterans identified at Veteran Friendly GP practices has increased by around 40%, from 262 to 369, while the presence of NHS services at the Valley Veterans Hub is helping people to access support in a familiar and trusted environment.
“The fact that this is the People’s Choice Award makes the recognition particularly meaningful, as the nominations have come from patients, families and members of our communities who have seen the difference this work can make.
“The Council is proud to work alongside Valley Veterans, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and other partners through our Armed Forces Covenant commitments. We will continue to champion collaborative work that helps veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families feel valued, understood and supported.
“As Armed Forces Champion, I want to congratulate everyone involved and wish them the very best of luck at the award ceremony.”
The winner will be announced at the Seren Annual Awards evening on Thursday, October 8 at The Vale Resort.
The People’s Choice Award gives patients, families and members of the community a direct opportunity to recognise exceptional care and support that has made a lasting difference.
Find out more about the Seren Awards: Seren Annual Awards 2026 - Public nominations shine a light on outstanding care and community spirit - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Posted on 08/10/2026