Bullsmoor Lodge care home in Enfield recently celebrated its official affiliation with the Veteran Friendly Framework. Residents, staff and guests enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea and a singalong with a local entertainer.
The VFF is a free-to-access programme funded by Royal Star & Garter and the Royal British Legion. Designed for use in residential settings for older people, the VFF supports care providers to offer appropriate support for the thousands of veterans living in care homes across England. It does this by helping them identify veterans and their partners, addressing social isolation and signposting to statutory and charitable services. Implementing the Framework also helps create a culture of understanding for people who have served.
Distinguished guests at Bullsmoor’s celebration included Ann Cable, King’s Representative and Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Enfield and Ken Keen, Vice President of the Enfield Branch of the Royal British Legion. Also attending from the Royal British Legion were Rob Mullin, Welfare Officer, Jimmy Hepworth, Membership Engagement Officer and Wing Commander David Hale RAFAC, Chairman and PAO, Enfield Branch, Royal British Legion & Vice Chairman (Air), Greater London RFCA.
Lisa Coombs, care home manager at Bullsmoor Lodge, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who attended our celebration and to everyone who continues to support our commitment to veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.”
King’s Representative Ann Cable said: “What an absolute pleasure it was to join the residents and staff in celebrating Bullsmoor achieving success in the Veteran Friendly Framework. A joyous afternoon lifted the spirits with so many smiling faces, much singing and dancing, great stories and memories shared and, of course, wonderful refreshments.
“In my conversations with people, it’s clear that gaining this award has been a team effort. All I spoke to agreed it was hard work, but of huge value to the staff and of course the residents and families. Bravo Bullsmoor!”
Wing Commander David Hale said: “It was a privilege for members of Enfield branch of the RBL and myself to be invited to join the staff and residents of Bullsmoor Lodge to celebrate their affiliation to the Veteran Friendly Framework.
“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk to the staff, residents and veterans about their experiences. We look forward to providing further support and continued engagement with Bullsmoor Lodge and the other Age Care Homes in Enfield Borough.”
