Organised by YHG colleagues Mark Kenny, Legal Disrepair Manager, and Joe Bailey, Compliance & Facilities Agent, both veterans, the event brought together organisations from across Cheshire, Warrington, Merseyside and the Isle of Man to share best practice and strengthen support for veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.
The meeting opened with remarks from Joe Dodd, North West Regional Employer Engagement Director – Cheshire, who highlighted the importance of helping veterans successfully transition back into civilian life and supporting reservists to fulfil their commitments alongside their careers.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from organisations working across the region to improve opportunities and support for the Armed Forces community. Discussions covered employment, health and wellbeing, homelessness prevention, skills development and the positive impact of cadet programmes in helping young people build confidence, resilience and leadership skills.
Speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Defence, local authorities, public health services and the cadet forces, all sharing examples of successful partnership working and the difference it is making to veterans and their families.
A shared commitment
Support for the Armed Forces community is hugely important to Team YHG. As an organisation, we are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged as a result of their service.
It’s also a cause that is particularly close to our Chief Executive, Jacque Allen. As well as championing our support for the Armed Forces community as a leader, Jacque has a personal connection to the Forces, giving her first-hand insight into the commitment, resilience and sacrifices made by serving personnel and their families.
Lorraine Donnelly, Chief Operating Officer, spoke about the importance of creating communities where people feel connected, supported and valued. Lorraine said:
"At YHG, we firmly believe that a home is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about belonging, dignity, wellbeing and connection. Those values closely reflect the spirit of the Armed Forces community, where looking after one another and fostering strong relationships are so important."
Lorraine also highlighted the work of YHG's Veterans & Families Group, founded by Joe Bailey and Mark Kenny, which provides a welcoming space for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families to connect and support one another.
Hosting the Fusion Working Group was a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnership, share learning and celebrate the collective efforts being made to support the Armed Forces community across the region. As an organisation, we remain committed to ensuring more people have a safe place to call home and to building on our support for those who have served.