Sunnybank House Care Home in Eastleigh has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a national pledge to support the Armed Forces Community across Hampshire and to uphold the values of unity, solidarity, and gratitude towards those who have risked their lives for our safety.
This pledge reinforces Sunnybank House’s position as a veteran-friendly care home, having achieved the standards required for the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) earlier this year.
By pledging its support and joining the Armed Forces Covenant, Sunnybank House is acknowledging the importance of ensuring that servicemen and women receive the respect, support, and fair treatment they deserve. As part of its commitment to the Armed Forces community, Sunnybank House hopes to welcome those leaving the military who are looking for work and also to welcome those who serve in the military as community volunteers with the chance to learn new skills.
The care home is working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of Service leavers. In addition, Sunnybank House is supporting colleagues who are members of the Reserve Forces and volunteering leaders in military cadet organisations, with closer collaboration now and in the future.
Paul Burrows-Gibson, Lead Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coordinator, said, “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete step towards creating a society that values and cherishes the sacrifices of our military personnel. It is a commitment to fostering an environment where veterans, active-duty members, and their families receive the care, recognition, and opportunities they rightfully deserve.”
Jessica Wooldridge, Home Admissions Advisor, added, “Sunnybank House’s ambition is to be known as a place where all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces feel safe and welcome and treated with total respect. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we are showing that we are committed to supporting the armed forces community, pledging to treat those who serve, or have served, and their families with fairness and respect, and to guarantee that they will not be in any way disadvantaged as a consequence of their service.”
Throughout the year, Sunnybank House organises many community and intergenerational initiatives involving residents, veterans and their families. This includes Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, the Poppy Appeal Day and Remembrance activities and an Armed Forces Breakfast Club.
